A cruel analysis might read "Newspaper bloke who failed to arrest decline in Newsnight's core audience despite a budget of c£6m pa gets top creative job at C4."
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Serene
You might think the HR in-tray at the BBC was pretty stacked. Fair pay for talent, senior management strategy review, new groping issues, diversity targets, grumbling over the most recent pay deal - plus years of savings/re-structuring ahead.
Still, Corporation thought-leader Valerie Hughes D'Aeth has found time for another big conference appearance - this time a keynote speech to close the Australian HR Leader's Forum, as the Swissotel in Sydney in February. Nice.
Still, Corporation thought-leader Valerie Hughes D'Aeth has found time for another big conference appearance - this time a keynote speech to close the Australian HR Leader's Forum, as the Swissotel in Sydney in February. Nice.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Sapper
And we welcome to the ranks of BBC disclosed salaries Noel Scotford, on £175k as HR Director, Systems and Management Information. Noel's cv includes implementing SAP for the US Army Tank Corps - so the Beeb should be a pushover.
Noel was with the BBC already, as a consultant for close to two years, before his staff appointment in February. Prior to that he was at Amey from 2011 to 2015, with responsibility for business process improvement and technology change within HR. Valerie Hughes D'Aeth was Group HR and Communications Director at Amey from 2009 to 2014.
Noel was with the BBC already, as a consultant for close to two years, before his staff appointment in February. Prior to that he was at Amey from 2011 to 2015, with responsibility for business process improvement and technology change within HR. Valerie Hughes D'Aeth was Group HR and Communications Director at Amey from 2009 to 2014.
コーヒー
Japanese men's fashion and a nice cup of coffee. That's the latest offer coming to trendy Great Portland Street, W1, at the junction with Riding House Street.
The newly-converted 2,000 square foot shop and cafe, opening in the New Year, will feature brands chosen by Tokyo-based fashion magazine Clutch - including Eternal, First Arrow’s, Fullcount, Glad Hand, Japan Blue Jeans, Jelado, Kato and Momotaro Jeans; top prizes for the first to spot them in Broadcasting House.
The newly-converted 2,000 square foot shop and cafe, opening in the New Year, will feature brands chosen by Tokyo-based fashion magazine Clutch - including Eternal, First Arrow’s, Fullcount, Glad Hand, Japan Blue Jeans, Jelado, Kato and Momotaro Jeans; top prizes for the first to spot them in Broadcasting House.
Adding up
The Sun reports that South Yorkshire Police spent £800,000 on their investigation into Sir Cliff Richard, which came to nought. The SYP accounts also have to cover compensation to the pop star, thought to be around £1m, as well as their court costs.
Still no sign of a settlement between Sir Cliff and the BBC. Meanwhile, in other possible challenges to BBC finances, the Guardian reports that helpful lawyers like Mishcon de Reya ("It's business. But it's personal") are working with BBC presenters miffed about pay parity.
The solicitors note that, if you feel you've got an issue about equal pay for equal work, you can go to a tribunal - as long as it's within six months of the perceived slight. The BBC revelations on top talent pay came in July, so cases have to be lodged by January. There's no limit on compensation, and there's a chance of getting arrears over six years (five in Scotland) plus interest (though it would all be taxed). It's also a good idea if the member of staff raises a "grievance" before going to the tribunal.
Still no sign of a settlement between Sir Cliff and the BBC. Meanwhile, in other possible challenges to BBC finances, the Guardian reports that helpful lawyers like Mishcon de Reya ("It's business. But it's personal") are working with BBC presenters miffed about pay parity.
The solicitors note that, if you feel you've got an issue about equal pay for equal work, you can go to a tribunal - as long as it's within six months of the perceived slight. The BBC revelations on top talent pay came in July, so cases have to be lodged by January. There's no limit on compensation, and there's a chance of getting arrears over six years (five in Scotland) plus interest (though it would all be taxed). It's also a good idea if the member of staff raises a "grievance" before going to the tribunal.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Woman of the Year
Sarah Barnett, President and General Manager of BBC America, the US home of Star Trek: Voyager, received a "Woman of the Year" award last month, from the group Women In Cable Television. There was an introductory video (which includes the bad 'f'' word).
Time consuming
Freedom of Information request (dated 3 June): The National Audit Office report [of April 2017] on "Managing the BBC's Workforce" states (paragraph 2.13) the BBC was carrying out a delayed
review of Senior Management Strategy expected to be completed in April 2017. Please provide a copy of the review.
Answer (dated 24 October): We are currently unable to provide you with a copy of the review you seek, as the review is ongoing.
Conclusion: It takes the BBC nearly five months to work out if a review is finished or not.....
Answer (dated 24 October): We are currently unable to provide you with a copy of the review you seek, as the review is ongoing.
Conclusion: It takes the BBC nearly five months to work out if a review is finished or not.....
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Difficult crowd
And here's a shot taken from the stage by Today presenter Sarah Montague during their 60th birthday show at the Wigmore Hall. Perhaps she caught a rare moment when they were not rocking with laughter at Gove jokes....
Going quietly ?
Sky News' Mark Kleinman says that some of the nine Kids Company trustees and directors facing disqualification from running businesses maybe having second thoughts about fighting this out in the Companies Court.
He understands some, including the charity's former chairman Alan Yentob, are now considering making voluntary disqualification undertakings, which avoid court action. The Insolvency Service is seeking bans of between two and half and six years for the nine.
Meanwhile, it's now 26 months since the Charity Commission formally opened their inquiry into the charity's collapse....
He understands some, including the charity's former chairman Alan Yentob, are now considering making voluntary disqualification undertakings, which avoid court action. The Insolvency Service is seeking bans of between two and half and six years for the nine.
Meanwhile, it's now 26 months since the Charity Commission formally opened their inquiry into the charity's collapse....
Share
BBC factual commissioners announce a range of new programmes. Eight strands in total, and BBC Studios get one; 16 episodes in total, BBC Studios get three.
43% music
BBC1's Sounds Like Friday Night offered 12 minutes 29 seconds of music (including closing and opening sig) across a total of 28 minutes 59 seconds of air-time.
Overnight ratings give the show an average audience of 2.12m - a 12.% share of those watching telly at the time. Someone will have a breakdown of whether it did well with "yoof"... Last week A Question of Sport atttracted 3m viewers.
Overnight ratings give the show an average audience of 2.12m - a 12.% share of those watching telly at the time. Someone will have a breakdown of whether it did well with "yoof"... Last week A Question of Sport atttracted 3m viewers.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Field
If popular newspapers are to be believed, new C4 boss Alex Mahon, a noted diversity champion, has a rather narrow field of three white middle-aged men to choose from to succeed Jay Hunt.
The three are reported as Jay's number 2, 47-year-old Ralph Lee (Whitgift School, Croydon, Manchester University, BA History); Newnight's Ian Katz (University College School, Hampstead; New College, Oxford, PPE) who reaches/has reached 50 this year; and Controller of Not-A-Channel BBC3, Damian Kavanagh, 48 (Presentation College, Glasthule; University College, Dublin).
The three are reported as Jay's number 2, 47-year-old Ralph Lee (Whitgift School, Croydon, Manchester University, BA History); Newnight's Ian Katz (University College School, Hampstead; New College, Oxford, PPE) who reaches/has reached 50 this year; and Controller of Not-A-Channel BBC3, Damian Kavanagh, 48 (Presentation College, Glasthule; University College, Dublin).
Friday factoid
Ten years ago - across 2007 - the BBC spent £1m advertising job vacancies in papers and magazines.
In 2016/17, it spent £12,345.
In 2016/17, it spent £12,345.
Positive context
New readers start here. BBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation; D&E, Design and Engineering, is a division of the BBC; TS&A, Technology, Strategy and Architecture, is a department of D&E, who are advertising for a Technology Engagement Manager. Apparently the TS&A community are currently lacking engagement with the work of TS&A - which, I think, is a worry....
Job Introduction
The Technology Engagement Manager will support the Chief Architect and the TS&A leadership team to create and implement strategies and initiatives that engage the TS&;A community, in the work of TS&A, so that it creates a positive context to enable the transfer of TS&A insights to the benefit of the D&E and the wider BBC.
Job Introduction
The Technology Engagement Manager will support the Chief Architect and the TS&A leadership team to create and implement strategies and initiatives that engage the TS&;A community, in the work of TS&A, so that it creates a positive context to enable the transfer of TS&A insights to the benefit of the D&E and the wider BBC.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Vicissitudes
A week after picking up six gongs at the main radio industry awards, Radio 5Live has posted its lowest weekly reach figure since (at least) 1999, at just over 5m, down from a 2010 peak of 7m.
Radio Cymru has posted a welcome 27% rise, year on year, and Radio Wales is up 6%. Radio Scotland is down 3%, with hours per listener at an historic low.
Over in the commercial world, the Global Group, including Heart, Capital, Smooth, Classic FM and LBC, now reaches 25.2m weekly, compared with 24.6m a year ago. Total BBC Network Radio is stable, at 32.1m.
Radio Cymru has posted a welcome 27% rise, year on year, and Radio Wales is up 6%. Radio Scotland is down 3%, with hours per listener at an historic low.
Over in the commercial world, the Global Group, including Heart, Capital, Smooth, Classic FM and LBC, now reaches 25.2m weekly, compared with 24.6m a year ago. Total BBC Network Radio is stable, at 32.1m.
Fair dos
BBC Director of Radio & Education and would-be-DG James Purnell, seeking to demonstrate some of the acute financial skills acquired in his brief time as Work & Pensions Secretary, must by now have taken some difficult talent decisions.
Radio 2 Breakfast host Chris Evans earned at least £2.2m last year. His latest audience figures show a weekly reach of 9.35m listeners. Radio 2 mid-morning host Ken Bruce earned at least £250k last year. His latest audience figures show a weekly reach of 8.77m. OK, the Evans dosh was inflated by silly money for six episodes of Top Gear, but that's gone. Ken must earn some of his money for Friday Night is Music Night, but you wouldn't expect that to make a big difference.
