Just under the wire, the BBC has published a 40-page response to the Government consultation on de-criminalising licence fee evasion. It estimates the first year loss of income at £300m. In the last annual report, the BBC reported spend on films and drama at £333m.
Here's the hard line.
"The BBC seriously questions whether changing the system of enforcement just a few years into an 11 year Charter period makes sense. It would take several years to implement and the cumulative cost to the BBC would be more than £1 billion. From the evidence we have set out it would deliver worse outcomes for the licence fee payer, the taxpayer and the most vulnerable in society. The Government has provided no compelling evidence to the contrary".
To repeat myself, you have until 5pm tomorrow to add your voice to this consultation.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Patella News
Those worried about missing Emily's knees as Newsnight moved into the main BBC1 news studio were right to be anxious.
But the studio director did manage to find a new camera position, so we could at least see under the newsdesk. You don't get that with Huw Edwards.
But the studio director did manage to find a new camera position, so we could at least see under the newsdesk. You don't get that with Huw Edwards.
Makeover
So, Aussie Isaac Levido is now occupying the Chief Advisor's Camp Bed at No 10, with Dominic Cummings having done a runner into Islington self-isolation.
Action man Isaac's first action ? Change the branding. Too much colour in the first one. We want something serious. Something with a whiff of hazchem. Something you might see on the back of a reversing pantechnicon, just before it runs you over.
Previously, the message clearly looked like something you could paint on the cubes that littered the Playschool set.
Today's job for Isaac and his iPad: Gov.uk's take on the message.
Action man Isaac's first action ? Change the branding. Too much colour in the first one. We want something serious. Something with a whiff of hazchem. Something you might see on the back of a reversing pantechnicon, just before it runs you over.
Previously, the message clearly looked like something you could paint on the cubes that littered the Playschool set.
Today's job for Isaac and his iPad: Gov.uk's take on the message.
Sensory Organ
This morning's Today programme scoreboard.
Martha Kearney: Two x "Give us a sense".
Justin Webb: One late swerve: "Give us a...an impression".
Martha Kearney: Two x "Give us a sense".
Justin Webb: One late swerve: "Give us a...an impression".
Monday, March 30, 2020
Helping each other out
By the way, if you're enjoying the BBC offer at the moment, why not contribute to the DCMS consultation on possible decriminalisation of licence-fee evasion ?
And be aware that any alternative system will use up more licence-fees and lead to more evasion...just ask Oliver Dowden to leave it all alone till this Government has calmed down.
You have til 5pm on Wednesday.
And be aware that any alternative system will use up more licence-fees and lead to more evasion...just ask Oliver Dowden to leave it all alone till this Government has calmed down.
You have til 5pm on Wednesday.
Onwards and upwards
Louisa Compton, in a previous life Victoria Derbyshire's minder, has been appointed as Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4, replacing the equally feisty Dorothy Byrne who announced she was stepping down from the role earlier this month.
Louisa's been commissioning News and Current Affairs programmes, particularly Dispatches, since her move there in February 2018. She also gets a supervisory role over the channel's sport content, with Head of Sport Pete Andrews reporting into her.
Louisa's been commissioning News and Current Affairs programmes, particularly Dispatches, since her move there in February 2018. She also gets a supervisory role over the channel's sport content, with Head of Sport Pete Andrews reporting into her.
Capacity for misleading
Grrr. Politicians and their advisors playing semantics with statistics.
Who's said what on tests over last 24 hours...— Jessica Parker (@MarkerJParker) March 30, 2020
Gove & Hancock yesterday - we've "had" or "reached" 10,000 tests
Whately today - we've "achieved the capacity" for 10,000 tests. Actual number carried out on day in question... "around 7,000" pic.twitter.com/N5s7AcV5X0
NHS / PHE testing capacity for patient care stands at 10,949 a day. Latest figure for number of tests conducted is 9114. (accurate as of 9am 28th March).— Public Health England (@PHE_uk) March 30, 2020
Hysteria
Oh dear. The contrarian chorus is finding its voice again. Will they get a role on this week's Question Time ?
This past weekend Peter Hitchens and John Humphrys took anti-establishment lines of varying strengths in the Mail.
Mr Hitchens: "There’s powerful evidence this Great Panic is foolish, yet our freedom is still broken and our economy crippled".
Mr Humphrys: "My concern is that during the emergency the authorities and police risk being seen as too dictatorial. Must we really treat dog walkers as enemies of the state? And after the crisis has peaked, we will see an austerity the like of which we have not experienced for generations".
Today's Sun features a column by Trevor Kavanagh, with a headline much stronger than the piece itself - "Hysteria has forced the UK into lockdown, crashed the economy and will kill more than coronavirus".
Two questions: are they having long lunches on Zoom ? And will BBC Chief Adviser, Politics, Ric [sic] Bailey rule on how many appearances they can have ?
This past weekend Peter Hitchens and John Humphrys took anti-establishment lines of varying strengths in the Mail.
Mr Hitchens: "There’s powerful evidence this Great Panic is foolish, yet our freedom is still broken and our economy crippled".
Mr Humphrys: "My concern is that during the emergency the authorities and police risk being seen as too dictatorial. Must we really treat dog walkers as enemies of the state? And after the crisis has peaked, we will see an austerity the like of which we have not experienced for generations".
Today's Sun features a column by Trevor Kavanagh, with a headline much stronger than the piece itself - "Hysteria has forced the UK into lockdown, crashed the economy and will kill more than coronavirus".
Two questions: are they having long lunches on Zoom ? And will BBC Chief Adviser, Politics, Ric [sic] Bailey rule on how many appearances they can have ?
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Talking to themselves
Still a month to go before coronavirus hits Ambridge. Editor Jeremy Howe says his writers and producers have been working on safe ways to keep the series going, and from May, episodes will feature "fewer characters who will be sharing more of their private thoughts with the listener".
Jezzer at the leading edge of drama, there. I'm presuming these will be like Shakespearean soliloquies rather than stand-up routines. Though I'd prefer the latter.
Jezzer at the leading edge of drama, there. I'm presuming these will be like Shakespearean soliloquies rather than stand-up routines. Though I'd prefer the latter.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Air ways
From the pictures of the Excel Nightingale internal construction, I suspect we're going to have to learn some new medical terms.
It doesn't look much like there are going to be tight seals between 'rooms'. Negative pressure is one the ways of keeping droplets of infection confined; that's why big doors seal the entrances to traditional Intensive Care Units.
So it may be that this is a hospital for so-called cohort treatment, where only confirmed cases go. And that they'll either be connected to Non-Invasive Ventilation systems, with moistened oxygen supplied through face-masks that cover the mouth and nose, or High Flow Nasal Oxgyen, with the oxygen supplied via a cannula up the nose. These are alternatives to the standard oxygen therapy, by which an endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth and into the airway before connection to a ventilator.
Hence the big canisters of oxygen outside the sheds.
It doesn't look much like there are going to be tight seals between 'rooms'. Negative pressure is one the ways of keeping droplets of infection confined; that's why big doors seal the entrances to traditional Intensive Care Units.
