The pub is part of the Castle chain, a sub-group of Mitchells and Butlers.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Vegan 2
Outside The Green Man, W1, occasional watering hole for Beeboids who wish not to be spotted...
The pub is part of the Castle chain, a sub-group of Mitchells and Butlers.
The pub is part of the Castle chain, a sub-group of Mitchells and Butlers.
Danish
The BBC has turned to Europe for a first Digital Director, BBC News. Naja Nielsen, 51 (Norre Gymnasium, Copenhagen and the Danish School of Media and Journalism) has been with Danish public service broadcaster DR in news most of her career, as a reporter, producer, boss of current affairs, radio news and tv news.
In 2017 she opted to join Orb Media, a digital news organisation in Washington, working on sharing stories found with data research. BBC News is a partner; you may remember a story about micro particles of plastic found in bottled water from March last year. She was a delegate to the News Xchange Conference in Edinburgh last November (remember all that Steve Bannon hoo-ha ?) and may well have come to the attention of Fran Unsworth and Lord Hall there.
Is she going to change the BBC Newsroom culture for the better ? She's tried at DR, and here's an entertaining slide show, which loses a little in translation, including the question "Why does Messi score for Barcelona but not Argentina ?"
Here she is in a clip from 2016.
In 2017 she opted to join Orb Media, a digital news organisation in Washington, working on sharing stories found with data research. BBC News is a partner; you may remember a story about micro particles of plastic found in bottled water from March last year. She was a delegate to the News Xchange Conference in Edinburgh last November (remember all that Steve Bannon hoo-ha ?) and may well have come to the attention of Fran Unsworth and Lord Hall there.
Is she going to change the BBC Newsroom culture for the better ? She's tried at DR, and here's an entertaining slide show, which loses a little in translation, including the question "Why does Messi score for Barcelona but not Argentina ?"
Here she is in a clip from 2016.
The hardest word
I think I spotted a first yesterday. BBC DG Lord Hall apologised in public to the presenters who have been messed about over the past decade in the way they have been paid. He told the Public Accounts Committee he'd already apologised in person to various groups representing the staff, and was happy to repeat it.
It was rather sad it only came after 30 minutes of questioning. There was also an admission, finally, that many of these staff had been given Hobson's Choice when it came to setting up Personal Service Companies.
You can perhaps see why this has taken so long. An admission of fault on the BBC's part could be costly; but an admission that between them the BBC and the HMRC had made a dog's dinner of things, prior to Lord Hall's return to the BBC, should have been forthcoming much sooner.
The Committee are still asking questions about past paperwork. Lord Hall insists there is no record of Board level decisions on PSCs, and there is no secret place they might be hidden. Meg Hillier described this as 'incredibly sloppy' (though, of course, it might be convenient for past BBC executives). The MPs want a trawl through papers that might have been provided by consultants - Deloitte and EY are still advising the BBC on employment tax regimes.
It was rather sad it only came after 30 minutes of questioning. There was also an admission, finally, that many of these staff had been given Hobson's Choice when it came to setting up Personal Service Companies.
You can perhaps see why this has taken so long. An admission of fault on the BBC's part could be costly; but an admission that between them the BBC and the HMRC had made a dog's dinner of things, prior to Lord Hall's return to the BBC, should have been forthcoming much sooner.
The Committee are still asking questions about past paperwork. Lord Hall insists there is no record of Board level decisions on PSCs, and there is no secret place they might be hidden. Meg Hillier described this as 'incredibly sloppy' (though, of course, it might be convenient for past BBC executives). The MPs want a trawl through papers that might have been provided by consultants - Deloitte and EY are still advising the BBC on employment tax regimes.
Historic
For those who haven't caught up....
Absolutely brilliant ending to the BBC Six O'clock News tonight #ChocksAway pic.twitter.com/eM7sFuWXKZ— Matt Chorley (@MattChorley) January 30, 2019
Reality check
I'd hoped for better. BBC Content finance boss Richard Dawkins comes new to the world of luvvies and has been hornswoggled by set designers at EastEnders.
He appeared before the Public Accounts Committee yesterday, defending the overspending on a new outdoor set for the tired soap. What the audience is seeing now is old facades (which admittedly should have been replaced in the last century). What is being proposed is something that looks a) at least identical at a distance to these old fake sets b) and even more realistically like an authentic East End square when you get closer.
The set designers have been known to stick extra leaves on trees in spring filming, as the show is recorded six weeks ahead of transmission. They took more than a fortnight to decide on real bricks; there have been more meetings about real mortar (who knows how long it will take to agree on pointing style ? Will they be using a bastard tuck ?); the contract to build has elements of 'artisan' work; and then there is a long post-construction process of something called "scenic ageing."
Look, Richard, it's a soap. It's not real. Build a new set of 'flats'. Or insist on a plotline which takes out one side of the square at a time for redevelopment into two bed-room flats. Make the construction noise part of your contribution to an accurate portrayal of modern capital city life.
Or tell us how many of the EastEnders weekly audience (said to be 9m) can tell the difference between Victorian and Edwardian mortar.
He appeared before the Public Accounts Committee yesterday, defending the overspending on a new outdoor set for the tired soap. What the audience is seeing now is old facades (which admittedly should have been replaced in the last century). What is being proposed is something that looks a) at least identical at a distance to these old fake sets b) and even more realistically like an authentic East End square when you get closer.
The set designers have been known to stick extra leaves on trees in spring filming, as the show is recorded six weeks ahead of transmission. They took more than a fortnight to decide on real bricks; there have been more meetings about real mortar (who knows how long it will take to agree on pointing style ? Will they be using a bastard tuck ?); the contract to build has elements of 'artisan' work; and then there is a long post-construction process of something called "scenic ageing."
Look, Richard, it's a soap. It's not real. Build a new set of 'flats'. Or insist on a plotline which takes out one side of the square at a time for redevelopment into two bed-room flats. Make the construction noise part of your contribution to an accurate portrayal of modern capital city life.
Or tell us how many of the EastEnders weekly audience (said to be 9m) can tell the difference between Victorian and Edwardian mortar.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Outing
Someone will be deputed to take the dustsheets off BBC chairman Sir David Clementi in March; he's down for a keynote at the Oxford Media Convention on the 18th - and the IPPR hope his presence will boost ticket sales.
The consultation on what to do about free licence fees for Over-75s will have closed a month beforehand, so maybe he'll ruminate on that.
Organisers have also turned to NYT CEO Mark Thompson, the BBC DG who cost twice as much as Lord Hall, for a turn. He comes back to the Dreaming Spires like a homing pigeon.
The consultation on what to do about free licence fees for Over-75s will have closed a month beforehand, so maybe he'll ruminate on that.
Organisers have also turned to NYT CEO Mark Thompson, the BBC DG who cost twice as much as Lord Hall, for a turn. He comes back to the Dreaming Spires like a homing pigeon.
Opportunity knocks
Could Chris Burns be the Simon Cowell of BBC Local Radio ? Will an X-Factor hunt for new talent really turn things around ?
Let's remember how we got here: in January 2013, all BBC local stations in England were obliged to take The Mark Forrest Show between 7pm and 10pm on weeknights, unless they had live sport to cover. The measure was estimated to save £1m in total across 40-odd stations. In January 2014, figures suggested ratings for the slot had fallen by more than half a million, to 1,166k a week.
In September last year, managers were given eight weeks' notice to find replacements for the All-England Show, with most stations given funds for a 'community producer' to find new shows. Most stations went for a mix of amateurs and semi-professionals, covering a range of topics across five nights. There was a notable emphasis on 'diversity' - as indeed, there used to be on weekday evenings before 2013.
Now Chris Burns has turned what was already happening into a strategy, with open auditions promised from all 40 stations. Perhaps there should be transparency about potential fees. Say these 40 'community producers' are on £25k - that's your million gone....
Let's remember how we got here: in January 2013, all BBC local stations in England were obliged to take The Mark Forrest Show between 7pm and 10pm on weeknights, unless they had live sport to cover. The measure was estimated to save £1m in total across 40-odd stations. In January 2014, figures suggested ratings for the slot had fallen by more than half a million, to 1,166k a week.
In September last year, managers were given eight weeks' notice to find replacements for the All-England Show, with most stations given funds for a 'community producer' to find new shows. Most stations went for a mix of amateurs and semi-professionals, covering a range of topics across five nights. There was a notable emphasis on 'diversity' - as indeed, there used to be on weekday evenings before 2013.
Now Chris Burns has turned what was already happening into a strategy, with open auditions promised from all 40 stations. Perhaps there should be transparency about potential fees. Say these 40 'community producers' are on £25k - that's your million gone....
Calculating
Professor Tim Luckhurst is not a man saddled with many uncertainties. He KNOWS that the news and current affairs output of Radio 5Live is 48.28%, when it should be 75%. He and three chums from the University of Kent have been paid £25k by News UK to make this calculation; a BBC spokesman described the exercise as "shameless paid-for lobbying". The last time the BBC reported on the News and Current Affairs/Sport split, it was 76% to the serious stuff.
Cue expostulations from Tim.
The poor souls first listened to three days of output (presumably mostly recorded). "We listened in teams of two, regularly swapping partners to avoid shared assumptions and confirmation bias.... Every initial decision was recorded using a code in which ‘N’ stood for ‘News’, ‘A’ for ‘Anomalous’, i.e., not news, and ‘A/N’ for items which began as news but morphed into anomalies during transmission. Items classified A/N were further analysed and allocated to the binary categories in appropriate proportions, e.g., 50%/50%, 60%/40% or 70%/30%."