Evans is on around nine times more money than Bruce. What will the differential look like for this financial year ?
Radio 2 Breakfast host Chris Evans earned at least £2.2m last year. His latest audience figures show a weekly reach of 9.35m listeners. Radio 2 mid-morning host Ken Bruce earned at least £250k last year. His latest audience figures show a weekly reach of 8.77m. OK, the Evans dosh was inflated by silly money for six episodes of Top Gear, but that's gone. Ken must earn some of his money for Friday Night is Music Night, but you wouldn't expect that to make a big difference.
Evans is on around nine times more money than Bruce. What will the differential look like for this financial year ?
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Scripted
Media life continues to mirror media comedy. In the same week that W1A's Anna Rampton, BBC Head of Better, announced she was joining Amazon, Jay Hunt, former Chief Creative Officer at Channel 4 is to join Apple, where she will apparently be Creative Director for Europe, part of the international content development team reporting to Apple video chiefs Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg.
Anna's role at the BBC was Director of Better, having been previously Head of Output; prior to that, she was with ITV as Head of Daytime Factuality.
Anna's role at the BBC was Director of Better, having been previously Head of Output; prior to that, she was with ITV as Head of Daytime Factuality.
Servery
In the BBC world of outsourcing, Interserve must be coming up to scratch, 'cos they've had their contract extended. Or is it price that clinched the deal ?
The company provides broadcast engineering, energy and utilities management, cleaning, portering and security services at some 150 BBC buildings, including MediaCityUK in Salford, Broadcasting House in London and Pacific Quay in Glasgow. The original contract, starting in 2015, runs to 2019 - five years at a total of £150m. The extension runs for four years til 2023 - at £140m. So £30m per annum moves quietly up to £35m - 16% up. Nice.
In 2014, around 1,100 employees were TUPE'd across to Interserve - wonder how many are still there ?
The company provides broadcast engineering, energy and utilities management, cleaning, portering and security services at some 150 BBC buildings, including MediaCityUK in Salford, Broadcasting House in London and Pacific Quay in Glasgow. The original contract, starting in 2015, runs to 2019 - five years at a total of £150m. The extension runs for four years til 2023 - at £140m. So £30m per annum moves quietly up to £35m - 16% up. Nice.
In 2014, around 1,100 employees were TUPE'd across to Interserve - wonder how many are still there ?
Sticklers
Promises of 'transparency' from public bodies are often fragile. The BBC Board's most recently published minutes are from June 2017. But the Ofcom Content Board, led by Witchfinder, Detail Man and BBC Alumni, Kevin Bakhurst, is even slower coming to the wicket of openness. The most recently published minutes are from March.
Sorry in the end
The BBC has said sorry about the most recent Today interview with Nigel Lawson, via letters from Colin Tregear, Director of Complaints at the the corporation's Executive Complaints Unit.
Lord Lawson told presenter Justin Webb (I paraphrase) that the world had actually got colder over the past ten years. Mr Tregear told complainers that his statements "were, at the least, contestable and should have been challenged”. This contrasts with the Today programme's defence of the item at the time: "The BBC's role is to hear different views so listeners are informed about all sides of debate and we are required to ensure controversial subjects are treated with due impartiality."
Mr Tregear should know a bit about all this; in 2005 he was the Project Director of BBC Weather, as it moved to new graphics. (Maybe he should be asked to bring his clarity of thought there again....)
Lord Lawson told presenter Justin Webb (I paraphrase) that the world had actually got colder over the past ten years. Mr Tregear told complainers that his statements "were, at the least, contestable and should have been challenged”. This contrasts with the Today programme's defence of the item at the time: "The BBC's role is to hear different views so listeners are informed about all sides of debate and we are required to ensure controversial subjects are treated with due impartiality."
Mr Tregear should know a bit about all this; in 2005 he was the Project Director of BBC Weather, as it moved to new graphics. (Maybe he should be asked to bring his clarity of thought there again....)
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
That nice newsreader ?
As well as re-imagining the future, it seems the BBC may be re-imagining its history.
@BBCArchive describes itself as "the official Twitter presence of the BBC Archive". Here it offers the jolly off-air thoughts of newsreader and proponent of 'good news', Martyn Lewis, as he approaches a BBC One bulletin in 1990 - when Alan Yentob was Controller of BBC2.
@BBCArchive describes itself as "the official Twitter presence of the BBC Archive". Here it offers the jolly off-air thoughts of newsreader and proponent of 'good news', Martyn Lewis, as he approaches a BBC One bulletin in 1990 - when Alan Yentob was Controller of BBC2.
#OTD 1990: British audiences finally got to see Twin Peaks, on @BBCTwo, much to the dismay of Martyn Lewis over on @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/oC90zibbzT— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) October 23, 2017
Monday, October 23, 2017
Boarder repelled
More larks at Johnston Press: helpful Norwegian money man and JP shareholder Christen Agger-Hanssen was on the verge of calling an Extraordinary General Meeting at which he hoped to oust interim chair Camilla Rhodes, with a cast list of four new directors - when a "dead hand proxy" came to light.
The dead hand clause forms part of the bond terms by which JP acquired £220m of debt - if there's a shareholder move to appoint new board members, the loan defaults, and the company would be handed to the lenders (and probably collapse).
Christen is having a re-think, telling Reuters:“We are now considering all type of options we have; of course we will talk to all stakeholders in the company. We don’t think the board or the CEO have done anything to build up the company.” Shares in JP are down to 13.25, from highs close to 18p last week.
The dead hand clause forms part of the bond terms by which JP acquired £220m of debt - if there's a shareholder move to appoint new board members, the loan defaults, and the company would be handed to the lenders (and probably collapse).
Christen is having a re-think, telling Reuters:“We are now considering all type of options we have; of course we will talk to all stakeholders in the company. We don’t think the board or the CEO have done anything to build up the company.” Shares in JP are down to 13.25, from highs close to 18p last week.
Stimulation
Charles Moore, former editor of The Telegraph, is in no doubt about the star quality of his former deputy, Sarah Sands, now editing the Today programme on Radio 4. "She was brilliant, because she was excited by news, understood how to humanise it, and enjoyed mischief."
The sparkle, at least for Moore, continues on radio, with Sands bringing 'remarkable interviews' for his breakfast enjoyment. "Her mixed cast includes John le Carré, Tom Hanks, Judi Dench, Earl Spencer, Neil MacGregor and assorted Nobel Prize winners, as well as more usual fare, such as Peter Mandelson or David Lammy." (No suggestion that any of them had books or programmes to plug, and may have been offered rather than invited.)
Moore (Eton and Trinity, Cambridge) is chairman of The Rectory Society (he lives in one in Etchingham) and a director of The Global Warming Policy Foundation, alongside Nigel Lawson, another recent Sands/Today guest.
The only problem with Today for Moore, who is presumably still in touch with his protege, is those news bulletins that dot the programme, produced by the radio newsroom, with the support of BBC Newsgathering.
"At present, they are notably Westminsterish, boring and lazy. They love to find a “report” from a pressure group, trade union or Leftish think tank which says that the NHS is “at breaking point” (or whatever) and attacks the callousness of the Government for not spending more. They never consider that such coverage represents vested interests just as much as would stories supplied by big business. Under Sarah Sands, Today is, thank goodness, challenging this dreary producer-interest, spoon-fed concept, offering a much wider definition of news as something that people find enjoyable, worth hearing and worth thinking about. This is the Today of tomorrow. I have listened to the programme for half a century, and never found it so stimulating."
And for how many of those years has Charles been paying the licence fee that keeps Today going ?
In 2010, Moore withheld payment over the behaviour of Jonathan Ross at Radio 2, and was eventually made to pay a fine of £262, plus £530 costs and a £15 surcharge. In March this year he wrote that he was in receipt of more than 100 letters from the licence fee collection unit - has he fallen behind again ?
(It will be interesting to see if any of the candidates to succeed James Harding offer this new Moore-Sands definition of news "as something that people find enjoyable, worth hearing and worth thinking about" in their Powerpoint presentations.)
The sparkle, at least for Moore, continues on radio, with Sands bringing 'remarkable interviews' for his breakfast enjoyment. "Her mixed cast includes John le Carré, Tom Hanks, Judi Dench, Earl Spencer, Neil MacGregor and assorted Nobel Prize winners, as well as more usual fare, such as Peter Mandelson or David Lammy." (No suggestion that any of them had books or programmes to plug, and may have been offered rather than invited.)
Moore (Eton and Trinity, Cambridge) is chairman of The Rectory Society (he lives in one in Etchingham) and a director of The Global Warming Policy Foundation, alongside Nigel Lawson, another recent Sands/Today guest.
The only problem with Today for Moore, who is presumably still in touch with his protege, is those news bulletins that dot the programme, produced by the radio newsroom, with the support of BBC Newsgathering.
"At present, they are notably Westminsterish, boring and lazy. They love to find a “report” from a pressure group, trade union or Leftish think tank which says that the NHS is “at breaking point” (or whatever) and attacks the callousness of the Government for not spending more. They never consider that such coverage represents vested interests just as much as would stories supplied by big business. Under Sarah Sands, Today is, thank goodness, challenging this dreary producer-interest, spoon-fed concept, offering a much wider definition of news as something that people find enjoyable, worth hearing and worth thinking about. This is the Today of tomorrow. I have listened to the programme for half a century, and never found it so stimulating."
And for how many of those years has Charles been paying the licence fee that keeps Today going ?
In 2010, Moore withheld payment over the behaviour of Jonathan Ross at Radio 2, and was eventually made to pay a fine of £262, plus £530 costs and a £15 surcharge. In March this year he wrote that he was in receipt of more than 100 letters from the licence fee collection unit - has he fallen behind again ?
(It will be interesting to see if any of the candidates to succeed James Harding offer this new Moore-Sands definition of news "as something that people find enjoyable, worth hearing and worth thinking about" in their Powerpoint presentations.)