So it may be that this is a hospital for so-called cohort treatment, where only confirmed cases go. And that they'll either be connected to Non-Invasive Ventilation systems, with moistened oxygen supplied through face-masks that cover the mouth and nose, or High Flow Nasal Oxgyen, with the oxygen supplied via a cannula up the nose. These are alternatives to the standard oxygen therapy, by which an endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth and into the airway before connection to a ventilator.
Hence the big canisters of oxygen outside the sheds.
Second thoughts
As they topple one by one in Westminster, old BBC lags think Auntie might like to re-think its fall-back position in the capital. Currently, operational failure at Broadcasting House leads to an evacuation to, err, Millbank.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Hot studios
Some more changes in BBC News output, to ease the pressure on a diminishing number of operational staff.
Newsnight moves back to 2245 from Monday - it'll come from Studio E, on the newsroom floor, which also hosts the main BBC1 bulletins. We may, as a result, see less of the various Newsnight presenters' knees, which, for some obsessive viewers, may be no bad thing. BBC2 will find some filler stuff to take the network to 2245.
The Andrew Marr Show, from this Sunday, will also come from Studio E. This should mean the end of live music performances, unless the production team may find other ways to preserve this non-news element.
Another cut-back - the nations and regions inserts into BBC Breakfast stop on Monday. I wonder if perhaps there's a way radio teams could help fill the hole ?
Newsnight moves back to 2245 from Monday - it'll come from Studio E, on the newsroom floor, which also hosts the main BBC1 bulletins. We may, as a result, see less of the various Newsnight presenters' knees, which, for some obsessive viewers, may be no bad thing. BBC2 will find some filler stuff to take the network to 2245.
The Andrew Marr Show, from this Sunday, will also come from Studio E. This should mean the end of live music performances, unless the production team may find other ways to preserve this non-news element.
Another cut-back - the nations and regions inserts into BBC Breakfast stop on Monday. I wonder if perhaps there's a way radio teams could help fill the hole ?
Familiarity
BBC News, like many other UK news providers, has been pretty agile in response to the coronavirus - in terms of reporting, changing work practices, and adapting to fewer human resources. Director Fran Unsworth is quite right to be proud.
I note particularly "We’re cutting down on everyone’s travel by making more use of our network of local reporters around the UK, as well as around the world."
One shibboleth of the construction of the BBC1 main news bulletins is that the main reporters should be familiar faces, and, for the 10pm bulletin, it should be filled with 'editors'. The remarkable audience figures for news output in March show that, far from tuning away because there are more new names on more reports, the audience is completely cool about it.
So when we come out of this, perhaps the local and less familiar reporters at home and abroad can hold on to their stories when they are deemed big enough for the flagships; end big-footing and leave the editors to stand outside unlit buildings sharing their opinions with Huw, Fiona and Clive, rather than double-spending on them re-packaging others' material. Save money - protect jobs.
I note particularly "We’re cutting down on everyone’s travel by making more use of our network of local reporters around the UK, as well as around the world."
One shibboleth of the construction of the BBC1 main news bulletins is that the main reporters should be familiar faces, and, for the 10pm bulletin, it should be filled with 'editors'. The remarkable audience figures for news output in March show that, far from tuning away because there are more new names on more reports, the audience is completely cool about it.
So when we come out of this, perhaps the local and less familiar reporters at home and abroad can hold on to their stories when they are deemed big enough for the flagships; end big-footing and leave the editors to stand outside unlit buildings sharing their opinions with Huw, Fiona and Clive, rather than double-spending on them re-packaging others' material. Save money - protect jobs.
Flatten the curve
A rapidly-spreading outbreak of "Give us a sense" on the Radio 4 Today programme this morning. At least four between 6am and 7.15am - two from Martha Kearney, two from Justin Webb.
Presenters should be aware that this phrase has been copyrighted by social media influencer and Instagram hunk Huw Edwards.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Easy listening
The BBC's Local Radio network, under the banner of its "Make A Difference" campaign, has joined with retailers, manufacturers and charities to give away DAB radios to vulnerable people over 70.
They say thousands of sets have been set aside for the scheme. From next Monday, anyone can nominate someone for a free radio by completing an online application form at www.wavelength.org.uk/radiohero.
The radios have been donated by Argos, Currys PC World, John Lewis & Partners, Pure and Roberts Radio and will be distributed by loneliness charity Wavelength. Duracell UK will provide batteries.
They say thousands of sets have been set aside for the scheme. From next Monday, anyone can nominate someone for a free radio by completing an online application form at www.wavelength.org.uk/radiohero.
The radios have been donated by Argos, Currys PC World, John Lewis & Partners, Pure and Roberts Radio and will be distributed by loneliness charity Wavelength. Duracell UK will provide batteries.
The engines cannae take it, Captain
On the Starship BBC, Bob "Covid" Shennan is channelling Lt Commander Montgomery "Scotty"Scott, Chief Engineer and Second Officer of the USS Enterprise in the Starfleet Command.
He's warned BBC staff working from home - there were apparently 15,000 of them on Tuesday - to log on to the BBC's systems with just ONE device, rather than laptop and smartphone. "While current remote access systems are performing well, with more of us working from home, we are monitoring this closely. "
In another triumph of technology, 20,000 staff joined a 'all-employee' phone-in on Wednesday. They can't get enough of Bob, Sir David.....
He's warned BBC staff working from home - there were apparently 15,000 of them on Tuesday - to log on to the BBC's systems with just ONE device, rather than laptop and smartphone. "While current remote access systems are performing well, with more of us working from home, we are monitoring this closely. "
In another triumph of technology, 20,000 staff joined a 'all-employee' phone-in on Wednesday. They can't get enough of Bob, Sir David.....
Hyper-ventilated
Why would anyone say they've got a new ventilator when it hasn't got UK approval ?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is clearly trying to help with a loosening of some rules. On 20th March it issued its specification for "Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System".
"This guidance sets out the clinical requirements based on the consensus of what is ‘minimally acceptable’ performance in the opinion of the anaesthesia and intensive care medicine professionals and medical device regulators."
Yesterday it published "Exemptions from devices regulations", sub-headed "Fast-track approval of medical devices during COVID-19 outbreak". Peer review and full clinical trials may not be necessary; if the manufacturer says it complies, that'll be fine.
In theory, UK medical device regulation is line with Europe legislation, and should still be, because we're in the year of transition. And tougher new EU rules - MDR - come into force in May this year, tightening up on compliance and notification. Various pieces of government guidance during the Brexit negotiations have been withdrawn, on 31st January 2020 and on 13th March 2020.
Existing EU rules require manufacturers to win the CE mark for their product. On the left, a simplified view of the process.
Back in November 2018, Dr Ian Hudson, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), announced his intended departure in September 2019. Dr June Raine became interim Chief Executive from 20 September 2019.
I can't find any standalone UK specification for ventilators before the 'rapidly-manufactured' document of 20th March - we relied on Europe.
.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is clearly trying to help with a loosening of some rules. On 20th March it issued its specification for "Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System".
"This guidance sets out the clinical requirements based on the consensus of what is ‘minimally acceptable’ performance in the opinion of the anaesthesia and intensive care medicine professionals and medical device regulators."
Yesterday it published "Exemptions from devices regulations", sub-headed "Fast-track approval of medical devices during COVID-19 outbreak". Peer review and full clinical trials may not be necessary; if the manufacturer says it complies, that'll be fine.