On their first pass, they found some 20% of 'news' output was 'anomalous'. Perhaps that wasn't an exciting enough figure. In their second pass, they listened to another day of 'news' output, and got their non-news figures up to 38.9%. Then, in a third pass, they chose to analyse 'news' output on a World Cup Friday - and got the non-news figure up to 56%.
Still with us ? Now they put together what they've called a "composite day" from the bundle of figures already to hand, and extrapolated that to be the answer to EVERYTHING.
Tim's a charmer. In his introduction, he manages to tell the News and Sport Network off for carrying Brexit speeches by Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn live and in full. "Such unmediated
transmission of political speeches was abandoned by British newspapers in the late nineteenth century". He lists 13 'top BBC correspondents' who weren't heard at all during the 115 hours and 2 minutes of research, as supporting evidence of something. At least one, Gavin Hewitt, had already left the BBC; Tim elevates Frank Gardner and Jonathan Beale from correspondent to 'Editor'. I suspect it's quite good that Mrs Luckhurst has edited the intro.
Cue expostulations from Tim.
The Professor's methodology is long. He has identified 8 elements selected from other academic research that he believes correctly define news and current affairs. The eighth of these is "human interest" - news that might constitute an ‘unfolding drama’ or other ‘opportunities for humorous treatment’; but there's a second hurdle, excluding items where the content and treatment may be entertaining, but have 'no informative basis'.Share your methodology @bbc5live If you can't, you have no defence.— Tim Luckhurst (@TCHL) January 29, 2019
The poor souls first listened to three days of output (presumably mostly recorded). "We listened in teams of two, regularly swapping partners to avoid shared assumptions and confirmation bias.... Every initial decision was recorded using a code in which ‘N’ stood for ‘News’, ‘A’ for ‘Anomalous’, i.e., not news, and ‘A/N’ for items which began as news but morphed into anomalies during transmission. Items classified A/N were further analysed and allocated to the binary categories in appropriate proportions, e.g., 50%/50%, 60%/40% or 70%/30%."
On their first pass, they found some 20% of 'news' output was 'anomalous'. Perhaps that wasn't an exciting enough figure. In their second pass, they listened to another day of 'news' output, and got their non-news figures up to 38.9%. Then, in a third pass, they chose to analyse 'news' output on a World Cup Friday - and got the non-news figure up to 56%.
Still with us ? Now they put together what they've called a "composite day" from the bundle of figures already to hand, and extrapolated that to be the answer to EVERYTHING.
Tim's a charmer. In his introduction, he manages to tell the News and Sport Network off for carrying Brexit speeches by Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn live and in full. "Such unmediated
transmission of political speeches was abandoned by British newspapers in the late nineteenth century". He lists 13 'top BBC correspondents' who weren't heard at all during the 115 hours and 2 minutes of research, as supporting evidence of something. At least one, Gavin Hewitt, had already left the BBC; Tim elevates Frank Gardner and Jonathan Beale from correspondent to 'Editor'. I suspect it's quite good that Mrs Luckhurst has edited the intro.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Crossed wires
We've brought you news of the BBC's Dino Sofos before - his "In Plain Sight" project, and interest in hair transplant tourism. It turns out he's involved in yet another former of 'new' news, with Voice. I thought it was just an on-demand bulletin for smart speakers; now it seems it is to have podcasts as well. Dino's Twittered about his recruitment plans, and got into a tangle with comedienne and podcaster Jenny Eclair.
I don’t get this making podcasts for the bbc - if it’s for the bbc why isn’t it a radio prog? Or does something that doesn’t have a regular broadcast slot automatically become a podcast and shouldn’t podcasts be left to those that don’t have bbc money: backing/ facilities?— Jenny Eclair (@jennyeclair) January 28, 2019
Hi Jenny. This isn’t meant to be a dig, but fact that you ‘don’t get it’ is exactly why we’re making it! Different audiences have different needs and the BBC needs to provide more news content on digital platforms for younger, more diverse audiences.— Dino Sofos (@dinosofos) January 28, 2019
And yes, our podcasts have to meet the same rigorous editorial standards that all BBC radio content does. If anything, they are more closely scrutinised as they are pre-recorded.— Dino Sofos (@dinosofos) January 28, 2019
Hi Dino, love podcasts and the BBC and Brexitcast – and great that you're trying to diversify applicants – but this was a really snarky, W1A-esque and frankly quite ageist response— Isobel Cockerell (@isocockerell) January 29, 2019
Hi Isobel. Thanks. It definitely wasn’t intended as such. My response was to a thread of Jenny’s messages. In one she says she “is annoyed the BBC is jumping on the podcast bandwagon”. My point is that we need to be making podcasts for people who don’t listen to linear radio.— Dino Sofos (@dinosofos) January 29, 2019
wow that's me told! Nice one matey - btw feel free to listen to either my Indy podcast 'Older and Wider' on itunes or the current serial I have on Woman's Hour R4 every day this wk and next at 10.45. In the meantime - take your 'this isn't meant to be a dig' and stuff it— Jenny Eclair (@jennyeclair) January 28, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
I'm a believer
2019 is the BBC Year of Beliefs. The Times has been given the press release before anyone else.
In the spirit of constant re-invention, 2018's three-part celebrity pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela on BBC2 is followed by 2019's three-part celebrity pilgrimage to Rome on BBC2.
Earth's Sacred Wonders, three one-hour films made in Scotland, first announced in 2017 as part of the 2018 religious bonanza, will make it to air in 2019. There is no guidance on whether the BBC has increased its 7,000 hours of religion and ethics broadcasting across all networks. Or whether it's doing more of less, but better.
The BBC's No 1 in Religion and Ethics, James Purnell, offers The Times (paywalled) this insight: “People have become much more flexible about their morality and their religion. They can be a bit Buddhism one minute, a bit Christianity the next. They can be quite strongly religious at one point in their lives and then change and then come back.”
In the spirit of constant re-invention, 2018's three-part celebrity pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela on BBC2 is followed by 2019's three-part celebrity pilgrimage to Rome on BBC2.
Earth's Sacred Wonders, three one-hour films made in Scotland, first announced in 2017 as part of the 2018 religious bonanza, will make it to air in 2019. There is no guidance on whether the BBC has increased its 7,000 hours of religion and ethics broadcasting across all networks. Or whether it's doing more of less, but better.
The BBC's No 1 in Religion and Ethics, James Purnell, offers The Times (paywalled) this insight: “People have become much more flexible about their morality and their religion. They can be a bit Buddhism one minute, a bit Christianity the next. They can be quite strongly religious at one point in their lives and then change and then come back.”
Shavers
Sunday night listeners to Radio 2 noticed more cost-cutting by the lightweight sumo tag-team of Carnie and Gallacher. Clare Teal's two-hour Swing and Big Band Show has been cut in half. It's now preceded by a Carla Bruni (x 3) playlist show, repeated from last March. When that's finished, there'll be Keith Urban playlists. Lewis and Rob must have concluded that the playlists count as "specialist music". Fnnarr.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Vegan 1
Off topic, I know, but it looks like 2019 is going to be the year marketing tells us, to our surprise that some products are vegan. Or not.
(Unless, of course, you take them with cow's milk).
Elephantoidea
Let me remind potential applicants for the Radio 4 Controllership of the elephant in the interview room. We have just under four years to go in the six-year radio 'Compete and Compare' exercise. By December 31st 2022, 60% of eligible network radio production must have been put out to competitive tender. 'Compete and Compare' was a mantra suggested by James Purnell, who, as Director of Radio, Education, Religion, Arts, Music, Children's, BBC Ideas and BBC Sounds, will have some say in the appointment.
It's interesting that we've had no progress report on how this is going - and usually, that means there's nothing much to crow about. 60% excludes news programming, and protects some long-running BBC productions like The Archers, Woman's Hour and Desert Island Discs, and some core daytime output on Radio 1 and Radio 2.
At the start of the six-year programme, BBC network radio used around 9,000 hours a year of programming from independents; that's expected to triple to 27,000 hours by 2022. Radio 2 has been leading the way, but, for example, it's expected that every programme on Radio 6Music except the news bulletins will be offered to tender during this period.
In television, the 'Content Compete and Compare' strand is being driven by Richard Dawkins (who will be at Anne Bulford's side next week in front of the Public Accounts Committee). I can find no comparable figure in radio.
In Radio 4, a new Controller will have to offer savings to meet the licence fee settlement, to fund re-investment, and to keep BBC Sounds going. A few cheap indie shows might be very appealing. It is the production teams at Broadcasting House, Salford and Bristol who will suffer in this exercise, and it is the Controllers who will have to drive this process, putting people they have worked with for years out of work. 'General Radio' production, for so long the major employer at Broadcasting House, will be a rump activity, with more managers running round creating hopeless bids and pitches, shackled by overheads, rather than people making programmes.
Many fought this proposal, arguing quite rightly that the radio indie market in this country was not as developed as tv, and that there wasn't a proper market anyway, just the BBC offering commissions. You don't hear many indie credits on LBC, Talksport, Classic FM, for example. Speech radio production needs a core continuing public service base in this country, to seed the industry, to lead training and innovation, and drive excellence. Mr Purnell and his new Controller will preside over its decline.
It's interesting that we've had no progress report on how this is going - and usually, that means there's nothing much to crow about. 60% excludes news programming, and protects some long-running BBC productions like The Archers, Woman's Hour and Desert Island Discs, and some core daytime output on Radio 1 and Radio 2.
At the start of the six-year programme, BBC network radio used around 9,000 hours a year of programming from independents; that's expected to triple to 27,000 hours by 2022. Radio 2 has been leading the way, but, for example, it's expected that every programme on Radio 6Music except the news bulletins will be offered to tender during this period.