Competition
Britbox, the joint BBC/ITV subscription service aimed at the States, has added new titles to its catalogue - including Escape To The Country and QI. It costs $6.99 a month. Britbox does not disclose its subscriber numbers.
Netflix's most popular contract in the USA - a two-steam HD offer - costs $10.99 a month. It has an estimated 53 million subscriptions in the States.
Netflix's most popular contract in the USA - a two-steam HD offer - costs $10.99 a month. It has an estimated 53 million subscriptions in the States.
Sharing
Let's get this one above seven views.
BBC HR boss Ms V Hughes-D'Aeth has been voted the third most influential practitioner in her field.
So... ?
BBC HR boss Ms V Hughes-D'Aeth has been voted the third most influential practitioner in her field.
So... ?
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Channels
I'm sure it's nothing much to worry about, but the latest minutes of the Ofcom board report a meeting between non-executive director Graham Mather and BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi.
Graham was once a Conservative MEP and remains President of the European Policy Forum, a think-tank chaired by Baron Tugendhat, a Tory peer, former MP and British member of the European Commission.
Graham was once a Conservative MEP and remains President of the European Policy Forum, a think-tank chaired by Baron Tugendhat, a Tory peer, former MP and British member of the European Commission.
Pressing matters
One can expect the faux-outrage at Gunpowder's execution scenes to continue next week, along with demands for the full number of complaints submitted to the BBC. The Mail Online helpfully embeds clips and links so that you can get really worked up.
The pressing-to-death of Phil Mitchell's lawyer, actress Sian Webber, playing a fictional Lady Dibdale, despite all warnings, may have shocked an audience that was 43% over-65s. It was said to have been based on the trial of Margaret Clitherow, sainted by the Catholic Church. She died in 1586, under a sentence of "peine forte et dure", which in theory was designed just to extract a confession. Margaret was in her thirties, and may have been pregnant. The door was said to have been from her own home, and the weights were more likely stones than cast iron. Contemporary accounts say she died in 15 minutes - it felt much longer for Lady Dibdale on BBC1.
The pressing-to-death of Phil Mitchell's lawyer, actress Sian Webber, playing a fictional Lady Dibdale, despite all warnings, may have shocked an audience that was 43% over-65s. It was said to have been based on the trial of Margaret Clitherow, sainted by the Catholic Church. She died in 1586, under a sentence of "peine forte et dure", which in theory was designed just to extract a confession. Margaret was in her thirties, and may have been pregnant. The door was said to have been from her own home, and the weights were more likely stones than cast iron. Contemporary accounts say she died in 15 minutes - it felt much longer for Lady Dibdale on BBC1.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
We don't talk anymore ?
It was back in May when Mr Justice Mann suggested the lawyers in Sir Cliff v The BBC take a month off to see if they could resolve their differences out of court. And there's no sign yet of the expensive barristers on both sides getting their wigs back on.
What's occurring ? Sir Cliff turned 77 last week. He's announced a tour of major venues in the UK, Ireland and Denmark at the end of next year. His Caribbean holiday home in Sugar Hill is on offer for £6m. His Portuguese vineyards, plus two villas, are still for sale at 5.5m Euros. He sold his Sunningdale flat, which was handily exposed to potential buyers by a BBC-rented helicopter on all news outlets, for £2.9m in 2016. He has a new compilation album, Stronger Thru The Years, coming out in November.
This might suggest someone very determined to prove a point gathering a fighting fund.
What's occurring ? Sir Cliff turned 77 last week. He's announced a tour of major venues in the UK, Ireland and Denmark at the end of next year. His Caribbean holiday home in Sugar Hill is on offer for £6m. His Portuguese vineyards, plus two villas, are still for sale at 5.5m Euros. He sold his Sunningdale flat, which was handily exposed to potential buyers by a BBC-rented helicopter on all news outlets, for £2.9m in 2016. He has a new compilation album, Stronger Thru The Years, coming out in November.
This might suggest someone very determined to prove a point gathering a fighting fund.
- The current edition of Private Eye says that BBC Newsgathering boss Jonathan Munro, thought by some to be a leading candidate to succeed James Harding as Director of News, is the man who authorised the use of the helicopter to point live cameras into Sir Cliff's apartment as South Yorkshire Police moved in...
Friday, October 20, 2017
Transatlantic plans
Radio 5Live Controller Jonathan Wall has told Radio Today that the BBC is planning partnerships with American firms, to make its podcasts 'world-class'.
Celebrating six awards at the ARIAs, including best podcast, Mr Wall said he and Bob Shennan, Director of Radio and Music, had been to the States for meetings with podcast distributor Panoply and podcast maker and distributor Gimlet.
Panoply was formed from The Slate's audio operations, and now hosts podcasts from Vanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed, Politico and MTV; it's owned by Graham Holdings, who have also put money into Gimlet. Gimlet claims seven million downloads per month, across 190 different countries.
I hope Bob has kept Tim Davie at BBC Worldwide across all this.
Celebrating six awards at the ARIAs, including best podcast, Mr Wall said he and Bob Shennan, Director of Radio and Music, had been to the States for meetings with podcast distributor Panoply and podcast maker and distributor Gimlet.
Panoply was formed from The Slate's audio operations, and now hosts podcasts from Vanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed, Politico and MTV; it's owned by Graham Holdings, who have also put money into Gimlet. Gimlet claims seven million downloads per month, across 190 different countries.
I hope Bob has kept Tim Davie at BBC Worldwide across all this.
Welcome, guest
The chemistry of the Today programme is easily disturbed. CNN's Christiane Amanpour was given a go this morning. Her voice suggested the vocal chords of Sarah Montague and Lyse Doucet had been put in a blender and coached back to a life of false emphasis by Garry Richardson. In the other chair, Justin Webb responded by moving to his most-clipped Captain Peacock impression, gently elbowing Christiane into the pips at 0700, and pointedly describing her as a "guest presenter".
Meanwhile Today editor Sarah Sands writes in the comment columns of the i newspaper about how she is selflessly saving the UK from Isis by the introduction of a daily puzzle. And, as a non-campaigning BBC hack, she suggests tuition fees for mathematicians should come from the public purse.
Meanwhile Today editor Sarah Sands writes in the comment columns of the i newspaper about how she is selflessly saving the UK from Isis by the introduction of a daily puzzle. And, as a non-campaigning BBC hack, she suggests tuition fees for mathematicians should come from the public purse.
Not singing along
As the gravity of the UK's radio awards operation has drifted north, so have the gongs. The ARIAs (Audio and Radio Industry Awards), successors to the SONY awards, were presented in a pop concert-setting in Leeds for the second time last night. No awards for Global Radio, owners of Heart, Capital, Classic, LBC and Smooth brands, which, under executive president and property developer Ashley Tabor, OBE, has decided not to play. No golds for Radio 2. Only one gold, in drama, which may be associated with the daddy of speech radio, The Home Service, Radio 4. A gold for building materials supplier, Wickes. And six golds for Salford-head-quartered Radio 5 Live.
New Presenter: Andrew Flintoff (BBC Radio 5 live)
New Show: Flintoff, Savage & the Ping Pong Guy (BBC Radio 5 live)
News Coverage: London Bridge Attacks – (Stephen Nolan for BBC Radio 5 live)
Speech Presenter Breakfast: Nicky Campbell and Rachel Burden (BBC Radio 5 live)
Speech Presenter – non Breakfast: Iain Lee (talkRADIO)
Sports Show of the Year: 5 Live Sport (BBC Radio 5 Live)
Music Presenter – Breakfast: The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show (Absolute Radio)
Music Presenter – non breakfast: Annie Mac (BBC Radio 1)
Specialist Music Show: Benji B (TBI Media/BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra)
Entertainment/Comedy: The Frank Skinner Show (Avalon TV/Absolute Radio)
Factual Storytelling: The Enemy Within (Falling Tree Productions/BBC Radio 3)
Fictional Storytelling: Life Lines (BBC Radio Drama London)
Community Programme: The Manchester Bombing (Key 103)
Online Radio Station: Worldwide FM
Podcast: Flintoff, Savage and the Ping Pong Guy (BBC Radio 5 live)
On-Air Promotion: The 6Music Festival in Glasgow (BBC Radio 6Music)
Branded Content or Partnership: The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show with Wickes (Absolute Radio)
Marketing Campaign: BBC Radio 1Xtra Street Studio (BBC Radio 1Xtra)
Coverage of an Event: Manchester’s Response to the Arena Attack (Key 103)
Local Station of the Year: BBC Radio London
National Radio Station of the Year: BBC 1Xtra
Team of the Year (voted for by Radio Academy members) Local Radio Day – UKRD Group
Individual of the Year (voted for by Radio Academy members) Tony Moorey, Group Content Director, Magic and Absolute Radio
New Presenter: Andrew Flintoff (BBC Radio 5 live)
New Show: Flintoff, Savage & the Ping Pong Guy (BBC Radio 5 live)
News Coverage: London Bridge Attacks – (Stephen Nolan for BBC Radio 5 live)
Speech Presenter Breakfast: Nicky Campbell and Rachel Burden (BBC Radio 5 live)
Speech Presenter – non Breakfast: Iain Lee (talkRADIO)
Sports Show of the Year: 5 Live Sport (BBC Radio 5 Live)
Music Presenter – Breakfast: The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show (Absolute Radio)
Music Presenter – non breakfast: Annie Mac (BBC Radio 1)
Specialist Music Show: Benji B (TBI Media/BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra)
Entertainment/Comedy: The Frank Skinner Show (Avalon TV/Absolute Radio)
Factual Storytelling: The Enemy Within (Falling Tree Productions/BBC Radio 3)
Fictional Storytelling: Life Lines (BBC Radio Drama London)
Community Programme: The Manchester Bombing (Key 103)
Online Radio Station: Worldwide FM
Podcast: Flintoff, Savage and the Ping Pong Guy (BBC Radio 5 live)
On-Air Promotion: The 6Music Festival in Glasgow (BBC Radio 6Music)
Branded Content or Partnership: The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show with Wickes (Absolute Radio)
Marketing Campaign: BBC Radio 1Xtra Street Studio (BBC Radio 1Xtra)
Coverage of an Event: Manchester’s Response to the Arena Attack (Key 103)
Local Station of the Year: BBC Radio London
National Radio Station of the Year: BBC 1Xtra
Team of the Year (voted for by Radio Academy members) Local Radio Day – UKRD Group
Individual of the Year (voted for by Radio Academy members) Tony Moorey, Group Content Director, Magic and Absolute Radio
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Split loyalties
Family McAndrew are conflicted - at least for a while. Daisy, one-time politics reporter and presenter for both the BBC and ITN, is now a swing-jock at TalkRADIO and occasional tv newspaper reviewer. Husband John McAndrew, ex-Sky News, is editor of the experimental ITV political chat-show "After The News".