In theory, UK medical device regulation is line with Europe legislation, and should still be, because we're in the year of transition. And tougher new EU rules - MDR - come into force in May this year, tightening up on compliance and notification. Various pieces of government guidance during the Brexit negotiations have been withdrawn, on 31st January 2020 and on 13th March 2020.
Existing EU rules require manufacturers to win the CE mark for their product. On the left, a simplified view of the process.Back in November 2018, Dr Ian Hudson, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), announced his intended departure in September 2019. Dr June Raine became interim Chief Executive from 20 September 2019.
I can't find any standalone UK specification for ventilators before the 'rapidly-manufactured' document of 20th March - we relied on Europe.
.
Just how distant ?
Channel 4 is bringing forward new weekday offering The Steph Show, hosted by Steph McGovern, the former business presenter they lured from the BBC. It starts on Monday at noon, produced by Expectation in partnership with Can Can productions.
In these difficult times, its principal location is Ms McGovern's living room 'in Yorkshire'. One presumes her daughter, born in November, will be somewhere else, perhaps looked after by Steph's mystery 'tv executive' partner. How long can the secret hold ?
In these difficult times, its principal location is Ms McGovern's living room 'in Yorkshire'. One presumes her daughter, born in November, will be somewhere else, perhaps looked after by Steph's mystery 'tv executive' partner. How long can the secret hold ?
🚨THE STEPH SHOW 🚨— Steph McGovern (@stephbreakfast) March 25, 2020
Bit of a (MASSIVE) change of plan
We’re launching #TheStephShow
NEXT WEEK
LIVE from MY front room
Join me weekdays 12-1pm LIVE @Channel4
Full of stories/people to help get us through these strange times#StayAtHome @TheStephShowC4 💋#SocialDistancing pic.twitter.com/WQJ3rZ8x6I
Faster flow
In a world of smart speakers and radio streaming, we don't necessarily need diaries and market research to capture changes in listening habits. BBC Sounds recorded 3.5m listeners last week — up more than 200,000 on the previous week (but still, he niggled, only 500k more than the old Radio iPlayer). Listening to live BBC radio streams is up by 18% in a week - I suspect driven by those away from tvs at the time of the coronavirus briefings and ministerial statements.
- On Radio 4, Nick Robinson revealed, at the end of the Today programme, that both he and co-host Martha Kearney, were live from their homes. This is thought to be the first time in this crisis that the two main presenters had been away from the beady-eyed and frantic glare of a studio team.
Just stop it
It may or may not be a war against coronavirus in the UK, but we can do without propaganda.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, so busy that he signs edicts just 'Matt', asked about ventilators earlier this week said “We’ve made serious progress on that; there’s now over 12,000 that we’ve managed to get to. We started with 5,000, so we’ve been buying ventilators and we’ve also been engaged with companies who are going to turn their production over to ventilators.”
Now it seems we have 8,000, according to NHS England.
Boris Johnson has talked incessantly about 'ramping up' testing for the virus, with a target of 25,000 tests a day. The highest number of tests performed in one day so far stands at 8,400 on Thursday 19 March. Since then the average daily figure for testing has been around 4,500.
This morning, in a display now typical of this administration, Edward John Comport Argar, an MP since 2015, and a Health Minister since September, blustered through an interview with Martha Kearney on Today, BBC Radio 4, on these figures and more. He should be made to listen back to it.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, so busy that he signs edicts just 'Matt', asked about ventilators earlier this week said “We’ve made serious progress on that; there’s now over 12,000 that we’ve managed to get to. We started with 5,000, so we’ve been buying ventilators and we’ve also been engaged with companies who are going to turn their production over to ventilators.”
Now it seems we have 8,000, according to NHS England.
Boris Johnson has talked incessantly about 'ramping up' testing for the virus, with a target of 25,000 tests a day. The highest number of tests performed in one day so far stands at 8,400 on Thursday 19 March. Since then the average daily figure for testing has been around 4,500.
This morning, in a display now typical of this administration, Edward John Comport Argar, an MP since 2015, and a Health Minister since September, blustered through an interview with Martha Kearney on Today, BBC Radio 4, on these figures and more. He should be made to listen back to it.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Who's zoomin' who
BBC DG Lord Hall has told staff that the current consultations on job and service cuts are being suspended. BBC News has been piloting 'new ways of working' to find £40m savings. It's not clear if this means The Victoria Derbyshire programme, currently just doing rolling news, will spring back to life when this is all over.
The sad irony is that News management is learning new and interesting ways of doing nearly the same with less, thanks to Covid-19.
Meanwhile, there are worries that BBC systems are wobbling, through the numbers logging in from home/isolation/the field. In News, since the arrival of ENPS, everyone wants to be a copytaster - the suggestion is that perhaps only those close to programme deadlines, morning and afternoon, should be hard-wired to the mothership. And perhaps, some further away from programme production should ease up on the Zooming.
The sad irony is that News management is learning new and interesting ways of doing nearly the same with less, thanks to Covid-19.
Meanwhile, there are worries that BBC systems are wobbling, through the numbers logging in from home/isolation/the field. In News, since the arrival of ENPS, everyone wants to be a copytaster - the suggestion is that perhaps only those close to programme deadlines, morning and afternoon, should be hard-wired to the mothership. And perhaps, some further away from programme production should ease up on the Zooming.
Ear ear
Whilst tv can report remarkable viewing figures quickly in the coronavirus crisis, radio finds it more difficult. RAJAR, the body that adds it all up (monthly for subscribers, quarterly for the public) uses diaries and face-to-face interviews.
The Market Research Society has advised that all face-to-face fieldwork be suspended, but RAJAR is apparently confident that they'll still have a good enough sample to produce the next set of public results on 14th May; they will cover listening between 30th December 2019 and 29th March 2020.
RAJAR also say they've been reviewing how to continue to provide audience estimates to keep the industry functioning beyond Q1. "There are several options open to us and the RAJAR Technical Management Group is working through the details with the research contractors."
The Market Research Society has advised that all face-to-face fieldwork be suspended, but RAJAR is apparently confident that they'll still have a good enough sample to produce the next set of public results on 14th May; they will cover listening between 30th December 2019 and 29th March 2020.
RAJAR also say they've been reviewing how to continue to provide audience estimates to keep the industry functioning beyond Q1. "There are several options open to us and the RAJAR Technical Management Group is working through the details with the research contractors."
Open and shut case
Unlucky. Laboratorio Pizza opened in Great Portland Street, London W1 on the 16th March, taking over the old and much-missed Picture Restaurant site - and closed four days later.
Ivan Simeoli, from Naples, first started with this brand in Brick Lane two years ago. He trained as a chef under Massimo Bottura at the Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena.
The menu, when it returns, has plenty of old favourites, but includes one that might give The Yorkshire Grey a run for its money. Their Pizza Fritta is deep-fried and filled with mozarella, ricotta, tomatoes, basil, black pepper - and 'ciccioli' - the Italian take on pork scratchings.
Ivan Simeoli, from Naples, first started with this brand in Brick Lane two years ago. He trained as a chef under Massimo Bottura at the Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana in Modena.
The menu, when it returns, has plenty of old favourites, but includes one that might give The Yorkshire Grey a run for its money. Their Pizza Fritta is deep-fried and filled with mozarella, ricotta, tomatoes, basil, black pepper - and 'ciccioli' - the Italian take on pork scratchings.