In television, the 'Content Compete and Compare' strand is being driven by Richard Dawkins (who will be at Anne Bulford's side next week in front of the Public Accounts Committee). I can find no comparable figure in radio.
In Radio 4, a new Controller will have to offer savings to meet the licence fee settlement, to fund re-investment, and to keep BBC Sounds going. A few cheap indie shows might be very appealing. It is the production teams at Broadcasting House, Salford and Bristol who will suffer in this exercise, and it is the Controllers who will have to drive this process, putting people they have worked with for years out of work. 'General Radio' production, for so long the major employer at Broadcasting House, will be a rump activity, with more managers running round creating hopeless bids and pitches, shackled by overheads, rather than people making programmes.
Many fought this proposal, arguing quite rightly that the radio indie market in this country was not as developed as tv, and that there wasn't a proper market anyway, just the BBC offering commissions. You don't hear many indie credits on LBC, Talksport, Classic FM, for example. Speech radio production needs a core continuing public service base in this country, to seed the industry, to lead training and innovation, and drive excellence. Mr Purnell and his new Controller will preside over its decline.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Studios lose Proms
It was a surprise when the BBC put out tv coverage of the Proms to tender; there'll be more puzzlement that the contract for such a central BBC product has gone to a fairly-newly formed indie.
Livewire Pictures emerged just before the tender process started, in June 2018. We're not talking Ramsgate Ferries here - Livewire's MD is Guy Freeman, who's had 12 years off and on doing live music shows with the BBC. He has the substantial backing of Hat Trick Productions, and is in partnership with agent Anita Land (Michael Grade's sister). Nonetheless, the only Livewire show for the BBC to date is Ariana Grande at The BBC
They win a minimum of 24 BBC Proms concerts including;
- 22 concerts on BBC Four
- First Night of the Proms on BBC Two
- Last Night of the Proms on BBC Two and BBC One including the performance capture of Proms in the Park but does not include the capture for the BBC Proms events in the Nations
- Proms in the Park and the Radio 2 Festival in a Day for the BBC’s digital and online platforms
- Seven review shows, currently billed as Proms Extra, on BBC Two
Those who have worked tirelessly for the BBC over the years on the tv Proms will want to know if the Livewire bid was better or just cheaper....Fran Kemp, the last Executive Producer Proms TV at the BBC, has been working on the concerts for 34 years.
Livewire Pictures emerged just before the tender process started, in June 2018. We're not talking Ramsgate Ferries here - Livewire's MD is Guy Freeman, who's had 12 years off and on doing live music shows with the BBC. He has the substantial backing of Hat Trick Productions, and is in partnership with agent Anita Land (Michael Grade's sister). Nonetheless, the only Livewire show for the BBC to date is Ariana Grande at The BBC
They win a minimum of 24 BBC Proms concerts including;
- 22 concerts on BBC Four
- First Night of the Proms on BBC Two
- Last Night of the Proms on BBC Two and BBC One including the performance capture of Proms in the Park but does not include the capture for the BBC Proms events in the Nations
- Proms in the Park and the Radio 2 Festival in a Day for the BBC’s digital and online platforms
- Seven review shows, currently billed as Proms Extra, on BBC Two
Those who have worked tirelessly for the BBC over the years on the tv Proms will want to know if the Livewire bid was better or just cheaper....Fran Kemp, the last Executive Producer Proms TV at the BBC, has been working on the concerts for 34 years.
Twice
The week ahead throws up one reason the job of Deputy Director General BBC is no fun. On Wednesday, Anne Bulford appears twice in front of the Public Accounts Select Committee - once answering questions about paying presenters through personal service companies, and then facing MPs on the spending on a new set for Eastenders.
Lord Hall will be at her side throughout; Richard Dawkins, once strategist and money-man in BBC News, now consigliere in BBC Content, helps field the Eastenders questions. At least he can say he wasn't there when the scheme started....
Lord Hall will be at her side throughout; Richard Dawkins, once strategist and money-man in BBC News, now consigliere in BBC Content, helps field the Eastenders questions. At least he can say he wasn't there when the scheme started....
Friday, January 25, 2019
Half-hearted
The headline indicates the problem."BBC reveals new coming-of-age programming". This rather coy approach is symptomatic of cautious commissioning.
What they mean is that they're clustering a series of box sets of new programmes aimed at 12-15 year-olds. Some of them look quite good. With a bit of bleeping, they should be going out in daytime on BBC1 or 2, as well as sitting in a corner of the iPlayer. Bet lots of adults used to watch Crackerjack and Top of the Form. Cancel a few antiques shows, please.
What they mean is that they're clustering a series of box sets of new programmes aimed at 12-15 year-olds. Some of them look quite good. With a bit of bleeping, they should be going out in daytime on BBC1 or 2, as well as sitting in a corner of the iPlayer. Bet lots of adults used to watch Crackerjack and Top of the Form. Cancel a few antiques shows, please.
DIFFERENT
Whilst news reaches me of radio production cuts in BBC Newsgathering, another quite different department has sprung up - VOICE NEWS. Apparently news tailored for Radio 1, Radio 5Live and Radio 6Music isn't accessible enough for modern 'yoot' asking for updates from their smart speakers. So Shivani, Linda, Ellie, Fatima, Tallulah and Jan are hi-fiving their way through DIFFERENT news - and still recruiting.
Discontent
I know I can be guilty of spelling failures, but I still like to help others.
Come on, BBC Careers......
"Associate Director Content Stratgey, BBC Storyworks APAC" ?
Come on, BBC Careers......
"Associate Director Content Stratgey, BBC Storyworks APAC" ?
Men, eh ?
The people that the BBC invites to judge their local radio awards are still wandering from the key message. Last night, Toby Foster won Gold Gillard for best breakfast with Radio Sheffield. Sheffield also won station of the year. Second was Radio Merseyside, where Tony Snell presides at breakfast; third was Radio Humberside, with morning jock James Piesko.
In the spirit of re-invention, Radio Sheffield's Naked Podcast won Kat Harbourne and Jenny Eells the joint title of Best Presenter. Expect a surge of interest in past episodes, including "An ode to our vaginas: “Red tongue, front bum, vulva or a prune"
In the spirit of re-invention, Radio Sheffield's Naked Podcast won Kat Harbourne and Jenny Eells the joint title of Best Presenter. Expect a surge of interest in past episodes, including "An ode to our vaginas: “Red tongue, front bum, vulva or a prune"
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Rustle
I'm surprised there's been no Twitter-flutter at the new arrival on Newsnight - yet another paper review.
The show now ends with up to five minutes of discussion of "comment" pieces from the next day's papers, reviewed, so far, by women journalists - Polly Toynbee, Deborah Orr, Rachel Sylvester, Katy Balls and Pippa Crerar.
Whatever the hacks' appearance fees, this is cheap tv. One producer to block book the guests weeks ahead; one to hand hold and sort the graphics on the night. And it makes it easier for the studio director to bring the show out on time.... Be braver, Esme.
The show now ends with up to five minutes of discussion of "comment" pieces from the next day's papers, reviewed, so far, by women journalists - Polly Toynbee, Deborah Orr, Rachel Sylvester, Katy Balls and Pippa Crerar.
Whatever the hacks' appearance fees, this is cheap tv. One producer to block book the guests weeks ahead; one to hand hold and sort the graphics on the night. And it makes it easier for the studio director to bring the show out on time.... Be braver, Esme.
Wide open spaces
The BBC has published its pay grades for public service broadcasting jobs. It doesn't include "Senior Management Grades 1 and 2", now branded "L" for Leader. Note, in fair and equal pay, two people can be in Band F, and have salaries £50k apart....
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Content availability framework
BBC Board Minutes for October: there is a strategy for attracting younger audiences, but we're not giving much away...
4 Re-inventing the BBC for Younger Audiences
4.1 The Board considered a review of the pan BBC approach to re-invention for younger
audiences, with a focus on young adults. The paper outlined the ambitious mid-term
goals and described how the BBC needed to provide services that were useful and
interesting every day and personally relevant and easy to find. The paper
summarised the current plans and highlighted how they would underpin the goals. It
also presented the opportunity to review the audience metrics and define a more
meaningful set of measures to reflect new media habits.
And something is happening with UKTV, Video on Demand and Innovation, but either secretly or slowly...
5. UKTV
[paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 redacted for commercial confidentiality]
5.1 The Board noted an update on discussions with DCI/Discovery regarding the future of
UKTV.
6. UK Video on Demand Strategy
[paragraph 6.1 and 6.2 redacted for commercial confidentiality]
6.1 The Board discussed a paper which set out the proposed approach to Video on Demand
(VoD) in the UK for feedback, discussion and further development, including how iPlayer
could be transformed into a destination through a new content availability framework;
7 Innovation Review
7.1 This item was postponed until a future meeting
B-
Damian Collins and His DCMS Select Committee Swing Band are still beating the BBC eight to the bar over pay for men and women.
Lord Hall and his team sent tons of homework in, on December 18, but the MPs remain unimpressed.
"We are very disappointed that the BBC has failed to acknowledge that a pay discrimination problem exists within the Corporation. We are aware of ongoing concerns among female staff at the BBC. We believe that, had we not decided to undertake our inquiry, internal BBC action may not have been initiated in the same way. It should not take a select committee inquiry for action to be precipitated. We will continue to monitor the situation regarding pay discrimination, including talking to BBC employees and presenters, and will take further evidence from senior management over the course of the next six months.