Last night's After The News was watched by an average of 730k viewers, a 7.2% share, according to the overnight ratings - said to be the highest figure so far of this pilot run. Lord knows what the paper review on the News Channel scores. Maybe someone can help...
Looking forward to flicking thru tomorrow’s papers at 1030pm on @BBCNews w @Digbylj & @carolewalkercw. Nothing better to watch? Join us!— daisy mcandrew (@daisymcandrew) October 16, 2017
Umm.. There is actually something better to watch; #AfterTheNews on ITV https://t.co/OvcT2FqCFE— John McAndrew (@johnlucius) October 16, 2017
Last night's After The News was watched by an average of 730k viewers, a 7.2% share, according to the overnight ratings - said to be the highest figure so far of this pilot run. Lord knows what the paper review on the News Channel scores. Maybe someone can help...
Nice little earners
The BBC spent £11.8m on consultants over the last three financial years - around 0.08% of its total income over the same period.
But there's fun to be had seeing who's in and out of favour year by year in terms of spend - and amusement that someone in Freedom of Information has adopted the Strictly phraseology 'in no particular order'. McKinsey seems to have dropped out...
The BBC wants me to say "We are obliged to use external organisations to audit our accounts. On occasion, just like any other organisation, we also use external companies for specialist services – this saves the BBC millions of pounds because it is cheaper than employing permanent, full-time staff to carry out work which would only last a short period.”
But there's fun to be had seeing who's in and out of favour year by year in terms of spend - and amusement that someone in Freedom of Information has adopted the Strictly phraseology 'in no particular order'. McKinsey seems to have dropped out...
The BBC wants me to say "We are obliged to use external organisations to audit our accounts. On occasion, just like any other organisation, we also use external companies for specialist services – this saves the BBC millions of pounds because it is cheaper than employing permanent, full-time staff to carry out work which would only last a short period.”
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Turning ?
Media Guido speculates on BBC News boss James Harding's next move, noting that an extended process to succeed Lionel Barber as editor of the FT is underway.
It's a fairly thin construction, based on FT newsroom gossip. It misses one strengthening point - James speaks Japanese, and the FT is owned by the Nikkei.
After Trinity College Cambridge and a journalism course at City University, James got a Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation scholarship to learn Japanese at SOAS, with a short time with the Japan unit of the European Commission in Brussels, and a spell as speech writer for Koichi Kato, then Japan's chief cabinet secretary. James is now billed as a trustee of Daiwa.
It's a fairly thin construction, based on FT newsroom gossip. It misses one strengthening point - James speaks Japanese, and the FT is owned by the Nikkei.
After Trinity College Cambridge and a journalism course at City University, James got a Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation scholarship to learn Japanese at SOAS, with a short time with the Japan unit of the European Commission in Brussels, and a spell as speech writer for Koichi Kato, then Japan's chief cabinet secretary. James is now billed as a trustee of Daiwa.
Accessible
The BBC Board's new complaints procedure is finally online - at 46 lovely pages.
I put just the Introduction (460 words) through an online readability test, and got a Flesch Reading Ease score of 42.27 (a score of between 30 and 50 is officially 'difficult to read'). Sentences that the tool suggested could be changed: "We are required by the BBC Charter to have a complaints framework that provides 'transparent, accessible, effective, timely and proportionate methods' of making sure that the BBC is meeting its obligations and fixing problems".
I put just the Introduction (460 words) through an online readability test, and got a Flesch Reading Ease score of 42.27 (a score of between 30 and 50 is officially 'difficult to read'). Sentences that the tool suggested could be changed: "We are required by the BBC Charter to have a complaints framework that provides 'transparent, accessible, effective, timely and proportionate methods' of making sure that the BBC is meeting its obligations and fixing problems".
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Private Eye's research team
BBC Press Officers past and present will be amused/irritated to read the obituary of Paul Vickers, "Squarebasher" for Private Eye, in the current edition.
Paul also worked as a producer/reporter on Radios 4 and 5Live from 1997 to 2012.
"He .. kept us supplied with regular updates on the Birtian idiocies that were engulfing the corporation. He also provided unstinting aid to his fellow hacks, consulting the corporation's vast information resources whenever we needed help researching stories. Throughout the late1990s a regular cry would ring out in the office: 'Call Vickers !' He will be greatly missed."
Fruitless Vine
The Mirror tells us that the BBC has cancelled Crimewatch after 33 years - this despite added Jeremy Vine for the 2017 series.
The BBC spokesperson's comments were clearly drafted by Senior Communications Officer Tracey Pritchard, with tweaking from Ian Fletcher, formerly Head of Values, and now a possible candidate for Head of Purpose... the show has not so much been cancelled, but re-imagined.
“We believe the successful Crimewatch Roadshow format in daytime is the best fit for the brand going forward and we will increase the number of episodes to make two series a year.
"We are incredibly proud of Crimewatch and the great work it has done over the years and the work Crimewatch Roadshow will continue to do, and this move will also allow us to create room for new innovative programmes in peak time on BBC One.”
The BBC spokesperson's comments were clearly drafted by Senior Communications Officer Tracey Pritchard, with tweaking from Ian Fletcher, formerly Head of Values, and now a possible candidate for Head of Purpose... the show has not so much been cancelled, but re-imagined.
“We believe the successful Crimewatch Roadshow format in daytime is the best fit for the brand going forward and we will increase the number of episodes to make two series a year.
"We are incredibly proud of Crimewatch and the great work it has done over the years and the work Crimewatch Roadshow will continue to do, and this move will also allow us to create room for new innovative programmes in peak time on BBC One.”
Connected to the toe bone
Hillary Clinton DID hurt her foot.
And she finally managed to meet up with Jane Garvey, who had read the book and everything, for a pre-record for today's Woman's Hour, after cancelling yesterday.
Wags had worried that there was nothing wrong with her tootsies - she'd been drained by an 80 minute interview with James Naughtie ('Jim' to Hillary) in front of 3,000 (Hillary) fans at the Royal Festival Hall the previous night. It was a symbiotic conversation for two nearly-people who are taking solace and funding from the world of books in the twilight of their careers.
On this week's show, @HillaryClinton chats to @grahnort about What Happened after breaking her toe this morning #TheGNShow pic.twitter.com/UYw9zyGfsl— Graham Norton Show (@TheGNShow) October 16, 2017
And she finally managed to meet up with Jane Garvey, who had read the book and everything, for a pre-record for today's Woman's Hour, after cancelling yesterday.
Wags had worried that there was nothing wrong with her tootsies - she'd been drained by an 80 minute interview with James Naughtie ('Jim' to Hillary) in front of 3,000 (Hillary) fans at the Royal Festival Hall the previous night. It was a symbiotic conversation for two nearly-people who are taking solace and funding from the world of books in the twilight of their careers.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Call anytime
I'm sure he's run it past HR, Procurement and Fair Trading. BBC Director of Radio and Education James Purnell is leading on an initiative to create new, innovative BBC content for voice-controlled systems like Amazon Echo and Google Home. He ends his latest blog post with this encouragement..
"If you want to work with us, get in touch with me."
"If you want to work with us, get in touch with me."
Career counselling
You have until 10th November to apply to be the next BBC Director of News and Current Affairs. The door is wide open to outsiders - "proven, high-quality editorial judgement" is essential, whilst "experience of radio, television and/or online/interactive services" is merely desirable.
The first round of interviews will be in the week starting 27th November, and everyone who makes it to that shortlist will have to give a presentation "setting out their approach to and priorities for the role." I'd recommend a slide on "Balancing the Books"; after that, some wizard animated graphics on "leading teams through transformational change and ambiguity, strategically and operationally." You're welcome.
The first round of interviews will be in the week starting 27th November, and everyone who makes it to that shortlist will have to give a presentation "setting out their approach to and priorities for the role." I'd recommend a slide on "Balancing the Books"; after that, some wizard animated graphics on "leading teams through transformational change and ambiguity, strategically and operationally." You're welcome.
The price of talent
They were gathered in a tent in Montpelier Gardens, Cheltenham on Sunday morning, paying £12 a head to hear Today presenters Justin Webb and Nick Robinson being grilled by Telegraph radio critic Gillian Reynolds. Also on stage, at this Times and Sunday Times event, additionally sponsored by investment managers Baillie Gifford, was Today Senior Producer Purvee Pattni.
Senior producer pay at the BBC is, on average, around £49k. Nick Robinson's BBC earnings are between £250,000 and £299,999. Justin Webb's BBC earnings are between £150,000 and £159,999.
Nick tried to explain the Robinson/Webb differential "There are other factors, largely because I was recruited from ITV where I was on a much higher salary than my BBC colleagues."
Good heavens. Nick says he got his first six-figure pay deal when he went for breakfast with the head of ITV News in 2002, to be offered the job of political editor. He returned as BBC Political Editor in 2005, when Helen Boaden was Director of News and Roger Mosey, a long-time champion of Robinson, was running TV News. He succeeded Andrew Marr - who is still on a BBC deal worth more than £400k - Marr was appointed in 2000 by Tony Hall when he was Director of News.