Factors ?
Kent Sepkowitz, is a CNN Medical Analyst, and has a piece wondering why Germany seems to be doing better than other countries in handling coronavirus.
He suggests, and only suggests, that statistics on the number of nurses per 1,000 of population give an indication of a country's attitude to quality healthcare, and points to figures collated by the World Bank.
Germany has 13.2 nurses for each 1,000 of population, measured in 2016.
France had 9.7 per 1,000, also measured in 2016.
The United States had 8.6, measured in 2015
The UK had 8.3, measured in 2017
Italy had 5.9, measured in 2017
Spain had 5.5, measured in 2016.
He suggests, and only suggests, that statistics on the number of nurses per 1,000 of population give an indication of a country's attitude to quality healthcare, and points to figures collated by the World Bank.
Germany has 13.2 nurses for each 1,000 of population, measured in 2016.
France had 9.7 per 1,000, also measured in 2016.
The United States had 8.6, measured in 2015
The UK had 8.3, measured in 2017
Italy had 5.9, measured in 2017
Spain had 5.5, measured in 2016.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Paying attention
Across BBC1, BBC News, ITV, C4 and Sky News, the PM's broadcast at 8.30pm last night was watched by 27m (80% share). 15.5m of that were tuning in via BBC1 - so the following news special will probably rate as one of the highest programmes of the year. A heartening 2.4m were with the BBC News Channel, and 2.1m watched on Sky News.
Lines of enquiry
Again, a bit late for the morning meeting, but can BBC News 'go back' on a few stories, so that we can have some markers in progress against the virus that aren't necessarily government-made ?
Can we check on the state of play at Northwick Park Hospital ? It's seven days since we heard of the hugely-influential Imperial College modelling report - have they updated their forecasts ? Can we report on what's happened to patients cleared out of hospitals to make more space for Covid-19 treatment ? Tell us straight - has ANY UK manufacturer outside the existing medical field started a ventilator production line ?
Can we check on the state of play at Northwick Park Hospital ? It's seven days since we heard of the hugely-influential Imperial College modelling report - have they updated their forecasts ? Can we report on what's happened to patients cleared out of hospitals to make more space for Covid-19 treatment ? Tell us straight - has ANY UK manufacturer outside the existing medical field started a ventilator production line ?
Sharp notes
It looks like we've lost one of the most reassuring voices on BBC radio a little early because of this blooming virus. Rhod Sharp, whose enquiring mind and thoughtful questions have brought quality conversations to Radio 5 Live overnight for more than 25 years, won't be back on the network, after his last broadcast on March 19th - apparently there are not enough studio directors to support both Radio 5Live and Radio London round the clock, and operationally, management have opted for Radio London.
Whether or not the BBC is pointing its diminishing resources at the right elements of its broadcasting portfolio is another and different question; when we get through this, let's have a proper celebration of his contribution to radio.
Whether or not the BBC is pointing its diminishing resources at the right elements of its broadcasting portfolio is another and different question; when we get through this, let's have a proper celebration of his contribution to radio.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Call the Doctor
I wonder if Dr Nick Phin ever was, or still is, a member of SAGE, COBRA or anything. He is deputy director of the UK's National Infection Service. This is what he said on January 22nd - "the threat is low".
This is what he said to Newsnight on March 13th - just ten days ago. The Lancet had been carrying research from China since January 22nd saying, in some cases, covid-19 was asymptomatic - you could be infected without displaying any obvious symptoms.
This is what he said to Newsnight on March 13th - just ten days ago. The Lancet had been carrying research from China since January 22nd saying, in some cases, covid-19 was asymptomatic - you could be infected without displaying any obvious symptoms.
What can you do to protect yourself from #COVID19 and stop the spread of the virus?— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) March 13, 2020
Public Health England’s Dr Nick Phin says “you should stay at home for at least seven days” if you have any symptoms, such as cough, avoiding going to the pub or attending weddings#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/HxC6Ezb90Q
Balanced ?
Radio 4 Controller Mohit Bakaya has announced no less than five new series to pepper his news-and-current-affairs schedules with even more Covid gloom. Engagingly entitled Life in Lockdown, Viral Exposure, The Virus Hunters, Fallout and Inside Health: The Virus, I expect them to merge into an endless audio Magimix of the same experts in conversation from their spare rooms. I hope I'm proved wrong.
I have more time for some of Mohit's other moves, including giving Jane Garvey and Fi Glover's podcast Fortunately some network outings. There may have to be some trimming of Jane's bush.
I have more time for some of Mohit's other moves, including giving Jane Garvey and Fi Glover's podcast Fortunately some network outings. There may have to be some trimming of Jane's bush.
Breathe deeply
Not growing exponentially - the number of ventilators available to patients in the UK. This morning Health Secretary said there were 12,000. That's the same number than NHS boss Sir Simon Stevens forecast six days ago. Can someone please pin Hancock down on whether or not a new British manufacturing line has actually started ?
Get a grip
Our politicians and the civil servants that support them have been off-form over the past fortnight, deferring too much to the huge brains of COBRA to run the country. Collectively, our leadership seems to have been looking the other way, and forgetting the observational skills and messaging know-how that slowly but surely 'got Brexit done'.
Matt Hancock, and those at the trio of podiums briefing hacks in Downing Street, have consistently denied issues with PPE equipment; today he acknowledged there was a problem, which anyone who's on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or WhatsApp could have told him last week. It wasn't fake news.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park warned people to stay away on Friday; on Saturday, walkers, bikers, caravanners and more ignored that advice in their thousands. Social distancing - pah. And the local shops in Dales were systematically stripped by tourists. The scene was repeated around the country. It took until 9.51pm last night for a twitter of mild admonition from the Government to appear, and then it came from the DCMS (followers 225k) and not Boris Johnson (followers 1.7m).
Where was the No 10 Nudge Unit, when the first maps of regional occurrences of covid-19 started appearing ? What did they think would happen when, a full seven days ago, Boris said London was "a few weeks ahead" ? Around 1 in ten adults have a second home; most have their principal residents in Greater London.
How many fast-turnaround videos has the mighty press machine of No 10, with the support of the Civil Service, made in the past month ? I've seen one, with Chris Whitty, and the one below, which appeared at 8.30am on Friday. How many Facebook messages did the Kiwi whizz-kids make during a month of the election campaign ?
Matt Hancock, and those at the trio of podiums briefing hacks in Downing Street, have consistently denied issues with PPE equipment; today he acknowledged there was a problem, which anyone who's on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or WhatsApp could have told him last week. It wasn't fake news.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park warned people to stay away on Friday; on Saturday, walkers, bikers, caravanners and more ignored that advice in their thousands. Social distancing - pah. And the local shops in Dales were systematically stripped by tourists. The scene was repeated around the country. It took until 9.51pm last night for a twitter of mild admonition from the Government to appear, and then it came from the DCMS (followers 225k) and not Boris Johnson (followers 1.7m).
Where was the No 10 Nudge Unit, when the first maps of regional occurrences of covid-19 started appearing ? What did they think would happen when, a full seven days ago, Boris said London was "a few weeks ahead" ? Around 1 in ten adults have a second home; most have their principal residents in Greater London.