"We were disappointed that the BBC has failed to set specific targets for tackling discrimination. We were also frustrated to note the Corporation’s continued references to the ‘gender pay gap’ and ‘fair pay’ as opposed to unequal pay (a completely different matter and an unlawful practice, as described in our Report). In the BBC’s 2018–19 Annual Report, we expect to see clear evidence of progress on pay discrimination, including measurable indicators, and a commitment to use of the correct terminology—which, for issues of pay discrimination should be ‘unequal pay’ not ‘gender pay gap’ or ‘fair pay’.
"We found the BBC’s response on transparency within pay bands to be weak; implementing a gender breakdown of the numbers of men and women in each quartile would empower staff on equal pay, in absence of full transparency. We urge the BBC to make quick progress in its further consideration of the recommendation, and will seek an update upon publication of the Corporation’s Annual Report."
Lord Hall and his team sent tons of homework in, on December 18, but the MPs remain unimpressed.
"We are very disappointed that the BBC has failed to acknowledge that a pay discrimination problem exists within the Corporation. We are aware of ongoing concerns among female staff at the BBC. We believe that, had we not decided to undertake our inquiry, internal BBC action may not have been initiated in the same way. It should not take a select committee inquiry for action to be precipitated. We will continue to monitor the situation regarding pay discrimination, including talking to BBC employees and presenters, and will take further evidence from senior management over the course of the next six months.
"We were disappointed that the BBC has failed to set specific targets for tackling discrimination. We were also frustrated to note the Corporation’s continued references to the ‘gender pay gap’ and ‘fair pay’ as opposed to unequal pay (a completely different matter and an unlawful practice, as described in our Report). In the BBC’s 2018–19 Annual Report, we expect to see clear evidence of progress on pay discrimination, including measurable indicators, and a commitment to use of the correct terminology—which, for issues of pay discrimination should be ‘unequal pay’ not ‘gender pay gap’ or ‘fair pay’.
"We found the BBC’s response on transparency within pay bands to be weak; implementing a gender breakdown of the numbers of men and women in each quartile would empower staff on equal pay, in absence of full transparency. We urge the BBC to make quick progress in its further consideration of the recommendation, and will seek an update upon publication of the Corporation’s Annual Report."
Magic number
How's Radio 3 taking the arrival of new challenger Scala Radio ? Top journalist and tv broadcaster John Simpson is one early loss.
" I firmly believe that using the classical and other resources of the BBC we can help keep classical music in great shape – with a pipeline of new talent, new repertoire from an expanded canon as we explore new composers and ones from the past who have been forgotten, and reflect the great things the industry as a whole is doing. We can do things for the industry and help amplify what the industry does in a way that no one else can, helped by the licence fee.
"As an industry, there’s a lot of good things going on. I want us here at the BBC to be able to work with the entire industry to continue to offer amazing things to the public – of whatever age – but in particular to get younger audiences to step through a door of discovery into a world where there is something to enhance anyone’s life. Music is a thing of intrinsic beauty and is a great way to understand humanity through the achievements of composing and performance. It’s a gift we can give all audiences and lets work together to do that."
Controller Radio 3 Alan Davey has bashed out an optimistic blog for the BPI website; I rather hope this is a first draft, and he'll be back for a re-write that improves style and sense...I'm a committed Radio 3 listener, but when Simon Mayo— John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) January 22, 2019
starts at the new classical music station Scala I'll be tuning in. How could my employers, the BBC, have let him slip from their grasp?
" I firmly believe that using the classical and other resources of the BBC we can help keep classical music in great shape – with a pipeline of new talent, new repertoire from an expanded canon as we explore new composers and ones from the past who have been forgotten, and reflect the great things the industry as a whole is doing. We can do things for the industry and help amplify what the industry does in a way that no one else can, helped by the licence fee.
"As an industry, there’s a lot of good things going on. I want us here at the BBC to be able to work with the entire industry to continue to offer amazing things to the public – of whatever age – but in particular to get younger audiences to step through a door of discovery into a world where there is something to enhance anyone’s life. Music is a thing of intrinsic beauty and is a great way to understand humanity through the achievements of composing and performance. It’s a gift we can give all audiences and lets work together to do that."
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Alpers
The BBC's Business Editor Simon Jack is in Davos, which seems fair enough, given the IMF stuff this morning. Simon has also presented the Today programme, and might have coped with the difficult David Attenborough pre-record, which is the key contribution so far from Nick Robinson.
Nick also appeared throughout last night's imagine on political playwright James Graham. Presumably he was there to balance Lord Mandelson.
Nick also appeared throughout last night's imagine on political playwright James Graham. Presumably he was there to balance Lord Mandelson.
Simples
The BBC needs a Head of Delivery & PMO - Content Production Workflow
Basically, "reporting into the Director, Content Production Workflows, the Head of the PMO will be the lead representative for CPW into the pan-BBC Delivery co-ordination group."
Basically, "reporting into the Director, Content Production Workflows, the Head of the PMO will be the lead representative for CPW into the pan-BBC Delivery co-ordination group."
Mayo with strings
The news that Bauer are creating a new classical (but fun) radio station, to be called Scala, built around Simon Mayo, was a well-kept secret.
It's going to replace pop station Heat in the Bauer DAB portfolio. Heat was launched in 2003, and currently attracts 638,000 listeners a week - down from a peak close to 1m. You may not have heard of its jocks - Emily Segal, Alex Duffy and Jordan Lee - who will, from March 4th, be available online.
The Bauer strategy is bold. They've recently acquired Planet Rock and Jazz FM. I'm guessing they've looked at two things - a Radio 2 audience that might be ready to stray from a line-up that now screams "80s", and a wider audience bored with the preparation needed for downloading podcasts and streaming on long regular car journeys.
So think of it as Radio 2 with Instrumentals, rather than Classic FM Lite. Simon Mayo, running from 10am to 1pm is up against a pretty robotic part of the Classic schedule, and if he can mix books, films and games, with Star Wars, Albatross, Also Sprach Zarathustra etc from the wheels of steel, he might bring a healthy 500k of his 6m Radio 2 listeners across. Another star name in the schedule might be useful. The team photo from Scala, with Goldie photo-shopped in as a weekend host, suggests a state of flux.
One trick they may have missed is the names. Presumably we're meant to cross-associate La Scala Milan, with Scala, the King's Cross cinema beloved of Mark Kermode. Presumably Essoldo and Regal didn't tickle the focus groups.
But Scala is irritatingly way down the alphabet for those of us on old-tuning DAB sets.
Allegro may be permanently damaged by British Leyland, but surely Andante was worth a try ?
It's going to replace pop station Heat in the Bauer DAB portfolio. Heat was launched in 2003, and currently attracts 638,000 listeners a week - down from a peak close to 1m. You may not have heard of its jocks - Emily Segal, Alex Duffy and Jordan Lee - who will, from March 4th, be available online.
The Bauer strategy is bold. They've recently acquired Planet Rock and Jazz FM. I'm guessing they've looked at two things - a Radio 2 audience that might be ready to stray from a line-up that now screams "80s", and a wider audience bored with the preparation needed for downloading podcasts and streaming on long regular car journeys.
So think of it as Radio 2 with Instrumentals, rather than Classic FM Lite. Simon Mayo, running from 10am to 1pm is up against a pretty robotic part of the Classic schedule, and if he can mix books, films and games, with Star Wars, Albatross, Also Sprach Zarathustra etc from the wheels of steel, he might bring a healthy 500k of his 6m Radio 2 listeners across. Another star name in the schedule might be useful. The team photo from Scala, with Goldie photo-shopped in as a weekend host, suggests a state of flux.
One trick they may have missed is the names. Presumably we're meant to cross-associate La Scala Milan, with Scala, the King's Cross cinema beloved of Mark Kermode. Presumably Essoldo and Regal didn't tickle the focus groups.
But Scala is irritatingly way down the alphabet for those of us on old-tuning DAB sets.
Allegro may be permanently damaged by British Leyland, but surely Andante was worth a try ?
Open book
The early, completely made-up odds from TradingAsWDR in the Radio 4 Controller Hurdle for Novices favour fillies, as the Purnell Stables are overstocked with a combination of stallions and geldings.
8/1 Someone James Purnell knows in Salford - Alice Webb ?
10/1 Dame Jenni Murray
10/1 Dame Judi Dench
12/1 Dame Mary Beard
14/1 Sarah Sands (18 mths radio experience - more than enough)
20/1 Fi Glover and Jane Garvey (jobshare)
50/1 Pam Ayres
100/1= Corrie Corfield
Sophie Raworth
Anastasia Steele
500/1 Liz Kershaw
8/1 Someone James Purnell knows in Salford - Alice Webb ?
10/1 Dame Jenni Murray
10/1 Dame Judi Dench
12/1 Dame Mary Beard
14/1 Sarah Sands (18 mths radio experience - more than enough)
20/1 Fi Glover and Jane Garvey (jobshare)
50/1 Pam Ayres
100/1= Corrie Corfield
Sophie Raworth
Anastasia Steele
500/1 Liz Kershaw
Monday, January 21, 2019
Re-invention pipeline
Gwyneth Williams, 65, is stepping down as Controller of Radio 4 after over eight years in the job - the second longest post-holder since Michael Green.
There's a full list of stuff she's done at the BBC Media Centre, plus tributes from the Radio Management Glitter Twins, James Purnell and Bob Shennan.
Changes under Gwyneth: The World At One is 15 minutes longer, Midweek and Libby Purves have gone; Saturday Review wouldn't lie down. Still in the Radio 4 schedule from launch in 1967: The Archers, Desert Island Discs, Today, The World At One, Farming Today, Brain of Britain, Round Britain Quiz, The Six O'Clock News, A Book At Bedtime, The Shipping Forecast, From Our Own Correspondent, The Daily Service, Pick of The Week and Any Answers.