Clearly Nick was able to negotiate an improvement to come back from ITV to Auntie as Political Editor - but should he have retained so much of it when moving to Today, a job many people would like to do, at the cost of internal differentials ? This appointment to Radio 4, so long in Nick's stars, was made under Director of News James Harding; many presenter salaries in News have been set by his aide-de-camp, Keith Blackmore.
Senior producer pay at the BBC is, on average, around £49k. Nick Robinson's BBC earnings are between £250,000 and £299,999. Justin Webb's BBC earnings are between £150,000 and £159,999.
Nick tried to explain the Robinson/Webb differential "There are other factors, largely because I was recruited from ITV where I was on a much higher salary than my BBC colleagues."
Good heavens. Nick says he got his first six-figure pay deal when he went for breakfast with the head of ITV News in 2002, to be offered the job of political editor. He returned as BBC Political Editor in 2005, when Helen Boaden was Director of News and Roger Mosey, a long-time champion of Robinson, was running TV News. He succeeded Andrew Marr - who is still on a BBC deal worth more than £400k - Marr was appointed in 2000 by Tony Hall when he was Director of News.
Clearly Nick was able to negotiate an improvement to come back from ITV to Auntie as Political Editor - but should he have retained so much of it when moving to Today, a job many people would like to do, at the cost of internal differentials ? This appointment to Radio 4, so long in Nick's stars, was made under Director of News James Harding; many presenter salaries in News have been set by his aide-de-camp, Keith Blackmore.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Control
"For the first time, Ofcom, an independent regulator, is working on behalf of audiences to ensure the BBC delivers for them".
Thus a puff by Ofcom's Content Group Director, Kevin Bakhurst, in the Saturday edition of the Telegraph. Kev, with all the broadcasting sagacity acquired in four years as Deputy Director General RTE, is in no doubt who's the boss in this relationship
"There is a safeguard to ensure that 90% of the shows during peak evening hours on BBC One must be new".
Witchfinder Kevin doesn't note that last year, BBC One's peak-time schedule only had 5.7% given over to repeats.
"We'll keep listening to viewers and listeners to understand their priorities".
I'd like to see the full spreadsheet of licence-payers demanding an extra hour of news and current affairs on Radio 2 each week....
Thus a puff by Ofcom's Content Group Director, Kevin Bakhurst, in the Saturday edition of the Telegraph. Kev, with all the broadcasting sagacity acquired in four years as Deputy Director General RTE, is in no doubt who's the boss in this relationship
"There is a safeguard to ensure that 90% of the shows during peak evening hours on BBC One must be new".
Witchfinder Kevin doesn't note that last year, BBC One's peak-time schedule only had 5.7% given over to repeats.
"We'll keep listening to viewers and listeners to understand their priorities".
I'd like to see the full spreadsheet of licence-payers demanding an extra hour of news and current affairs on Radio 2 each week....
Hoot
Piers Morgan shares his-almost-contemporaneous diary with Event Magazine, part of the Mail on Sunday.
On October 1, he went to a memorial party at the River Cafe, in honour of the late literary agent, Ed Victor, also attended by Stephen Fry, Nigella Lawson, Sophie Dahl and Alastair Campbell.
"Ed adored gossip too, so he’d have loved the moment when Mel Brooks shouted ‘You still in disgrace, Alan?’ at former BBC boss Alan Yentob, who resigned in 2015 over the Kids Company scandal.
Yentob, standing next to me, led the raucous laughter."
On October 1, he went to a memorial party at the River Cafe, in honour of the late literary agent, Ed Victor, also attended by Stephen Fry, Nigella Lawson, Sophie Dahl and Alastair Campbell.
"Ed adored gossip too, so he’d have loved the moment when Mel Brooks shouted ‘You still in disgrace, Alan?’ at former BBC boss Alan Yentob, who resigned in 2015 over the Kids Company scandal.
Yentob, standing next to me, led the raucous laughter."
Non runner ?
Peter Preston, in the Observer/Guardian notes that the departure of James Harding from the BBC reduces the field of internal candidates vying to succeed Lord Hall as Director-General, and guesses he went because he wouldn't win that race...
"Surely he knew he was out of the running. Surely, too, the sheer weight of admin was weighing him down. Harding, remember, left the top chair at the Times rather abruptly because Rupert Murdoch didn’t like his management style, including salary and headcount inflation (pure pot and kettle joy).
"Is he now being held responsible for the shambles of top pay and the toil and trouble involved in sorting it out? Does his new search for a “different kind of news” mean something smaller and more manageable, where he doesn’t have to spend long days smoothing over hurt feelings or playing company PR?"
"Surely he knew he was out of the running. Surely, too, the sheer weight of admin was weighing him down. Harding, remember, left the top chair at the Times rather abruptly because Rupert Murdoch didn’t like his management style, including salary and headcount inflation (pure pot and kettle joy).
"Is he now being held responsible for the shambles of top pay and the toil and trouble involved in sorting it out? Does his new search for a “different kind of news” mean something smaller and more manageable, where he doesn’t have to spend long days smoothing over hurt feelings or playing company PR?"
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Reading out loud
The Today programme is advertising (internally) for producers.
Here's an extract from the job introduction.
"It is unique in it’s reach, its ambition, its range and its importance to BBC News and to the wider BBC are without parallel."
If that's the standard of punctuation required, no wonder the presenters occasionally stumble over scripts.
Here's an extract from the job introduction.
"It is unique in it’s reach, its ambition, its range and its importance to BBC News and to the wider BBC are without parallel."
If that's the standard of punctuation required, no wonder the presenters occasionally stumble over scripts.
Friday, October 13, 2017
If you thought an honorarium was a small fee....
Diary date for Bob Shennan, BBC Director of Radio & Music.
"MUSEXPO 2018 will recognize BBC RADIO 1 and BBC RADIO 2 as the recipient of its “International Music Icon of the Year” award, being presented during a special awards luncheon event at the W HOTEL HOLLYWOOD on WEDNESDAY, MAY 2nd. As part of MUSEXPO 2018’s global honorarium of the 50-year milestone for BBC RADIO 1 and BBC RADIO 2, BBC RADIO Director BOB SHENNAN will be the subject of a keynote interview."
"MUSEXPO 2018 will recognize BBC RADIO 1 and BBC RADIO 2 as the recipient of its “International Music Icon of the Year” award, being presented during a special awards luncheon event at the W HOTEL HOLLYWOOD on WEDNESDAY, MAY 2nd. As part of MUSEXPO 2018’s global honorarium of the 50-year milestone for BBC RADIO 1 and BBC RADIO 2, BBC RADIO Director BOB SHENNAN will be the subject of a keynote interview."
Tough guys
There's a willy-waving tendency at Ofcom, enjoying talking tough about its new BBC Operating Licence...
Thus in the main summary: "We have .... set new conditions for radio. Radio 2 will be required, for the first time, to air at least three hours of news and current affairs in peak time per week".
In detail: "We added the new requirement for three hours to be in peak time in the proposed condition as this is broadly in line with what the BBC already delivers in peak time on Radio 2, and so is aimed at securing the provision of this output at existing levels in peak time"
Elsewhere, the first draft of this licence required Auntie “to reduce the number of long-running series over time”, threatening Homes Under The Hammer, A Question of Sport, Casualty and many more. In the final version, Ofcom says there should be “a renewed focus on innovation and creative risk-taking through the commissioning and scheduling of new titles”, and that “the BBC should secure an appropriate balance of unique titles and long-running series”.
Thus in the main summary: "We have .... set new conditions for radio. Radio 2 will be required, for the first time, to air at least three hours of news and current affairs in peak time per week".
In detail: "We added the new requirement for three hours to be in peak time in the proposed condition as this is broadly in line with what the BBC already delivers in peak time on Radio 2, and so is aimed at securing the provision of this output at existing levels in peak time"
Elsewhere, the first draft of this licence required Auntie “to reduce the number of long-running series over time”, threatening Homes Under The Hammer, A Question of Sport, Casualty and many more. In the final version, Ofcom says there should be “a renewed focus on innovation and creative risk-taking through the commissioning and scheduling of new titles”, and that “the BBC should secure an appropriate balance of unique titles and long-running series”.
Girl About Town
Are fun times returning to the (D)DCMS ? Jack Blanchard in Politico has a scoop - Mail on Sunday Diary Editor Charlotte Griffiths is joining the department as a Special Advisor.
Charlotte left Leeds University in 2008 with a 2:1 in Political Science, and, perhaps more importantly, editorship of the Leeds Student. At the Mail, it's been all Lanson, Moet, chocolates, the occasional bottle of Corona, facials, hair-dos, Cannes, Glasto, polo, luxury hotels and spas. So not much change in the year ahead, eh ?
Charlotte left Leeds University in 2008 with a 2:1 in Political Science, and, perhaps more importantly, editorship of the Leeds Student. At the Mail, it's been all Lanson, Moet, chocolates, the occasional bottle of Corona, facials, hair-dos, Cannes, Glasto, polo, luxury hotels and spas. So not much change in the year ahead, eh ?
Access for all
0822, and Today's Arts Slot opens up to a cascade of Sarah Sands' chumocracy.
Yes, the BBC Arts and Entertainment Unit must be over-worked at the moment, so Sarah brings in the brilliant Matthew D'Ancona, 49. The tyro radio reporter gabbles his way through a script written for print, puffing a new production by Sir Nicolas Hytner at his £12m Bridge Theatre, starring Rory Kinnear as Karl Marx and Oliver Chris as Engels. To bolster his piece, Matthew brings in the thinking of Marx biographer, Francis Wheen.
Oh, the rich diversity of it all.