How many fast-turnaround videos has the mighty press machine of No 10, with the support of the Civil Service, made in the past month ? I've seen one, with Chris Whitty, and the one below, which appeared at 8.30am on Friday. How many Facebook messages did the Kiwi whizz-kids make during a month of the election campaign ?
We want to protect you. But to do so, we need you to do your bit. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/oSAzFF5AWk— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 21, 2020
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Contingency
I understand the need to protect staff, and to reduce commitments across radio networks, but the strategic decision to shift the burden of Radio 5Live programming to Radio London overnight looks odd.
From Monday, Radio 5Live will opt-in to Radio London from 0100 to 0500, featuring phone-ins with former Radio Leicester host Jim Davis on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the co-owned Dotun Adebayo, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 5Live listeners will also be treated to an hour of either Petrie Hosken or Jason Rosam from 0400.
Either 5Live is an important network hub, with a 24-hour presence and news operation, in a strong base giving resilience outside clearly-vulnerable London - or it isn't.
From Monday, Radio 5Live will opt-in to Radio London from 0100 to 0500, featuring phone-ins with former Radio Leicester host Jim Davis on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the co-owned Dotun Adebayo, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 5Live listeners will also be treated to an hour of either Petrie Hosken or Jason Rosam from 0400.
Either 5Live is an important network hub, with a 24-hour presence and news operation, in a strong base giving resilience outside clearly-vulnerable London - or it isn't.
Over there
US news broadcasters are being disrupted by Covid-19. The CBS Weekend News last night came from Fort Worth, after having been shifted to Los Angeles the previous weekend. CBS This Morning has moved out of their New York Broadcast Centre and into the Ed Sullivan Theatre. The theatre normally plays host to the Stephen Colbert Late Show, which, like most network chat shows, has been suspended.
Both Fox and NBC have made their streamed news output free to view.
Are the US news outlets doing a good job ? A week-long survey of some 8,000 Americans published on Wednesday showed 23% thought Covid-19 had been developed intentionally in a lab, and 6% thought it was the result of a laboratory accident.
Both Fox and NBC have made their streamed news output free to view.
Are the US news outlets doing a good job ? A week-long survey of some 8,000 Americans published on Wednesday showed 23% thought Covid-19 had been developed intentionally in a lab, and 6% thought it was the result of a laboratory accident.
Screening candidates
The BBC is telling employees over 70 to stay home. This could mean that the next Director General will be the first to be selected by Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts or WhatsApp.
Sir David Clementi, the Chairman of the BBC, has already told MPs of the Culture Select Committee very firmly to stay away from any role in the appointment. Recruitment consultants Odgers And Indeed Berndtson are helping him.
Of course, O&B also help candidates. Here's their current list of typical questions an executive job-seeker might face.
'Talk me through how you have contributed to shaping future corporate strategy.’
‘Tell me how you have built talent and raised engagement within your area of responsibility.’
‘Talk me through an example that would illustrate how you got buy-in to your proposals where there were opposing views.’
‘Tell me about the business plan you sponsored that failed to deliver what was required.’
Sir David Clementi, the Chairman of the BBC, has already told MPs of the Culture Select Committee very firmly to stay away from any role in the appointment. Recruitment consultants Odgers And Indeed Berndtson are helping him.
Of course, O&B also help candidates. Here's their current list of typical questions an executive job-seeker might face.
'Talk me through how you have contributed to shaping future corporate strategy.’
‘Tell me how you have built talent and raised engagement within your area of responsibility.’
‘Talk me through an example that would illustrate how you got buy-in to your proposals where there were opposing views.’
‘Tell me about the business plan you sponsored that failed to deliver what was required.’
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Just in time
The Conservative Governments of May and Johnson have been tardy in decision-making about the the BBC World Service, according to Matthew Moore of The Times.
After dumping the costs of the World Service on licence-fee payers in 2010, the Foreign Office had a change of heart in 2015, and invested specific new services in a programme the BBC called "World 2020", which has, over time, created 1,200 new jobs. The BBC warned in writing at the beginning of 2019 that these jobs would have to go unless the funding was extended. It was finally extended for six months at the end of March last year, and has more recently been extended "to April 2021".
Friday, March 20, 2020
Help
In the spirit of retired NHS staff helping out, might it not be a good idea to find some cross-party mentors for our younger Cabinet Ministers ? Might not William Hague help Dominic Raab, who thinks that Lima is in The Philippines ? Could Alan Johnson shepherd Matthew Hancock through his difficulties at Health, where counting 'extra' nurses and new hospitals is a triumph, but not yet counting ventilators ? In the national interest, could Boris learn a little from Blair ?
Carry On
People are clearly and sensibly desperate for useful news, and latest BBC figures are impressive - 8.8m watching the Six O'Clock News on BBC1 on Wednesday night, with a further million turning to the simulcast on the BBC News Channel and another 700k coming via live streams on the iPlayer.
Former TV News boss Roger Mosey has words of praise. I'd just like a slightly tougher approach. Last night, we had shots of the temporary mortuary at Westminster, and BBC local pubs and restaurants like the Crown and Sceptre, Yorkshire Grey and Sergios still ticking over nicely enough for their owners. In the South East, BBC presenter Natalie Graham was out and about in Seaford, where the High Street was having a pretty normal day.
Today, let's go for, say, executives of M&B, owners of the Crown and Sceptre; and ask for some shots of the ICU floors at Brighton Hospital. Let's ask the M&B spokesman if their staff can identify customers with the virus. Let's ask if they know that, in Germany, 80% of those identified with the disease are under 60. Ask if they know that in Italy, 50% of those who make it to an oxygen supply in intensive care, die anyway. And that doctors meet daily, to decide who does and doesn't get the beds next. And that the treatment for those seriously ill with the disease but who don't get chosen for oxygen, is, principally, morphine.
In Brighton, let's track some of the hospital patients who have been sent home, still ill, to make space for coronavirus cases. Let's ask for some stats on the numbers recovering after treatment in intensive care. Let's ask for shots of doctors meeting to decide who gets what treatment - even if it's not forthcoming.
Generally, let's try to find a UK business that is actually now building ventilators, and ask how many. Let's ask the Government for access again to our current testing procedures, and see how we've got up to 25k a day - and what it will really take to increase that tenfold. Let's ask our correspondents worldwide to find one of these test kits for coronavirus antibodies, and see how much it costs. Keep at 'em.
Former TV News boss Roger Mosey has words of praise. I'd just like a slightly tougher approach. Last night, we had shots of the temporary mortuary at Westminster, and BBC local pubs and restaurants like the Crown and Sceptre, Yorkshire Grey and Sergios still ticking over nicely enough for their owners. In the South East, BBC presenter Natalie Graham was out and about in Seaford, where the High Street was having a pretty normal day.
Today, let's go for, say, executives of M&B, owners of the Crown and Sceptre; and ask for some shots of the ICU floors at Brighton Hospital. Let's ask the M&B spokesman if their staff can identify customers with the virus. Let's ask if they know that, in Germany, 80% of those identified with the disease are under 60. Ask if they know that in Italy, 50% of those who make it to an oxygen supply in intensive care, die anyway. And that doctors meet daily, to decide who does and doesn't get the beds next. And that the treatment for those seriously ill with the disease but who don't get chosen for oxygen, is, principally, morphine.