Radio 4 - Your First Choice for Radical Change.
There's a full list of stuff she's done at the BBC Media Centre, plus tributes from the Radio Management Glitter Twins, James Purnell and Bob Shennan.
Changes under Gwyneth: The World At One is 15 minutes longer, Midweek and Libby Purves have gone; Saturday Review wouldn't lie down. Still in the Radio 4 schedule from launch in 1967: The Archers, Desert Island Discs, Today, The World At One, Farming Today, Brain of Britain, Round Britain Quiz, The Six O'Clock News, A Book At Bedtime, The Shipping Forecast, From Our Own Correspondent, The Daily Service, Pick of The Week and Any Answers.
Radio 4 - Your First Choice for Radical Change.
All pistes open
So far this year we have "10 Things You Didn't Know About Davos", by Katie Hope. Katie's Twitter profile says she's a freelance, and we have no idea if she's actually there. And there's a companion video "What exactly is Davos ?", by correspondent Joe Miller, which looks like it was filmed in front of a green screen.
The UK's key delegates ? David Attenborough and Prince William. I'll keep you in touch if and when others turn up...
Sunday, January 20, 2019
How news worked
Readers who noted the death of Kevin Ruane might appreciate this letter, unashamedly lifted from the London Review of Books, from former BBC Foreign Duty Editor and Occasional Man in Moscow, Graham Webb....
BBC World Service news editors have always reacted with terror when they realise they might actually have a scoop. When I worked in BBC News and Current Affairs in the 1970s I was aware of one correspondent who repeatedly had scoops that External Services (radio) news editors were too nervous to touch. This was the Moscow correspondent Kevin Ruane, who died a few weeks ago at the age of 86. He had such good news sense and mastery of Russian that he got stories from Soviet dissidents no other journalist had. The rule was that if a BBC correspondent or reporter had the story, the desk should run it; it did not require the otherwise statutory confirmation from an independent ‘second source’. Despite this, Bush House news editors would always chicken out and decline Ruane’s scoops. His tactic became systematically to give his scoops to the Daily Telegraph’s Moscow man Richard Beeston. When the early edition of the Telegraph landed on the World Service news desk, Ruane was rung up by the next shift and asked if he could match Beeston’s dispatch; as its source, he obviously could, and did so immediately. If the news editors had been doing their job the story could by then have been running on all BBC outlets for many hours.
Graham Webb
Saint-Mandé, France
BBC World Service news editors have always reacted with terror when they realise they might actually have a scoop. When I worked in BBC News and Current Affairs in the 1970s I was aware of one correspondent who repeatedly had scoops that External Services (radio) news editors were too nervous to touch. This was the Moscow correspondent Kevin Ruane, who died a few weeks ago at the age of 86. He had such good news sense and mastery of Russian that he got stories from Soviet dissidents no other journalist had. The rule was that if a BBC correspondent or reporter had the story, the desk should run it; it did not require the otherwise statutory confirmation from an independent ‘second source’. Despite this, Bush House news editors would always chicken out and decline Ruane’s scoops. His tactic became systematically to give his scoops to the Daily Telegraph’s Moscow man Richard Beeston. When the early edition of the Telegraph landed on the World Service news desk, Ruane was rung up by the next shift and asked if he could match Beeston’s dispatch; as its source, he obviously could, and did so immediately. If the news editors had been doing their job the story could by then have been running on all BBC outlets for many hours.
Graham Webb
Saint-Mandé, France
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Charlotte's web
For those of you who have found the latest Fortunately podcast, now available less exclusively on BBC Sounds (and more easily through the superior iPlayer Radio app, and internationally by visiting the BBC Sounds website) you'll hear a brief 'explanation' of the strategy from a woman identified only as Charlotte. This is Charlotte Lock, Launch Director of BBC Sounds, who claimed making this podcast available only on BBC Sounds was an 'experiment', to drive subscribers to BBC Sounds so that the BBC can pick up more data on them, and make their lives even lovelier.
I'm delighted to say that Fi's ears pricked up at this, and although they all ended up joshing about identifying eligible wealthly heterosexual males, I suspect this isn't the only conversation Fi and Jane have had with their bosses about this cack-handed strategy. I wonder if they know Charlotte's on £183,500 p.a. Alan Davey, the Controller of Radio 3, is on £171k; Jonathan Wall, running Radio 5Live is on £147,841; and Mary Hockaday, Controller, World Service English is on £168,800.
I'm delighted to say that Fi's ears pricked up at this, and although they all ended up joshing about identifying eligible wealthly heterosexual males, I suspect this isn't the only conversation Fi and Jane have had with their bosses about this cack-handed strategy. I wonder if they know Charlotte's on £183,500 p.a. Alan Davey, the Controller of Radio 3, is on £171k; Jonathan Wall, running Radio 5Live is on £147,841; and Mary Hockaday, Controller, World Service English is on £168,800.
Shell like
The end of January is barely in sight,and the slow, deep thinkers at Tortoise have already announced the topics of their think-ins for February - motherhood, #MeToo and what it means to be British.
There's a sensation of the centre pages of a broadsheet here, and Tortoise is also releasing to open reading some articles, by staffers and starry freelances, just as The Times and Telegraph selectively lift their paywalls.
If you're feeling left out from this concerned, supra-academic approach to hackery, take a look at this video of a practice 'think-in' and assess how much fun you'd have in taking part.
There's a sensation of the centre pages of a broadsheet here, and Tortoise is also releasing to open reading some articles, by staffers and starry freelances, just as The Times and Telegraph selectively lift their paywalls.
If you're feeling left out from this concerned, supra-academic approach to hackery, take a look at this video of a practice 'think-in' and assess how much fun you'd have in taking part.
Friday, January 18, 2019
Podded off
The latest Midas survey from the radio audience figure research team RAJAR shows a slight drop in podcast listening, quarter on quarter. 6.9 million people a week used a podcast in the Autumn, 13% of the population; 6.5m a week tried a podcast in Winter, 12% of the population. I'm sure it's a blip.
The Winter survey shows that 22% of those asked said they listened all podcasts they downloaded; 38% listened to 'most of them'. And then, 67% said they listened to complete podcasts, with 22% saying they stayed with 'most of them'.
The Winter survey shows that 22% of those asked said they listened all podcasts they downloaded; 38% listened to 'most of them'. And then, 67% said they listened to complete podcasts, with 22% saying they stayed with 'most of them'.
Where next ?
Janine Gibson, once courted by Mark Thompson for the NYT, is leaving Buzzfeed UK after three years' at the helm as Editor-in-Chief.
Mmmm. Does BBC News still have a vacancy for a Digital Director ?
Mmmm. Does BBC News still have a vacancy for a Digital Director ?
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Anne-d-over
Five full financial years later she's announced her departure as Deputy DG, looking to set up a portfolio of non-executive roles - she heads to her sixtieth birthday in September. She's kept Lord Hall on the straight and increasingly narrow, stripping millions out of business plans quietly and firmly - and, it has to be said, with a minimum of disruption. But the road ahead looks likely to dwindle further, from a bridleway to a footpath, if the Over-75s Licence Fee consultation ends badly - and it's probably time for someone with a new set of iron-tipped walking sticks and satnav to lead rambler Lord Hall in the right direction.
Is there room for re-invention of the role ? Could the nuts and bolts of the operation be left to Anne's No 2, Glyn Isherwood, and the Deputy DG responsibility passed to another executive ? That's a possibility, with Lord Hall set on hanging in there til the centenary of 2022, and will keep me amused for weeks.
Meanwhile, thanks to Ms Bulford for providing this blog with a good number of posts over the years. My favourite - from a Public Accounts Committee of 2015
Margaret Hodge: "You're avoiding the question"
Anne Bulford "Not yet..."
Premier Out
BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie has told his team that he won't be using his commercial brain and muscular legs in the service of the Premier League after all.
This comes three weeks after Susan Dinnage did a volte-face on the top job, and the recruitment process of November, where Davie was apparently runner-up, was revisited.
BBC Sport informs us that Mr Davie "has now decided he is happy at the BBC."
This comes three weeks after Susan Dinnage did a volte-face on the top job, and the recruitment process of November, where Davie was apparently runner-up, was revisited.
BBC Sport informs us that Mr Davie "has now decided he is happy at the BBC."
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
England re-invented
They're calling it the biggest change to the structure of BBC England in 50 years. And if in doubt about reinvention, why not restructure ?
There are currently ten head of regions and a head of digital. These posts will close. There will be six new senior editorial roles - a Head of News, a Head of TV Commissioning, and four regional leads covering the North, the Midlands, the East and South East and the West and South West. Chris Burns, who was announced last year as the Head of Audio and Digital, will continue to lead local radio. It means the number of senior managers will reduce from eleven to eight. (And the redundancy money comes from a central pot).
There are currently ten head of regions and a head of digital. These posts will close. There will be six new senior editorial roles - a Head of News, a Head of TV Commissioning, and four regional leads covering the North, the Midlands, the East and South East and the West and South West. Chris Burns, who was announced last year as the Head of Audio and Digital, will continue to lead local radio. It means the number of senior managers will reduce from eleven to eight. (And the redundancy money comes from a central pot).