Yes, the BBC Arts and Entertainment Unit must be over-worked at the moment, so Sarah brings in the brilliant Matthew D'Ancona, 49. The tyro radio reporter gabbles his way through a script written for print, puffing a new production by Sir Nicolas Hytner at his £12m Bridge Theatre, starring Rory Kinnear as Karl Marx and Oliver Chris as Engels. To bolster his piece, Matthew brings in the thinking of Marx biographer, Francis Wheen.
Oh, the rich diversity of it all.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Derulo, Puth and Ware
We're getting some information about the first edition of "Sounds Like Friday Night", an attempt to bring yoof back to BBC1, in the spirit of "Top of The Pops" (but with a title that reflects the heritage of The Light Progamme). It's live from Television Centre at 7.30pm on 27th October, with an self-certifying audience of over-16s. It replaces "A Question of Sport" in the schedules - last Friday, that was watched by 2.51m (13.6% share) - Coronation Street is on ITV.
The first Sounds Like Friday Night
Hosts: Greg James and Dotty
Live performances: Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Jessie Ware
The first Top of The Pops (New Year's Day 1964 - 25 minutes at 6.35pm)
Host: Jimmy Savile (in Manchester), with Alan Freeman in London
Live performances: The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies, The Dave Clark Five, The Swinging Blue Jeans
The first Sounds Like Friday Night
Hosts: Greg James and Dotty
Live performances: Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Jessie Ware
The first Top of The Pops (New Year's Day 1964 - 25 minutes at 6.35pm)
Host: Jimmy Savile (in Manchester), with Alan Freeman in London
Live performances: The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies, The Dave Clark Five, The Swinging Blue Jeans
Too warm ?
The Mirror has lifted the veil, overcoat and scarf from a key piece of 'reality' tv.
The walks of shame, as fired Apprentices leave Lord Sugar's boardroom, and drag a small suitcase into a taxi, are all filmed on one day before any of the tasks have started, and edited into the closing sequences as required. Thus the nature of the losers' all-purpose lines of self-defence, while the scarfs and overcoats cover what might be difficult continuity issues.
The walks of shame, as fired Apprentices leave Lord Sugar's boardroom, and drag a small suitcase into a taxi, are all filmed on one day before any of the tasks have started, and edited into the closing sequences as required. Thus the nature of the losers' all-purpose lines of self-defence, while the scarfs and overcoats cover what might be difficult continuity issues.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Meanwhile....
Why, Jimmy ?
The BBC News beast is still struggling to work out why that nice James Harding is leaving them in the New Year. His glass box at the north-west corner of new Broadcasting House has been under-occupied since the summer holidays. Who has he been meeting, to give him the confidence he can set up a new media venture that will allow him to re-acquaint himself with his own opinions ? And that might pay him close to his present £340k, with plenty of foreign travel opportunities ?
The word 'liberal' has been used; one commenter predicts "a Europhile digital broadsheet version of The Canary".
James is well networked, with chums ranging from Elizabeth Murdoch, through Sarah Vine, David Aaronovitch, Ed Vaizey, George Osborne, Nick Denton, Jez Butterworth, Emma Freud through to the BBC's favourite headhunter, Dom Loehnis. Father-in-law Sir Mark Weinberg could provide some good financial contacts.
Things that may be left in James' well-stacked in-tray: The court proceedings brought by Sir Cliff Richard; presenter pay - 27 of the original 40 BBC grumpy women are on Harding's books, many of them with salaries agreed via his lieutenant brought from The Times, Keith Blackmore; what do to about cuts - his hand was stayed by Lord Hall when he tried to strangle the BBC News channel, and he's short of ideas on BBC Local Radio; big brands Newsnight and Panorama are still struggling to attract audiences commensurate with their budgets. But he's played a long game over finances, and been bailed out by wads of dosh from the Foreign Office, sequestering substantial sums for his central newsgathering operation.
Meanwhile, there remains the presenting career to develop. Sunday night saw a care-free James chewing the fat at JW3 in North London with Oslo-playwright JT Rogers.
The word 'liberal' has been used; one commenter predicts "a Europhile digital broadsheet version of The Canary".
James is well networked, with chums ranging from Elizabeth Murdoch, through Sarah Vine, David Aaronovitch, Ed Vaizey, George Osborne, Nick Denton, Jez Butterworth, Emma Freud through to the BBC's favourite headhunter, Dom Loehnis. Father-in-law Sir Mark Weinberg could provide some good financial contacts.
Things that may be left in James' well-stacked in-tray: The court proceedings brought by Sir Cliff Richard; presenter pay - 27 of the original 40 BBC grumpy women are on Harding's books, many of them with salaries agreed via his lieutenant brought from The Times, Keith Blackmore; what do to about cuts - his hand was stayed by Lord Hall when he tried to strangle the BBC News channel, and he's short of ideas on BBC Local Radio; big brands Newsnight and Panorama are still struggling to attract audiences commensurate with their budgets. But he's played a long game over finances, and been bailed out by wads of dosh from the Foreign Office, sequestering substantial sums for his central newsgathering operation.
Meanwhile, there remains the presenting career to develop. Sunday night saw a care-free James chewing the fat at JW3 in North London with Oslo-playwright JT Rogers.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Rum
Blue. Bolt. From. Until we know more about James Harding's next venture, and who's funding it, there'll be speculation as to why the Director of News selected by DG Lord Hall, and tipped by many as his logical successor, has abandoned the re-imagined BBC.
Harding has enjoyed being a starmaker at BBC - Victoria Derbyshire, Carrie Gracie, Kamal Ahmed, Amol Rajan, Sarah Sands and many others have reason to be grateful.
But he came from The Times with a reputation for creating high level posts rather than closing them. And there are noises of clashes with DDG Anne Bulford about the timely delivery of savings. James has been keeping a lowish profile in recent months - certainly lower than when he was seeking The Future Of News on America's West Coast.
Harding himself has acknowledged there will be a newsroom book on his replacement; DG Tone has promised to sort it by Christmas..
Ideally, Tone would like to grab Lionel Barber from the FT but Lionel may require a grander, re-imagined title. Emily Bell, ex-Guardian-now-US-academic could be of interest. Other Brits in America who could be canvassed include James Goldston at ABC and Deborah Turness at NBC. Jonathan Munro, formerly No 2 at ITN, now head of Newsgathering at the BBC, would expect to be the lead internal candidate.
Kevin Bakhurst, former BBC News channel boss, may regret being antsy with Auntie from his new perch at Ofcom.
James Purnell, meanwhile, will be very happy.
Inheritance tracks
We don't yet have ratings for the first edition of After The News on ITV (could it/should it have beaten Newsnight ?) but NIck Ferrari and the team will be grateful to the drama series Liar.
It averaged 5.8m viewers, providing News At Ten with a boost to 2.06m.
Meanwhile on BBC1, Rellik delivered 1.52m, leaving the Ten O'Clock bulletin with just 2.99m.
One more episode of Rellik ot og.
Outraged at a distance
Many at the BBC will be enjoying Kevin Bakhurst's principled stand on BBC complaints. Kevin, former editor of the BBC News Channel, is now Group Director of Content at Ofcom - and Ofcom wants the BBC to publish the number of complaints it gets on various programmes, as Ofcom requires of other broadcasters.
The weekly list simply accumulates numbers (when there are more than ten complaints on a programme); the BBC argues that bald numbers are no guide to whether or not content is dodgy, and often, fuelled by opponents of the BBC, there's a herd mentality producing letters and emails from people outraged even though they didn't see the programme in question.
Our Kev knows that the BBC internally tots up complaints received on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis, and has got heavy with former colleague, David Jordan, Director of Editorial Policy and Standards.
Meanwhile, back at the re-imagined BBC Board, there's a new guide to the Complaints Framework and Procedures - but the link is broken. Better fix it before Witchfinder Kev notices....
The weekly list simply accumulates numbers (when there are more than ten complaints on a programme); the BBC argues that bald numbers are no guide to whether or not content is dodgy, and often, fuelled by opponents of the BBC, there's a herd mentality producing letters and emails from people outraged even though they didn't see the programme in question.
Our Kev knows that the BBC internally tots up complaints received on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis, and has got heavy with former colleague, David Jordan, Director of Editorial Policy and Standards.
Meanwhile, back at the re-imagined BBC Board, there's a new guide to the Complaints Framework and Procedures - but the link is broken. Better fix it before Witchfinder Kev notices....
Whither Camila ?
Seven days to go before the official publication of Camila Batmanghelidjh's (with Tim Rayment) "Kids: Child protection in Britain: The truth" - and no sign, as yet, of author bookings on BBC national networks.
This is unusual.
This is unusual.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Anniversary Corner
Liz Kershaw, below feted by Director of Radio and Music Bob Shennan, marked 30 years of broadcasting (off and on) BBC National Radio, with a 6Music special at Maida Vale, featuring live music from The Charlatans.
Gloomy forecast
This pair of tweets from Friday afternoon suggests the BBC is paying twice for its weather service - with news of an extension to the Met Office contract,
whilst the unnamed problems (BBC coy and stonewalling) of implementing the new look with Meteogroup continue. Which makes you wonder about the 'value for money' the BBC was chasing.
Hi! We will continue to supply weather services to the BBC under a new contract for a period of up to six months (until 31 March 2018 1/2.— Met Office (@metoffice) October 6, 2017
2/2 at which time we expect Meteogroup to take over. Pls refer any further questions to the BBC, for comment/response. Many thanks ^Angie— Met Office (@metoffice) October 6, 2017
Sunday, October 8, 2017
I'm free
Last week saw a mini-surgette in the share price of Johnston Press, from the doldrums of 12p to the giddy heights of 16p.
It's fuelled by manouevres by Norwegian investor Christen Ager-Hanssen, who now has 8% of JP shares, and is thought to be interested in buying the Metro suite of free newspapers from DMGT.
DMGT have noted a decline in take-up of free-sheets on tubes and commuter trains. It can only continue as wifi on these services improves. One presumes Christen has a cunning consolidation plan.