In Brighton, let's track some of the hospital patients who have been sent home, still ill, to make space for coronavirus cases. Let's ask for some stats on the numbers recovering after treatment in intensive care. Let's ask for shots of doctors meeting to decide who gets what treatment - even if it's not forthcoming.
Generally, let's try to find a UK business that is actually now building ventilators, and ask how many. Let's ask the Government for access again to our current testing procedures, and see how we've got up to 25k a day - and what it will really take to increase that tenfold. Let's ask our correspondents worldwide to find one of these test kits for coronavirus antibodies, and see how much it costs. Keep at 'em.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Isolationism
It seems that the BBC is taking a paternalistic attitude to some older presenters, stopping them working whether they want to or not.
Lord Bragg, aged 80, will not be recording any more editions of In Our Time until further notice, with the regular slot relying on repeats. One presumes this will also be true for Professor Laurie Taylor (83) and Thinking Allowed. Paul Gambaccini is 70; the 23rd series of music quiz Counterpoint is scheduled to start in April; it may, of course, have been pre-recorded. Have they spotted that boyish Paul Lewis, of MoneyBox, is in his 72nd year ?
Other Radio 4 favourites may yet have to be cosseted. Dame Jenni Murray will be 70 in May. Kate Adie of From Our Own Correspondent is 74. Harriett Gilbert, 71 and Sue MacGregor, 78, are currently handling A Good Read.
This, of course, is radio. How will BBC Content and BBC Studios be handling that most valuable asset, Sir David Attenborough, 93 ? Where is Alan Yentob, 73 ? Who's having the hard conversation with Julia Somerville, Angela Rippon and Gloria Hunniford ? Who's protecting Andrew Neil, 70, from what ?
Lord Bragg, aged 80, will not be recording any more editions of In Our Time until further notice, with the regular slot relying on repeats. One presumes this will also be true for Professor Laurie Taylor (83) and Thinking Allowed. Paul Gambaccini is 70; the 23rd series of music quiz Counterpoint is scheduled to start in April; it may, of course, have been pre-recorded. Have they spotted that boyish Paul Lewis, of MoneyBox, is in his 72nd year ?
Other Radio 4 favourites may yet have to be cosseted. Dame Jenni Murray will be 70 in May. Kate Adie of From Our Own Correspondent is 74. Harriett Gilbert, 71 and Sue MacGregor, 78, are currently handling A Good Read.
This, of course, is radio. How will BBC Content and BBC Studios be handling that most valuable asset, Sir David Attenborough, 93 ? Where is Alan Yentob, 73 ? Who's having the hard conversation with Julia Somerville, Angela Rippon and Gloria Hunniford ? Who's protecting Andrew Neil, 70, from what ?
The Importance of...
... updating your email groups.
Got inspiring r-robin from Bob Shennan of the BBC starting "You [frontline presenters] will be the faces and voices people will be turning to over the coming weeks" . The buggers sacked me 3 yrs ago!— Libby Purves (@lib_thinks) March 19, 2020
Responsive
How's BBC America responding to the global pandemic ? Today, Star Trek Next Generation from 0500 to 2000 hrs, then a showing of the 2013 US film Elysium: "In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth".
Warp
Our world is surreal enough without the help of Radio 4 presentation. This morning, dutifully tuning in for the 0700 news, I caught the preceding trails, and was urged to tune in, next Tuesday afternoon, to "The Hidden History of the Mantelpiece". This felt like the radio equivalent of a Life On Mars moment - a trip back to Radio 4 of the 70s and 80s.
The programme is made by Samir Shah's Jupiter Connect. Samir's bro is groovy and hip Mohit Bakaya. I hope his dabs are not on this bizarre commission.
Next on Radio 4, The Scissors Programme.
The programme is made by Samir Shah's Jupiter Connect. Samir's bro is groovy and hip Mohit Bakaya. I hope his dabs are not on this bizarre commission.
Next on Radio 4, The Scissors Programme.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Artiste
If Stig Abell, leading the launch team for Times Radio, emerges as one of the station's breakfast presenters, I presume his fee will be negotiated by agent Alex Armitage - the man who secured Jeremy Vine a BBC deal worth over £700k.
For Stig, as well as editing the Times Literary Supplement, is a Noel Gay artiste.
"Away from print Stig can be heard as a regular presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row... He also regularly reviews newspapers on Sky News, and has appeared as a pundit on almost every broadcast channel. In 2017 he stepped away from his LBC show which saw him every Sunday afternoon, rounding up the weeks news and looking ahead to upcoming events, cultural happenings and political debates.... Stig is as comfortable ploughing through Ulysses as he is dissecting the day’s papers."
For Stig, as well as editing the Times Literary Supplement, is a Noel Gay artiste.
"Away from print Stig can be heard as a regular presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row... He also regularly reviews newspapers on Sky News, and has appeared as a pundit on almost every broadcast channel. In 2017 he stepped away from his LBC show which saw him every Sunday afternoon, rounding up the weeks news and looking ahead to upcoming events, cultural happenings and political debates.... Stig is as comfortable ploughing through Ulysses as he is dissecting the day’s papers."
Re-scheduled
Good - a decent packages of measures here, if a tad light on Fred & Ginger....
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/bbc-keeping-nation-informed-educated-entertained
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/bbc-keeping-nation-informed-educated-entertained
Craft work
Charlotte Moore could surge ahead in the DG Stakes (still presuming she's in play) with clever responses to the rescheduling required by the coronavirus epidemic.
Eastenders' production has stopped, and she's probably got 6 to 8 weeks worth of episodes left. The cut from four episodes a week to two will keep the show running for three months. There's a hint they'll be on Monday and Tuesdays - I might have gone for Tuesday and Thursday, making space for a more topical run of Panorama on Mondays. News appetite is often highest on Mondays.
Let's hope she looks at the daytime schedule as well - the mornings on BBC1 and BBC2 are already moving to News simulcasts, but we could do with some quality repeats from the archive in the curtailed afternoons - Pride and Prejudice, maybe Jonathan Creek and the odd classic film.
Eastenders' production has stopped, and she's probably got 6 to 8 weeks worth of episodes left. The cut from four episodes a week to two will keep the show running for three months. There's a hint they'll be on Monday and Tuesdays - I might have gone for Tuesday and Thursday, making space for a more topical run of Panorama on Mondays. News appetite is often highest on Mondays.
Let's hope she looks at the daytime schedule as well - the mornings on BBC1 and BBC2 are already moving to News simulcasts, but we could do with some quality repeats from the archive in the curtailed afternoons - Pride and Prejudice, maybe Jonathan Creek and the odd classic film.
Bits
I suspect we're going to see more of the inside of presenters' homes over the next three weeks - and hear more of the spare bedroom acoustic of radio hosts working at home.
Big Names self-isolated:
Jon Snow (Channel 4) has been through it
Nick Robinson (Today Radio 4) has, I think, been through it
George Alagiah (BBC News) will be away for some time
Harry Gration (Look North host) has just started
Fred Dinenage, 77 (Meridian) won't be seen for some time
Susanna Reid (GMTV) has just started two weeks away
Matt Baker (The One Show) has just started two weeks away
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is on the two weeks family self-isolation, and has been nicer to the BBC in Broadcast, hailing its unmatched ability to "frame our British sense of self". The bad side of me says he should be forced to spend the fortnight with just Netflix and Amazon Prime to while away the hours....