Totting up
Some figures from last night's Meaningless Vote coverage
BBC News: 4.9m (31.1%)
ITV News at Ten: 1.7m (11.4%)
Newsnight: 0.86m (8.3%)
Politics Live Special (BBC2, 7pm): 1.88m (9.4%)
Channel 4 News: 0.80m (4.0%)
BBC News: 4.9m (31.1%)
ITV News at Ten: 1.7m (11.4%)
Newsnight: 0.86m (8.3%)
Politics Live Special (BBC2, 7pm): 1.88m (9.4%)
Channel 4 News: 0.80m (4.0%)
Scratchy
Big news days are not without internal tensions at the BBC.
The BBC News Channel simulcast the BBC2 Politics Live special with Andrew Neil, occasionally adding its own 'Breaking News' boxes. Neil, picking up editor Rob Burley's questions off his screen, had most fun pulling the wings off Matt Hancock.
Newsnight had a complex intro, and failed to line up the right sounds. Then Emily Maitlis appeared, dressed as an extra from Blade Runner 2049, and ran through Matt Hancock again. All back again for another predictable vote tonight.
Thanks a lot @EvanHD - #bbcpm suggesting people can watch the vote on BBC2 or Sky News. No mention of our own channel. #unbelievable— Simon McCoy (@BBCSimonMcCoy) January 15, 2019
The BBC News Channel simulcast the BBC2 Politics Live special with Andrew Neil, occasionally adding its own 'Breaking News' boxes. Neil, picking up editor Rob Burley's questions off his screen, had most fun pulling the wings off Matt Hancock.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Carrie on
Carrie Gracie returned to BBC News yesterday, after six months off. Not an entirely glitch-free resumption of the saddle of presentation, for those of who you haven't heard it already...
Best news blooper ever made just now on the BBC pic.twitter.com/MnG6gdEJdc— Tony Morris (@ChroMo12345) January 14, 2019
Clawed feet
The first day of chelonian news, from Tortoisemedia.com, brought subscribers around fifteen minutes of reading.
Top story: an investigation into the over-prescription of opioids in the UK; a profile of Andy Murray, written by Simon Barnes (who left the Times around the same time as James Harding); a piece arguing that popular music artiste R Kelly's time in the limelight is over; a piece explaining the important news that sausages should not be classified as 'processed' red meat; a shorter piece looking at the arguments for a wealth tax; and a cartoon.
Certainly not a Westminster agenda, but probably not a global agenda.
Top story: an investigation into the over-prescription of opioids in the UK; a profile of Andy Murray, written by Simon Barnes (who left the Times around the same time as James Harding); a piece arguing that popular music artiste R Kelly's time in the limelight is over; a piece explaining the important news that sausages should not be classified as 'processed' red meat; a shorter piece looking at the arguments for a wealth tax; and a cartoon.
Certainly not a Westminster agenda, but probably not a global agenda.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Studious
"Our two revolving kitchens will ensure a constant supply of the best chefs, restaurants, street-food operators and emerging culinary talent that London has to offer. Changing on an ongoing basis, W12 will deliver two new operators each month."
The first three 'operators':
Cue Point - barbecue from the previous Head Chef of Pitt Cue, Joshua Moroney
Zoe's Ghana Kitchen - Zoe Adjonyoh's West African cuisine to West London
The Piadana Project - thin Italian ‘Piadina’ flatbreads filled with fried chicken, hash browns, pancetta, soft cheeses and pesto mayo.
Not so fast
It's the first official day of 'publishing' for James Harding's slow news venture, Tortoise Media. They couldn't have picked a more frenetic week.
Since we last looked, the operation has picked up three researchers fresh from one-year courses at City University, and the services of Mr Harding's managing editor at the BBC (and old Times confidante), Keith Blackmore who describes himself as "Something, something, Editor". It looks like he's combining slow news with his vinyl record shop in Brighton.
Since we last looked, the operation has picked up three researchers fresh from one-year courses at City University, and the services of Mr Harding's managing editor at the BBC (and old Times confidante), Keith Blackmore who describes himself as "Something, something, Editor". It looks like he's combining slow news with his vinyl record shop in Brighton.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Churchman
Readers may remember Andrew Caspari from Radio Merseyside, or from editing credits on Today, or as a Commissioning Editor on Radio, and more recently Head of Digital for BBC Radio.
He's moving into Europe, or at least the C of E in Europe, to be Chief Operating Officer for the Diocese in Europe. But based in Tufton Street.
He's moving into Europe, or at least the C of E in Europe, to be Chief Operating Officer for the Diocese in Europe. But based in Tufton Street.
Withdrawal symptoms
Podnews reports a shift in the BBC's position over the Fortunately podcast.
"The BBC tells us that this is part of an "exclusivity trial" for BBC Sounds, and only affects the first four episodes this season. The programme will also be released on the BBC iPlayer Radio app, which is available worldwide. All four episodes will be released on all platforms after a 30-day window."
A retreat worthy of W1A. Coming soon: The BBC launches a weekly free newspaper, available only in Waitrose. Just as daft....
"The BBC tells us that this is part of an "exclusivity trial" for BBC Sounds, and only affects the first four episodes this season. The programme will also be released on the BBC iPlayer Radio app, which is available worldwide. All four episodes will be released on all platforms after a 30-day window."
A retreat worthy of W1A. Coming soon: The BBC launches a weekly free newspaper, available only in Waitrose. Just as daft....
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Say what you mean
Channel 4 is looking for a new weekday chat-show live from Leeds. I'm never comfortable with commissioners' briefing documents. In what way is a "defining face" not simply a first-rate presenter ?
"We’d prefer you didn’t think about presenters, but rather about defining faces. If you think of Ellen or Oprah in the US, or how Piers Morgan has transformed Good Morning Britain - who are the names that could define this new show? They may well not be from TV, but instead from politics or film, journalism or music. But they must have a point of view and be compelling and charismatic enough to add a tone and flavour to the show that feels C4 and makes you want to watch every day.
"If the budget can be made to work, we are keen to use the show to break new talent alongside the main name, so pitches should include ideas in this area.
"Talent names must be attached to submissions - with interest secured - and that needs to include a commitment to delivering the series from Leeds."
More such double-speak litters the whole thing.
"We’d prefer you didn’t think about presenters, but rather about defining faces. If you think of Ellen or Oprah in the US, or how Piers Morgan has transformed Good Morning Britain - who are the names that could define this new show? They may well not be from TV, but instead from politics or film, journalism or music. But they must have a point of view and be compelling and charismatic enough to add a tone and flavour to the show that feels C4 and makes you want to watch every day.
"If the budget can be made to work, we are keen to use the show to break new talent alongside the main name, so pitches should include ideas in this area.
"Talent names must be attached to submissions - with interest secured - and that needs to include a commitment to delivering the series from Leeds."
More such double-speak litters the whole thing.
Ice cream wars
If you're a subscriber to the BBC Radio 4 podcast Fortunately via iTunes, this is what you get instead of episode 76.
This new exclusivity rankles with many.
I wonder if the BBC has thoroughly 'gamed' this move. What happens if iTunes respond by dropping all BBC podcasts from their platform ? I note, en passant, that there are now no BBC offers in the iTunes UK Top Ten 'chart'.
This new exclusivity rankles with many.
I adore Fortunately and it hurts my heart to give it up. Even abroad, it’s not difficult to get access to the BBC Sounds app, but I don’t want to be another data point validating the BBC’s move. 😞 What happens if they do it to their other podcasts? 😢— Ryan Dotson (@nostodnayr) January 12, 2019
@BBCR4Feedback could BBC colleagues stop referring to #Fortunately as a “podcast” - it isn’t one any more. It’s not freely downloadable.— Stephen North (@StephenNorth3) January 11, 2019
Seriously? What overpaid, talent-free, BBC numpty thought it would be a good idea to make Fortunately exclusive to the crappy BBC Sounds ?— Andrew Brooks (@taxbod) January 12, 2019
I wonder if the BBC has thoroughly 'gamed' this move. What happens if iTunes respond by dropping all BBC podcasts from their platform ? I note, en passant, that there are now no BBC offers in the iTunes UK Top Ten 'chart'.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Fruity
In the world of podcasts, some pretty firm social media raspberries are to be heard in the Twittersphere, angry that "Fortunately with Fi and Jane" will now only be available via the BBC Sounds app.
There's a hint of reconsideration here from the Editor of Radio 4 Interactive.
There's a hint of reconsideration here from the Editor of Radio 4 Interactive.
As one loyal reader points out, if it's only available on one, proprietary app (which doesn't always work outside the UK), it's not really a podcast, is it ?Me again #Fortunately folks. I've been in touch with the @BBCSounds team to ,make them aware of all the feedback coming back on this thread. Please do carry on letting us know where the issues are. And thanks as ever for your love of the podcast.— Rhian Roberts (@Rhiroberts) January 10, 2019
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Availability
The Fortunately podcast, featuring Jane Garvey and Fi Glover, returns this week after the Christmas break. In an interesting move, it will only be available via the BBCSounds app. The first 75 episodes have been widely available on other apps and platforms (some below), so it'll take something of a hit in total downloads until subscribers outside the BBC spot what's going on. Someone, somewhere's being quite aggressive about the need to make BBC Sounds a success....
Player FM
Acast
iTunes
Google Podcasts
Pod Paradise
Castbox
Radio Public
Breaker
Player FM
Acast
iTunes
Google Podcasts
Pod Paradise
Castbox
Radio Public
Breaker
Reactive and organic
Should a short-of-money BBC be producing content that lives almost entirely on social media ? Is that now, semi-officially, broadcasting ?
I say this prompted by two job ads for a Social Producer and Assistant Social Producer to work on BBC Body Positive. Body Positive had a previous outing on BBC Sport, answering important questions such as "Is social media destroying your self-esteem ?"
Now Factual are taking the lead for another go. Here's their brief, without comment...