Keep dancing
It's running at almost 2 to 1 in the battle of the Saturday night behemoths. Strictly attracted an average of 9.82 million in the overnights - a share of 48%.
The X Factor scored 4.79m and 24.6% share - figures include +1 viewing, unlike the BBC.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Call for Stewards Enquiry
They may have to re-run the interviews for BBC Arts Editor.
Will Gompertz has just been on Pointless Celebrities. Given the clues "He wrote La Traviata" and "His name in English would be Joe Green", he offered the answer 'Vivaldi'.
Will Gompertz has just been on Pointless Celebrities. Given the clues "He wrote La Traviata" and "His name in English would be Joe Green", he offered the answer 'Vivaldi'.
Complete confidence
BBC HR boss and all-round superwoman Valerie Hughes D'Aeth, in between closing the gender gap now she's found it, sorting out presenter pay, doing HMRC's bidding, ripping up current terms and conditions of service, reducing 6,000 job titles to 600, implementing a new pay and grading structure, whilst cutting her own department by 30%, has found time for another interview with HR Magazine.
My highlight: “The relationship between the HR director and CEO in any organisation is always critical because if it is not open and honest then not much can happen. The HR director is often in a privileged space as a confidante of the CEO and sometimes the chairman. You may be the only person who they can talk to in complete confidence. Other colleagues around the executive table may be vying for the top job, but with no hidden agenda and no aspiration for this, you can provide valuable advice in an objective, independent way.”
The two James, Purnell and Harding, better be nice to Val.
My highlight: “The relationship between the HR director and CEO in any organisation is always critical because if it is not open and honest then not much can happen. The HR director is often in a privileged space as a confidante of the CEO and sometimes the chairman. You may be the only person who they can talk to in complete confidence. Other colleagues around the executive table may be vying for the top job, but with no hidden agenda and no aspiration for this, you can provide valuable advice in an objective, independent way.”
The two James, Purnell and Harding, better be nice to Val.
Enhancer
The BBC's anniversary fest continues. (I write as Radio 3's Record review bangs on about 60 years). Also celebrating 60 is local opt-out BBC Points West, which is recording a special "Have We Got News For You" debate on the future of local news at the Arnolfini on 27 October.
Jonathan Dimbleby is hosting, with guests columnist Jane Moore, journo prof Roy Greenslade and BBC Director of News, James Harding. Perhaps Jonathan can ask James about BBC local radio cuts for the year ahead - put on hold by the DG as he contemplates this promise by new Chairman, Sir David Clementi: "Later this year, we will also present plans for enhancing our local radio services - celebrating their 50th anniversary."
Jonathan Dimbleby is hosting, with guests columnist Jane Moore, journo prof Roy Greenslade and BBC Director of News, James Harding. Perhaps Jonathan can ask James about BBC local radio cuts for the year ahead - put on hold by the DG as he contemplates this promise by new Chairman, Sir David Clementi: "Later this year, we will also present plans for enhancing our local radio services - celebrating their 50th anniversary."
Friday, October 6, 2017
Howlround
Probably just as well R4's Feedback interview with Today editor Sarah Sands was recorded on Wednesday. This morning, her fave presenter and fashion guru John Humphrys, 74, managed to invent a new country, Catalan; wander through the eight o'clock pips; and then provide such a short 0810 lead item that the sport bulletin was EARLY. Wot next ?
PM
Muscular twitching at the BBC News Channel next week. The resurgent service, threatened by News boss James Harding in 2016 and saved by Lord Hall, is creating a 'new' sub-brand - Afternoon Live (previous title owners: Sky News), which launches on Monday at 2pm.
Shy, self-effacing presenter Simon McCoy (Sherborne and a journalism diploma from Highbury College, Portsmouth) doesn't get his name on the masthead, but he's there in the next line: "Simon McCoy and the team with all the day's top stories, weather, business and sport - and breaking news as it happens." The scale of investment in set, music and titles is unclear, but there is, I am told, a branded mug.
Shy, self-effacing presenter Simon McCoy (Sherborne and a journalism diploma from Highbury College, Portsmouth) doesn't get his name on the masthead, but he's there in the next line: "Simon McCoy and the team with all the day's top stories, weather, business and sport - and breaking news as it happens." The scale of investment in set, music and titles is unclear, but there is, I am told, a branded mug.
Harvey
There might be a discreet huddle going on somewhere at the BBC this week about Harvey Weinstein, CBE. He's been a BBC partner in film and tv making for some time, with credits in movies such as Tormented, Mansfield Park, About Adam, Woman In Gold, Iris, Dirty Pretty Things, Philomena, My Week With Marilyn, Meerkats, Suite Francaise, and tv series such as War and Peace and SS-GB. In the pipeline are a Stan & Ollie biopic and new mini-series of Les Miserables and A Tale Of Two Cities.
BBC Films was run by Christine Langan from 2010 to 2016; during that time Andy Harries, CEO of Left Bank Pictures said "She is a proper, proper producer, a great enabler. Christine never raises her voice but she is absolutely undaunted. Who else at the BBC can handle Harvey Weinstein?"
In recent years Harvey has become something of regular BBC chat show guest, appearing on Graham Norton's BBC1 programme, The One Show and Chris Evan's Radio 2 celeb-fest.
Actress Rose McGowan made her screen breakthrough in the 1996 movie Scream, made by Weinstein's Dimension Films. According to the New York Times she reached a $100k settlement with Mr Weinstein in 1997 after an incident in a hotel bedroom at a film festival.
BBC Films was run by Christine Langan from 2010 to 2016; during that time Andy Harries, CEO of Left Bank Pictures said "She is a proper, proper producer, a great enabler. Christine never raises her voice but she is absolutely undaunted. Who else at the BBC can handle Harvey Weinstein?"
In recent years Harvey has become something of regular BBC chat show guest, appearing on Graham Norton's BBC1 programme, The One Show and Chris Evan's Radio 2 celeb-fest.
Actress Rose McGowan made her screen breakthrough in the 1996 movie Scream, made by Weinstein's Dimension Films. According to the New York Times she reached a $100k settlement with Mr Weinstein in 1997 after an incident in a hotel bedroom at a film festival.
Anyone who does business with __ is complicit. And deep down you know you are even dirtier. Cleanse yourselves.— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 5, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Talk talk
While we wait for Ofcom to deliver the new BBC Performance Framework and Operating Licences, there are some changes at Radio 1 that suggest the direction of travel.
Boss Ben Cooper is creating a new 9-11pm show, Monday to Thursday, featuring Charlie Sloth, to be simulcast across Radio 1Xtra. It will undoubtedly have more speech than the current offering on either network. Eight hours simulcasting saves some money. There's also promises of more daytime outings for social action programming. And there'll be three new hour-long podcasts a week, offering comedy and entertainment - and helping to fill the night hours.
Boss Ben Cooper is creating a new 9-11pm show, Monday to Thursday, featuring Charlie Sloth, to be simulcast across Radio 1Xtra. It will undoubtedly have more speech than the current offering on either network. Eight hours simulcasting saves some money. There's also promises of more daytime outings for social action programming. And there'll be three new hour-long podcasts a week, offering comedy and entertainment - and helping to fill the night hours.
Start up
There's a new section of the ever-expanding bbc.com, as Auntie chases Lord Hall's 500 million users globally - BBC Designed.
"Our audience is always looking for trusted, intelligent, and innovative content, and we hope BBC Designed will reveal how much cutting-edge design is shaping our lives," says Simon Frantz, managing editor, features at bbc.com, North America.
The new section, we are told "will place storytelling and investigative journalism front and centre, with features contributions from creators, design experts, and BBC talent." The US launch is sponsored by Genesis cars, a luxury brand set up by Hyundai. Not much point in advertising them in the UK - they were withdrawn from sale here after selling just 47 over nearly two years.
"Our audience is always looking for trusted, intelligent, and innovative content, and we hope BBC Designed will reveal how much cutting-edge design is shaping our lives," says Simon Frantz, managing editor, features at bbc.com, North America.
The new section, we are told "will place storytelling and investigative journalism front and centre, with features contributions from creators, design experts, and BBC talent." The US launch is sponsored by Genesis cars, a luxury brand set up by Hyundai. Not much point in advertising them in the UK - they were withdrawn from sale here after selling just 47 over nearly two years.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Crop rotation
Both recruitment and retention should feature in future Archers plotlines. Hugh Kennair-Jones is leaving as editor after a bare year in the job. He's joining ITV in their drama commissioning team, keeping an eye on Corrie and Emmerdale.
"Though I’ll be away from Borsetshire, the fantastic cast and crew of The Archers in Birmingham will always have a special place in my heart and I’ll be listening as avidly as I ever have. I’ve loved being part of such a brilliant programme.”
Interviewed on Broadcasting House eight months ago, he was asked "How long are you going to stay?" The answer was "I'm not planning on going anywhere straight away. It's the most fantastic job with the most fantastic team. I'm planning to stay"
Mind the gap
There is a gender pay gap at the BBC - 9.3% in favour of men, 9.6% if you include staff working in Northern Ireland. But the experts hired by the BBC for the audit published today say there is no systemic discrimination against women in terms of pay.
So why the gap ?
"It appears to be more than chance that in the cases where the median is in favour of either gender, the average length of service in role is longer for men, and vice versa. Examples of the reasons identified for the pay differentials were market forces, specialist skills, TUPE transfer protection, attachment pay increases, experience and differing levels of responsibility. Such examples equally applied to our analysis of outliers, where in many cases the levels of knowledge and responsibility of the individuals being compared were very different from others in their grade."
Well, you can't argue about length of service, but many of the other reasons offered can be based on subjective judgements of skills, knowledge, market forces etc. No wonder these experts want better documentation of the rationale for individual pay decisions. Here's the thoughts of Sir Patrick Elias.