Meanwhile the RTS 2020 Programme awards were handed out virtually. Here's the gongs with BBC connections...
Best Actor: Tamara Lawrence, The Long Song
BBC1, Heyday and NBC Universal
Arts: Bros - After the Screaming Starts
BBC4, Fulwell 73
Breakthrough - Tanya Moodie, Motherland
BBC2, Merman TV and Delightful Industries
Children's: Zog
BBC1 Magic Light Pictures
Daytime: The Repair Shop
BBC1, Ricochet
Doc series: The Choir - Our School By The Tower
BBC2, 2020 Productions
Drama series: Gentleman Jack
BBC1, Lookout Point and HBO
Entertainment: RuPaul's Drag Race UK
BBC3, World of Wonder
Live Event: Stormzy at Glastonbury
BBC2, BBC Studios
Mini-series: The Long Song
BBC1, Heyday and NBC Universal
Presenter: Mobeen Azhar - Hometown-A Killing
BBC3, 7 Wonder
Big Names self-isolated:
Jon Snow (Channel 4) has been through it
Nick Robinson (Today Radio 4) has, I think, been through it
George Alagiah (BBC News) will be away for some time
Harry Gration (Look North host) has just started
Fred Dinenage, 77 (Meridian) won't be seen for some time
Susanna Reid (GMTV) has just started two weeks away
Matt Baker (The One Show) has just started two weeks away
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is on the two weeks family self-isolation, and has been nicer to the BBC in Broadcast, hailing its unmatched ability to "frame our British sense of self". The bad side of me says he should be forced to spend the fortnight with just Netflix and Amazon Prime to while away the hours....
Meanwhile the RTS 2020 Programme awards were handed out virtually. Here's the gongs with BBC connections...
Best Actor: Tamara Lawrence, The Long Song
BBC1, Heyday and NBC Universal
Arts: Bros - After the Screaming Starts
BBC4, Fulwell 73
Breakthrough - Tanya Moodie, Motherland
BBC2, Merman TV and Delightful Industries
Children's: Zog
BBC1 Magic Light Pictures
Daytime: The Repair Shop
BBC1, Ricochet
Doc series: The Choir - Our School By The Tower
BBC2, 2020 Productions
Drama series: Gentleman Jack
BBC1, Lookout Point and HBO
Entertainment: RuPaul's Drag Race UK
BBC3, World of Wonder
Live Event: Stormzy at Glastonbury
BBC2, BBC Studios
Mini-series: The Long Song
BBC1, Heyday and NBC Universal
Presenter: Mobeen Azhar - Hometown-A Killing
BBC3, 7 Wonder
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Not so good
The impact of coronavirus on BBC News means some significant scaling back at HQ, so that more can be produced with fewer staff.
On BBC2, The Victoria Derbyshire, Politics Live and The Andrew Neil Show get biffed, in favour of standard BBC News Channel fare. Channel programmes Newswatch, The Travel Show and HardTalk fall by the wayside.
On the World Service, World Update, Weekend and World Update take a rest. If you're listing to news summaries on the radio, they'll all sound the same on Radio 2, 3, 4 and 5 Live from Friday - and the same words with a different voice will make do for 6Music.
Even the burgeoning world of podcasts takes a hit: The Newscast team will move to produce the Coronavirus podcast. Americast, Beyond Today and The Next Episode podcasts cease for the time being.
And the shot behind our tv newsreaders will look less populated, with staff asked to work a least one empty desk apart. The staircases will be busier - the advice is to avoid lifts, and try to keep 2 metres apart when have either a conversation or a more traditional BBC News shouting match.
On BBC2, The Victoria Derbyshire, Politics Live and The Andrew Neil Show get biffed, in favour of standard BBC News Channel fare. Channel programmes Newswatch, The Travel Show and HardTalk fall by the wayside.
On the World Service, World Update, Weekend and World Update take a rest. If you're listing to news summaries on the radio, they'll all sound the same on Radio 2, 3, 4 and 5 Live from Friday - and the same words with a different voice will make do for 6Music.
Even the burgeoning world of podcasts takes a hit: The Newscast team will move to produce the Coronavirus podcast. Americast, Beyond Today and The Next Episode podcasts cease for the time being.
And the shot behind our tv newsreaders will look less populated, with staff asked to work a least one empty desk apart. The staircases will be busier - the advice is to avoid lifts, and try to keep 2 metres apart when have either a conversation or a more traditional BBC News shouting match.
Good move
From this Thursday, Question Time on BBC1 is moving to 8pm. This is excellent news, and I hope it will be cast as a "Brains Trust" rather than adhering strictly to political balance, with fringe showbiz additions.
There are apparently more schedule announcements to come.
There are apparently more schedule announcements to come.
- The Brains Trust as a radio-only show ended in 1949, but continued on tv until 1961, with the audio later broadcast on the Home Service.
Close to you
The Shennan Committee Guidelines on presenter distancing are slowly coming into force.
Last night's One Show hadn't got the full memo.
This morning, the guidance had reached Salford....
Last night's One Show hadn't got the full memo.
This morning, the guidance had reached Salford....
Analysis
I'll try this again. Whilst the current high viewing, listening and online figures for BBC News are gratifying (but not unexpected), there's still room for more analysis.
Today's live Government presser is now scheduled for 4pm; yesterday's came at closer to 4.45pm. They're going to be variable in quality of content as well. The BBC should provide an hour long update, largely an edited and explained version of this presser at 8pm weeknights on the News Channel, with a single, thoughtful editor and a regular presenter. We move too soon into "as we know, the Government has..."; people need to catch up.
The top of the 6pm yesterday was impressive and assured, but many of the pieces that followed didn't/couldn't take cognisance of the changes - apart from Lucy Manning's ludicrously long mike pole. The clearly influential Imperial College report didn't surface much on the BBC until Newsnight (briefly) and then this morning.
Today's live Government presser is now scheduled for 4pm; yesterday's came at closer to 4.45pm. They're going to be variable in quality of content as well. The BBC should provide an hour long update, largely an edited and explained version of this presser at 8pm weeknights on the News Channel, with a single, thoughtful editor and a regular presenter. We move too soon into "as we know, the Government has..."; people need to catch up.
The top of the 6pm yesterday was impressive and assured, but many of the pieces that followed didn't/couldn't take cognisance of the changes - apart from Lucy Manning's ludicrously long mike pole. The clearly influential Imperial College report didn't surface much on the BBC until Newsnight (briefly) and then this morning.
Monday, March 16, 2020
A learning organisation
Transformation in BBC News is on hold as it wrangles with coronavirus coverage.
It will be of solace to middle and lower grade toilers that BBC News was the only news organisation with three graduates on the 2019/2020 Media Transformation Challenge (MTC) Program: A Poynter Institute Executive Fellowship, which started in Harvard, and finished at the Poynter Institute in Florida. (CNN could spare only two). There are a further two Beeboids on the overlapping 2020/2021 course - no other media organisation has supplied more than one course member.
The five are Gavin Allen, Head of News Output, Morwen Williams, Head of UK Operations News, Alex Watson, Head of Product, News, Sarah Ward-Lilley, Managing Editor News, and Allan Donald, Head of Product for Digital Publishing.