BBC Body Positive is a reinvented initiative that will live primarily on Instagram and
Twitter with a longer-term home on BBC Three online, YouTube and iPlayer. This brief
outlines the ambition for content across these platforms.
Why are we doing this? Why now?
16-21 year-olds are increasingly struggling to break through the surface and noise of
social media while coming to terms with their identity, body image and mental health at
a vulnerable and critical age. BBC Body Positive aims to be the conversational hub that
helps them work through these issues in a way that’s authentic, innovative and
community-led. We’ll be reactive, organic and deliver content to them in the spaces they
already live.
Who are we trying to reach?
16-21 year-olds, with a focus on young women but inclusive of all genders. These young
people live and breathe online, particularly in the social space, which is where our
content will primarily live.
Body Positive will guide them through the issues they face no matter how big or small,
silly or serious. We will curate and deliver advice and information they can trust and be
inspired by, driven by what is important to THEM, from coping with anxiety to working
out what to wear to a first date.
Tone
Innovative, risk-taking, bold, honest, authentic, sharable, reflecting the audience, warm,
surprising
I say this prompted by two job ads for a Social Producer and Assistant Social Producer to work on BBC Body Positive. Body Positive had a previous outing on BBC Sport, answering important questions such as "Is social media destroying your self-esteem ?"
Now Factual are taking the lead for another go. Here's their brief, without comment...
BBC Body Positive is a reinvented initiative that will live primarily on Instagram and
Twitter with a longer-term home on BBC Three online, YouTube and iPlayer. This brief
outlines the ambition for content across these platforms.
Why are we doing this? Why now?
16-21 year-olds are increasingly struggling to break through the surface and noise of
social media while coming to terms with their identity, body image and mental health at
a vulnerable and critical age. BBC Body Positive aims to be the conversational hub that
helps them work through these issues in a way that’s authentic, innovative and
community-led. We’ll be reactive, organic and deliver content to them in the spaces they
already live.
Who are we trying to reach?
16-21 year-olds, with a focus on young women but inclusive of all genders. These young
people live and breathe online, particularly in the social space, which is where our
content will primarily live.
Body Positive will guide them through the issues they face no matter how big or small,
silly or serious. We will curate and deliver advice and information they can trust and be
inspired by, driven by what is important to THEM, from coping with anxiety to working
out what to wear to a first date.
Tone
Innovative, risk-taking, bold, honest, authentic, sharable, reflecting the audience, warm,
surprising
Tina turns
With five days to go to launch, the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Radio 2 has finally signed a regular newsreader. Tina Daheley, after a busy summer of tv cover gigs, has joined to replace Moira Stuart - too late to join in this week's live pilots at Wogan House.
Moira was on £160k+. Tina, on £150k+ last year, moves into 2019 with an interesting portfolio - including voice-over on Points of View and co-hosting the Beyond Today podcast. Let's hope Shoreditch agent Tim Beaumont has nudged her onwards and upwards.
Moira was on £160k+. Tina, on £150k+ last year, moves into 2019 with an interesting portfolio - including voice-over on Points of View and co-hosting the Beyond Today podcast. Let's hope Shoreditch agent Tim Beaumont has nudged her onwards and upwards.
Trickery
It feels like we're in the middle of a constitutional crisis, with current tv reporting likely to end up as part of history programmes in years ahead. But future viewers of The History Channel will be scratching their heads at last night's BBC News 'feature' on 'The Deal'. John Pienaar went to Chelmsford market with not one but two devices/conceits in a 3.40 piece. Facebook questions on screen, and a magician doing card tricks. John posed the questions and answered them, rather quickly.
Normally, within News, there is a calming, senior editorial figure who reminds producers - just tell the story straight. Let's hope Kamal Ahmed steps forward at this morning's meetings...
Normally, within News, there is a calming, senior editorial figure who reminds producers - just tell the story straight. Let's hope Kamal Ahmed steps forward at this morning's meetings...
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Obsessed
The BBC drama investment team has an anxious weekend ahead. Les Miserables opened with an overnight audience of 4.5m, which consolidated over seven days to 5.9m. The second episode was down to 3.6m in the overnights, and the third, this weekend, is up against ITV's national treasure Vera, played by Brenda Blethyn.
There are six episodes in all of the Andrew Davies interpretation - think Eastenders in Belgium in the 1830s - and still some viewers are wondering where the songs have gone. The producers tried to make it clear this was different to the Schonberg-Boublil-Kretzmer musical by choosing theme music from LA-based Scouse composer John Murphy. He's responded with a pulsing piano piece more suitable for Scandi-noir. All very confusing for the over-34s.
There are six episodes in all of the Andrew Davies interpretation - think Eastenders in Belgium in the 1830s - and still some viewers are wondering where the songs have gone. The producers tried to make it clear this was different to the Schonberg-Boublil-Kretzmer musical by choosing theme music from LA-based Scouse composer John Murphy. He's responded with a pulsing piano piece more suitable for Scandi-noir. All very confusing for the over-34s.
Contrarian
The Telegraph thinks that the new owners of Johnston Press have found a new chairman. They point to Parm Sandhu, a Cambridge maths graduate who's run several European media operations, and is now a serial non-exec and turnround specialiast.
Parm says he "loves taking a contrarian view, where I believe that the market has either overreacted to, or even written off a business because it's going through a difficult period".
Parm's one big regret ? As CEO of German cable firm Unity Media, he bowed to pressure from backers to sell the business to Liberty Media for £3.5bn back in 2009. In 2018, Vodafone acquired Unity Media for £18bn.
Parm says he "loves taking a contrarian view, where I believe that the market has either overreacted to, or even written off a business because it's going through a difficult period".
Parm's one big regret ? As CEO of German cable firm Unity Media, he bowed to pressure from backers to sell the business to Liberty Media for £3.5bn back in 2009. In 2018, Vodafone acquired Unity Media for £18bn.
Insufficient boxes
Indie radio producer Victoria Ferran is among those who have spotted that, despite the BBC's commitment to "The Arts", there is no "Arts" category on the new BBC Sounds app. This is odd, as both The App and The Arts are in the custody of Radio and Education Director, James Purnell.
Hey @bbcsounds - Are you also aware that LOADS of @bbcradio4 and @bbcworldservice ARTS documentaries don’t show up in the doc section of the app? So it’s impossible to find them unless you know the name or look at the network schedule. Esp as there’s no arts category either— Victoria Ferran (@radio_vicky) January 9, 2019
For example the 11.30 arts doc yesterday on @bbcradio4 isn’t on the doc category Nor is the 4pm R4 arts doc (which could be because it’s a repeat). Nor is yesterday’s In The Studio from @bbcworldservice— Victoria Ferran (@radio_vicky) January 9, 2019
That’s just one day - so there must be a tremendous amount of arts content on the @bbcsounds app that’s only accessible to those who know the schedules or have a @RadioTimes in their lap. Or am I missing something here?— Victoria Ferran (@radio_vicky) January 9, 2019
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Alexa, buy presents
Hat-tip to Podnews for stats showing that a smart speaker was THE American Christmas present this year.
The total number of speakers in US homes is up 78% year on year. 21% of the population have at least one smart speaker - the average household has 2.3, up from 1.7 last year.
8% of people in the U.S. got a smart speaker between Black Friday and the end of December 2018. 14m got their first smart speaker device in 2018.
The total number of speakers in US homes is up 78% year on year. 21% of the population have at least one smart speaker - the average household has 2.3, up from 1.7 last year.
8% of people in the U.S. got a smart speaker between Black Friday and the end of December 2018. 14m got their first smart speaker device in 2018.
Protectionism
The stats supporting the BBC's case for 'more stuff, available for much longer' on iPlayer reveal a turn-round on the MySpace scale.
iPlayer was launched at the end of 2007, and by 2014 had 43% of the UK video-on-demand market. Netflix, which started as a DVD rental company, began offering video-on-demand alongside the hard copies in 2007. From 2011 you could get a vod subscription on its own, and by 2014, Netflix had 28% of the UK market.
Now, Netflix has 42% of the UK market, and iPlayer is down to 18%. If you just look at 18-to-34-year olds, Netflix has 51% share, with the BBC iPlayer down 15%.
Somebody should do some work on the proportion of Netflix content that is British-made. Remember all those politicians (of all parties) tut-tutting at the BBC buying Dallas, Dynasty, Kojak, MASH, Tom & Jerry and all that good stuff, to protect British culture ? The battle's almost lost.
iPlayer was launched at the end of 2007, and by 2014 had 43% of the UK video-on-demand market. Netflix, which started as a DVD rental company, began offering video-on-demand alongside the hard copies in 2007. From 2011 you could get a vod subscription on its own, and by 2014, Netflix had 28% of the UK market.
Now, Netflix has 42% of the UK market, and iPlayer is down to 18%. If you just look at 18-to-34-year olds, Netflix has 51% share, with the BBC iPlayer down 15%.
Somebody should do some work on the proportion of Netflix content that is British-made. Remember all those politicians (of all parties) tut-tutting at the BBC buying Dallas, Dynasty, Kojak, MASH, Tom & Jerry and all that good stuff, to protect British culture ? The battle's almost lost.
Economic Ben
Congratulations to Ben Chu, who is covering the role of Economics Editor at Newsnight while Helen Thomas is on maternity leave. Ben, born in Manchester to a Chinese father and a Scottish mother, went to Manchester Grammar School and studied history at Jesus College, Oxford. He's currently with The Independent.
Better luck with getting his views on Brexit through - he believes there is true economic consensus on its badness, just like scientists on climate change.