"The audit has highlighted a number of areas where procedures need to be improved, in relation, for example, to the more consistent application of principles for making pay decisions across the BBC and in record keeping relating to contracts and pay decisions. This is not an issue of discrimination but one of fairness. These failings apply across the board, affecting both men and women alike. A lack of consistency or transparency in the application of the principles for determining pay understandably breeds suspicion about the process and generates a sense of unfairness which in some cases may be justified. It is important that procedures are tightened up. I am aware that a review of these issues is underway as part of the BBC’s wider review of pay and terms and conditions."
So why the gap ?
"It appears to be more than chance that in the cases where the median is in favour of either gender, the average length of service in role is longer for men, and vice versa. Examples of the reasons identified for the pay differentials were market forces, specialist skills, TUPE transfer protection, attachment pay increases, experience and differing levels of responsibility. Such examples equally applied to our analysis of outliers, where in many cases the levels of knowledge and responsibility of the individuals being compared were very different from others in their grade."
Well, you can't argue about length of service, but many of the other reasons offered can be based on subjective judgements of skills, knowledge, market forces etc. No wonder these experts want better documentation of the rationale for individual pay decisions. Here's the thoughts of Sir Patrick Elias.
"The audit has highlighted a number of areas where procedures need to be improved, in relation, for example, to the more consistent application of principles for making pay decisions across the BBC and in record keeping relating to contracts and pay decisions. This is not an issue of discrimination but one of fairness. These failings apply across the board, affecting both men and women alike. A lack of consistency or transparency in the application of the principles for determining pay understandably breeds suspicion about the process and generates a sense of unfairness which in some cases may be justified. It is important that procedures are tightened up. I am aware that a review of these issues is underway as part of the BBC’s wider review of pay and terms and conditions."
Surprise surprise
The ITV planning meeting where they agreed the strategy of repeating the first episode of "Cilla" against the Dr Foster finale on BBC1 will live in scheduling history. According to the overnight ratings, Cilla was watched by just 843k (4.1% of the available audience)
Dr Foster scored 7.23m (35.6%).
Dr Foster scored 7.23m (35.6%).
Plan
Lord Sugar - current Bojo to Lord Hall's Theresa May - shares his BBC red lines with The Sun
“If I ran it I would kick out half of the people who work at the BBC, a lot of the suits there in-house, and keep the workers and shut down a lot of internal bureaucracy.
“It would save hundreds of millions of pounds, and I’d take that money and throw it into the Bake Off and The Voice, compete in the market place and pay presenters what they’re supposed to be paid.
“Then the BBC could come back and be the great broadcaster that it once was.”
“If I ran it I would kick out half of the people who work at the BBC, a lot of the suits there in-house, and keep the workers and shut down a lot of internal bureaucracy.
“It would save hundreds of millions of pounds, and I’d take that money and throw it into the Bake Off and The Voice, compete in the market place and pay presenters what they’re supposed to be paid.
“Then the BBC could come back and be the great broadcaster that it once was.”
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Roundhead
Just 4 days left to enjoy this hypnotic András Schiff performance of the Well-Tempered Cavalier. https://t.co/MV1U1clgJX— James Purnell (@jimpurnell) October 3, 2017
Tim time
The Lazy Susan of UK media regulation has spun again, placing Tim Suter on the board of Ofcom. (What was it Karen Bradley and Sharon White were saying about diversity again ?)
Tim (Marlborough and BA English, Christ Church, Oxford) started his broadcasting career in 1984 as a producer in the BBC Radio Drama department; an early directorial credit was for the seminal Afternoon Play of 1985, Baked Avocado, by Noel Robinson. After three years in drama on Radio 3 and Radio 4, he moved to features, including regular stints producing Pick of The Week. He became a producer and occasional reporter on Newsnight, and then moved to a managing role in tv and radio current affairs.
In 2002, he became Head of Broadcasting Policy at the DCMS, under Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. In 2003, he became a founding Partner of Ofcom, responsible for Content and Standards. In 2008, he left with fellow Partner Kip Meek to form a consultancy.
In the 90s Tim worked with his mother-in-law Tania Alexander on the first English translation of Maxim Gorky's Vassa Zheleznova, performed at the Greenwich Theatre, and later on off-Broadway. Tania's Ukrainian mother had at one stage been Gorky's mistress.
Tim (Marlborough and BA English, Christ Church, Oxford) started his broadcasting career in 1984 as a producer in the BBC Radio Drama department; an early directorial credit was for the seminal Afternoon Play of 1985, Baked Avocado, by Noel Robinson. After three years in drama on Radio 3 and Radio 4, he moved to features, including regular stints producing Pick of The Week. He became a producer and occasional reporter on Newsnight, and then moved to a managing role in tv and radio current affairs.
In 2002, he became Head of Broadcasting Policy at the DCMS, under Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. In 2003, he became a founding Partner of Ofcom, responsible for Content and Standards. In 2008, he left with fellow Partner Kip Meek to form a consultancy.
In the 90s Tim worked with his mother-in-law Tania Alexander on the first English translation of Maxim Gorky's Vassa Zheleznova, performed at the Greenwich Theatre, and later on off-Broadway. Tania's Ukrainian mother had at one stage been Gorky's mistress.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Clare copy
A contrary view from Kate Bravery, Editor, Saga Magazine, about what happened to Ginny Dougray's interview with Clare Balding.....
"Saga Magazine edited the interview with Clare with the involvement of the writer. It was the editor's view that the original article did not cover the wide range of issues that Clare holds dear. The writer is mistaken in thinking that copy approval was given. It was not. Saga Magazine does not offer copy control, and interviews that require it are declined. In this case, quotes were checked for accuracy alone. New quotes were sourced to rebalance the article against deadline.
"It is the editor's decision alone to edit an article that is not exactly right for the magazine and Saga Magazine does not defer that decision to PRs or interviewees."
"Saga Magazine edited the interview with Clare with the involvement of the writer. It was the editor's view that the original article did not cover the wide range of issues that Clare holds dear. The writer is mistaken in thinking that copy approval was given. It was not. Saga Magazine does not offer copy control, and interviews that require it are declined. In this case, quotes were checked for accuracy alone. New quotes were sourced to rebalance the article against deadline.
"It is the editor's decision alone to edit an article that is not exactly right for the magazine and Saga Magazine does not defer that decision to PRs or interviewees."
Re the Saga saga, today has been an exercise in self-restraint.The editor has issued a statement clarifying that she asked for changes (1/2)— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) October 1, 2017
(2/2) and I did not have copy approval. I would certainly never ask anyone to call me 'lovely'. Gorgeous maybe - but never lovely! #Sagasaga— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) October 1, 2017
Minimalist
The Latest Lygo Late Night Experience on ITV has a minimalist feel in terms of ambition. And will probably have a minimalist look - coming from the same studio as Channel 4 News, starting at 10.45pm on October 9th.
"After The News", presented by Emma Barnett (Tuesdays and Fridays) and Nick Ferrari (Wednesdays and Thursdays - Emma and Nick do alternate Mondays) may discuss topical news, but has already shared its guest-booking list - Nigel Farage, Alastair Campbell, Ann Widdecombe, Nick Clegg, Nicky Morgan, Jason Isaacs, Shami Chakrabarti, Chuka Umunna, Quentin Letts, Julia Hartley-Brewer and Alex Salmond.
'Depending on the news agenda, the panel may be joined by an additional interviewee or contributor who is at the heart of a major news story, and the programme will make room for single interviews on particularly high-profile topics.'
The executive producer is Ian Rumsey, Head of Topical Programmes, ITN Productions, who launched Daybreak back in 2010.
"After The News", presented by Emma Barnett (Tuesdays and Fridays) and Nick Ferrari (Wednesdays and Thursdays - Emma and Nick do alternate Mondays) may discuss topical news, but has already shared its guest-booking list - Nigel Farage, Alastair Campbell, Ann Widdecombe, Nick Clegg, Nicky Morgan, Jason Isaacs, Shami Chakrabarti, Chuka Umunna, Quentin Letts, Julia Hartley-Brewer and Alex Salmond.
'Depending on the news agenda, the panel may be joined by an additional interviewee or contributor who is at the heart of a major news story, and the programme will make room for single interviews on particularly high-profile topics.'
The executive producer is Ian Rumsey, Head of Topical Programmes, ITN Productions, who launched Daybreak back in 2010.
Dropdown menu
An old yarn for Yentob completists, which may or may not have been fabricated by a correspondent of email scandal sheet PopBitch...
A few years back, Alan Yentob was courting a director that he wanted to make films for the BBC. The plan was to take him out and sweeten him up over a nice dinner, but Alan turned things weird almost immediately (in perfect Yentob style) by demanding that the waiters bring him a new menu because he didn’t like the way his smelled.
A few years back, Alan Yentob was courting a director that he wanted to make films for the BBC. The plan was to take him out and sweeten him up over a nice dinner, but Alan turned things weird almost immediately (in perfect Yentob style) by demanding that the waiters bring him a new menu because he didn’t like the way his smelled.
Breakfast bar
As we progress through the never-ending BBC season of anniversaries, the Today programme has lined up a 60th birthday broadcast from the Wigmore Hall at the end of the month.
Key question from me: why not the Radio Theatre ?
Key question from Today alumni on the invited audience list who have contacted me: Will there be alcohol ?
Key question from me: why not the Radio Theatre ?
Key question from Today alumni on the invited audience list who have contacted me: Will there be alcohol ?
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Pinch, Punch
And, lo, September 30th came and went, and there was no change to BBC Weather on screen or online. The new contract with Meteo Group started six months ago. The Met Office are either being gracious or just chuckling, or a bit of both. Funny thing to happen in the first year of the National Audit Office as official BBC auditors...
And indeed she sparkles all the way through the photo shoot
Ginny Dougary in the Observer/Guardian relates what happens when you give "Clare Balding and her agent" copy control of an "interview" for Saga Magazine.
Clare's agent is officially James Grant, though her partner Alice Arnold takes a keen interest in Clare's career.
Clare's agent is officially James Grant, though her partner Alice Arnold takes a keen interest in Clare's career.
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