Better luck with getting his views on Brexit through - he believes there is true economic consensus on its badness, just like scientists on climate change.
Monday, January 7, 2019
Gwan, tell us
The BBC is continually coy about an absolute audience for its 24 hour, advertising-funded World News channel. It prefers to state the number of homes that might watch, rather than the numbers who do.
Take this blurb from a new recruitment ad, for an Advertising Technology Specialist.
"BBC World News and bbc.com are available in every country around the world, with the exception of the UK. [It is regularly available in the UK overnight. Ed] BBC World News is the BBC’s most watched television channel, available in more than 450 million homes. BBC.com generates page views of more than 1.25bn each month. This traffic is made up from versions of the BBC‘s domestic News and Sport online services, plus readership of a number of online ‘features’ sites (in genres such as travel, technology and culture) which GNL produces itself. Combined weekly reach of GNL’s services is 115m people outside the UK, accounting for one third of the BBC’s total international audience."
Take this blurb from a new recruitment ad, for an Advertising Technology Specialist.
"BBC World News and bbc.com are available in every country around the world, with the exception of the UK. [It is regularly available in the UK overnight. Ed] BBC World News is the BBC’s most watched television channel, available in more than 450 million homes. BBC.com generates page views of more than 1.25bn each month. This traffic is made up from versions of the BBC‘s domestic News and Sport online services, plus readership of a number of online ‘features’ sites (in genres such as travel, technology and culture) which GNL produces itself. Combined weekly reach of GNL’s services is 115m people outside the UK, accounting for one third of the BBC’s total international audience."
Everything must change
Many congratulations to Phil Harrold, BBC Company Secretary and Head of Director-General's Office (£158k pa) - the minutes of the BBC Board have become so opaque that even a nerd like me finds difficulty in squeezing a perceptible drop of news juice out of them.
The September minutes offer this "The Director-General briefed the board on the conclusions of the Online Review. The BBC’s online presence would be re-organised to focus more strongly on audiences and a more limited number of online services." Anyone noticed anything change ?
The September minutes offer this "The Director-General briefed the board on the conclusions of the Online Review. The BBC’s online presence would be re-organised to focus more strongly on audiences and a more limited number of online services." Anyone noticed anything change ?
Sunday, January 6, 2019
On your toes
The early 2019 battle for Saturday night audiences went to ITV's The Voice, with 5.3m viewers in the overnights - a 26.4% share of the audience. The figure drops to 4.8m if you exclude ITV+1.
BBC1's first Simon Cowell offering, The Greatest Dancer scored a respectable 4.6m (23.2%).
In terms of equal pay, let's hope Oti Mabuse is getting the same as Cheryl Cole. And that 'receptionist' Amelia Wilson is on terms with hosts Ashley Banjo and Alesha Dixon - she certainly gets more air-time in the extensive edit.
BBC1's first Simon Cowell offering, The Greatest Dancer scored a respectable 4.6m (23.2%).
In terms of equal pay, let's hope Oti Mabuse is getting the same as Cheryl Cole. And that 'receptionist' Amelia Wilson is on terms with hosts Ashley Banjo and Alesha Dixon - she certainly gets more air-time in the extensive edit.
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Tony's choice
There's a long, non-paywalled interview with Fiona Bruce in The Times. Two new factoids emerge. She was asked to apply for the Question Time gig, and, after the auditions, there were two names proferred finally to Lord Hall, for his choice. Hope it works out....
Wet and windy
It turns out the enterprise was a family effort, with wife and son involved. Thankfully, by 10pm, it was back to agency pictures.
I never thought when my wife Dee gave us a quick holiday in Koh Samui that I'd appear from there on tonight's @BBCNews about superstorm Pabok. I've seen monsoons in India & storms in the Congo but I've never seen rain like this. Dee filmed it on her iPhone, Rafe did the lighting.— John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) January 4, 2019
Friday, January 4, 2019
Sara and Louise
Whilst most attention will be on Zoe Ball at breakfast on Radio 2 from January 14th, that is also the launch date for Sara Cox's drivetime show. How will that play with an audience still smarting from the Jo and Simon experience ?
Radio 2 have turned to a new producer, Louise Molony, who signed up to Radio 2 last year. She's been a producer at Planet Rock and Magic Radio, and a presenter at Kerrang ! Radio (last show December 16th), Magic Chilled and Absolute Radio 90s.
Before that she was Head of Operations and Presenter at Radio Nova 1 in Dublin, and Assistant Station Manager at 949 The Rock in Oshawa, Ontario.
Radio 2 have turned to a new producer, Louise Molony, who signed up to Radio 2 last year. She's been a producer at Planet Rock and Magic Radio, and a presenter at Kerrang ! Radio (last show December 16th), Magic Chilled and Absolute Radio 90s.
Before that she was Head of Operations and Presenter at Radio Nova 1 in Dublin, and Assistant Station Manager at 949 The Rock in Oshawa, Ontario.
Happy ending ?
 |
| Kirsty bids farewell to 2018 |
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Downloa....
Whilst some of the complaints about the BBC Sounds app are that it's missing useful tools from the BBC iPlayer Radio app, an increasing number are about a critical feature - users are saying it's not completing downloads.
Mega-ministry
Tom Newton-Dunn in the Sun claims 'exclusive' for news of a proposal to create a new Ministry of Infrastructure, by merging three current departments. Tom says it's Liz Truss's idea, and won't get anywhere unless there's a change of Prime Minister.
Ms Truss has lighted on departments run by three charismatic ministers - Chris Grayling at Transport, Greg Clark at Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Jeremy Wright at the DCMS.
Ms Truss has lighted on departments run by three charismatic ministers - Chris Grayling at Transport, Greg Clark at Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Jeremy Wright at the DCMS.
British
Just checking in with BBC America, after the festive schedules. Today - 16 episodes of The XFiles, followed by The Karate Kid and The Karate Kid (Part II). Brand values to the front !
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
What's app-ening ?
The seven day viewing figures for programmes first shown on Christmas Day are in, and whilst Michael McIntyre came second in the overnights (to The Queen), Call the Midwife is restored to pole position....
1) Call The Midwife 8.7m
2) Michael McIntyre 7.6m
3) Strictly Come Dancing 7.5m
They're all around a million down on last year's seven day ratings. This must be the Netflix effect. with an estimated 10m UK users at the end of 2018, compared with 9m at the end of 2017.
1) Call the Midwife 9.6m
2) Mrs Brown's Boys 9.0m
3) Strictly Come Dancing 8.3m
1) Call The Midwife 8.7m
2) Michael McIntyre 7.6m
3) Strictly Come Dancing 7.5m
They're all around a million down on last year's seven day ratings. This must be the Netflix effect. with an estimated 10m UK users at the end of 2018, compared with 9m at the end of 2017.
1) Call the Midwife 9.6m
2) Mrs Brown's Boys 9.0m
3) Strictly Come Dancing 8.3m
Already
Razor-sharp Mail diarist Sebastian Shakespeare is worried that Sir Peter Bazalgette 'is to be appointed' to the Arts and Media Honours Committee. According to the Government's website, the appointment is a done deed. Here's the current membership - with a new name to come replacing departing DCMS Permanent Secretary, Sue Owen.
Rupert Gavin – (Chair) Chair, Historic Royal Palaces
Sir Peter Bazalgette - Chair, ITV
Sir Nicholas Kenyon CBE - Managing Director, Barbican Centre
Kanya King CBE - CEO, MOBO Organisation Ltd
Caroline Michel - Chair, Hay Literary Festival
Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE FRSA - Freelance Arts Professional
Alice Rawsthorn OBE - Design critic and author.
Ex offficio
Dame Sue Owen DBE - Permanent Secretary, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Leslie Evans - Permanent Secretary, Scottish Government
Rupert Gavin – (Chair) Chair, Historic Royal Palaces
Sir Peter Bazalgette - Chair, ITV
Sir Nicholas Kenyon CBE - Managing Director, Barbican Centre
Kanya King CBE - CEO, MOBO Organisation Ltd
Caroline Michel - Chair, Hay Literary Festival
Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE FRSA - Freelance Arts Professional
Alice Rawsthorn OBE - Design critic and author.
Ex offficio
Dame Sue Owen DBE - Permanent Secretary, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Leslie Evans - Permanent Secretary, Scottish Government
Off air ?
Not everything's in place for the Radio 2 New Year schedule shake-up. Various repeats have been dotted in at 9pm, but there's still gaps.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Oh no she isn't...
Fiona Bruce starts on Question Time on 10th January. At the moment, the venue is just "London".
Dimbleby's farewell gig was at the show's spiritual home, The Greenwood Theatre in Southwark, now part of the ever-expanding King's College. Currently 10th January is booked out to the Quay Theatre Players for their version of Alice in Wonderland....
Dimbleby's farewell gig was at the show's spiritual home, The Greenwood Theatre in Southwark, now part of the ever-expanding King's College. Currently 10th January is booked out to the Quay Theatre Players for their version of Alice in Wonderland....
Turning to the subs bench
The Telegraph thinks that BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie is now a shoo-in for the top job at the Premier League. This follows the rather dramatic turn-round and turn-down by the first choice in the selection process, Susanna Dinnage.
American lawyer Bruce Buck, who is also chairman of Chelsea FC, is in charge of recovering the situation. Bruce went to Colgate University; Tim was famously a Procter & Gamble trainee after leaving Selwyn College, Cambridge.
American lawyer Bruce Buck, who is also chairman of Chelsea FC, is in charge of recovering the situation. Bruce went to Colgate University; Tim was famously a Procter & Gamble trainee after leaving Selwyn College, Cambridge.
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