It will be of solace to middle and lower grade toilers that BBC News was the only news organisation with three graduates on the 2019/2020 Media Transformation Challenge (MTC) Program: A Poynter Institute Executive Fellowship, which started in Harvard, and finished at the Poynter Institute in Florida. (CNN could spare only two). There are a further two Beeboids on the overlapping 2020/2021 course - no other media organisation has supplied more than one course member.
The five are Gavin Allen, Head of News Output, Morwen Williams, Head of UK Operations News, Alex Watson, Head of Product, News, Sarah Ward-Lilley, Managing Editor News, and Allan Donald, Head of Product for Digital Publishing.
Action
Got one right-sh, at least
Joint statement from the BBC and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport on TV Licences for over 75s: https://t.co/udF0T37MWA pic.twitter.com/fYAv9o5Pa2— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) March 16, 2020
Who leant on who ?
We've got used to the BBC trailing its own Coronavirus pages at the end of the major BBC1 bulletins, exhorting us to use the News website or the News App. Last night's late bulletin, with Mishal Husain, followed that with an on-screen look at the gov.uk's pages.
Fast turnaround
You can't imagine Andrew Neil or his equivalent submitting to this sort of process, but, if you want a regular Thursday night slot on BBC1, there's still time to apply.
Newscast is looking for a lead presenter for the weekday podcast, which gets on screen once a week. "You will be the regular presenter, bringing a range of stories to a large podcast audience. You will also present a politics-skewed and televised edition of the podcast on Thursday nights." Pay grade is up to £80k.
In a remarkable tribute to the detailed shortlisting and interview call back procedures at Broadcasting House, applications close on Thursday and interviews will be on Friday.
Newscast is looking for a lead presenter for the weekday podcast, which gets on screen once a week. "You will be the regular presenter, bringing a range of stories to a large podcast audience. You will also present a politics-skewed and televised edition of the podcast on Thursday nights." Pay grade is up to £80k.
In a remarkable tribute to the detailed shortlisting and interview call back procedures at Broadcasting House, applications close on Thursday and interviews will be on Friday.
Dialling in
I'm a bit late for the 0900 BBC Executive call round, but here's my two-pennyworth.
- Make sure the first Gardeners' World, this Friday, has at least half the programme devoted to planting vegetable seeds and seedlings, in containers, and gardens big and small. Create a run on seeds.
- Tell the Match of the Day team to create new retrospective shows, like BBC4 does so well. Weekly highlights patched together from the 1999/2000 and 2009/2010 Premier League seasons, ready to run from this coming Saturday night.
- Create an instant tv version of Dan Saladino's excellent R4 Food Programme on the possible impact of the coronavirus outbreak on our foodchain
- Find a nightly slot between 7pm and 10pm, on BBC2 and The News Channel, for a 30m coronavirus round up, to include an edited version of the Government's briefing and more. Get Carrie Gracie to front it.
- Bloomin' get on with a coronavirus stream on BBC Sounds, as instructed here last week.
- Talk to the Government. Get them to drop the decriminalisation stuff for at least a year, and offer to split the loss difference on free Over 75 licences for a year, til June 2021.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Miss Helen
Insiders at Radio 2 expect Helen Thomas to become head of the station, thus helping Lorna Clarke and James Purnell's senior management gender balance a little.
Disambiguation: there are literally hundreds of Helen Thomases at the BBC. This is the one who went to Wolfreton School, Hull and studied a potent mix of drama and medieval history at Bristol University. She sharpened her teeth as a broadcast assistant and researcher on Today, in the Rod Liddle era, thence through Newsbeat, World Service and Front Row before landing at Radio 2.
She's been pretty clear she already has an important role at the station, as demonstrated by her Tweets.
Disambiguation: there are literally hundreds of Helen Thomases at the BBC. This is the one who went to Wolfreton School, Hull and studied a potent mix of drama and medieval history at Bristol University. She sharpened her teeth as a broadcast assistant and researcher on Today, in the Rod Liddle era, thence through Newsbeat, World Service and Front Row before landing at Radio 2.
She's been pretty clear she already has an important role at the station, as demonstrated by her Tweets.
Fantastic result for the most amazing team @BBCRadio2 The very best in the business ❤️ https://t.co/cqkGd1q3WI— Helen Thomas (@MissHelenThomas) March 5, 2020
Thank you so much to all the amazing presenters and production teams @BBCRadio2 #LoveWhatWeDo #RAJAR https://t.co/ps13LBJEs6— Helen Thomas (@MissHelenThomas) October 24, 2019
Plain wrong
We are struggling with a Government with a serious communication problem. Dominic Cummings, Lee Cain, Chloe Westley, Jack Doyle and more are either new to Downing Street or entirely new to giving information rather than chasing it. I bet they're all ace at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok, but.. .
This weekend, taking a hack's route to keeping control of the Covid-19 narrative, they decided to brief on Saturday for their favourite correspondents, and give a Matt Hancock piece to the Telegraph. That's not how No 10 should be doing business in a time of national crisis.
This weekend, taking a hack's route to keeping control of the Covid-19 narrative, they decided to brief on Saturday for their favourite correspondents, and give a Matt Hancock piece to the Telegraph. That's not how No 10 should be doing business in a time of national crisis.
Sharing
BBC DG Lord Hall has written a long piece for The House Magazine, in defence of both the status quo and change.
It's worth re-printing the bit about decriminalisation of licence-fee non-payment, because there's just two weeks for all of us to contribute to the Government's consultation.
"There is a myth that the current system clogs up the courtrooms. In reality, the Perry review found that non-payment cases accounted for 0.3% of court time.
"Nor can you be jailed for not paying the licence fee; you can only be fined. It is only later, as a last resort if people wilfully refuse or neglect to obey court orders – often to pay many fines, including the TV Licence – that judges might impose a custodial sentence. Even then it’s rare: it happened to five people in England and Wales in 2018.
"The Perry review highlighted that, under any alternative civil system, evasion would go up, more people could be penalised, and the poorest in society could be hit hardest with higher fines. And it would impact people’s credit ratings.
"The review also found that the cost to the BBC was likely to be hundreds of millions of pounds, making licence fee payers the ultimate losers. It highlights the fact that, if the current system were to change, it must be done in a way that protects the public’s much-loved services. A decision of this scale – taking hundreds of millions not just out of the BBC but out of the UK’s creative economy – must not be taken lightly."
It's worth re-printing the bit about decriminalisation of licence-fee non-payment, because there's just two weeks for all of us to contribute to the Government's consultation.
"There is a myth that the current system clogs up the courtrooms. In reality, the Perry review found that non-payment cases accounted for 0.3% of court time.
"Nor can you be jailed for not paying the licence fee; you can only be fined. It is only later, as a last resort if people wilfully refuse or neglect to obey court orders – often to pay many fines, including the TV Licence – that judges might impose a custodial sentence. Even then it’s rare: it happened to five people in England and Wales in 2018.
"The Perry review highlighted that, under any alternative civil system, evasion would go up, more people could be penalised, and the poorest in society could be hit hardest with higher fines. And it would impact people’s credit ratings.
"The review also found that the cost to the BBC was likely to be hundreds of millions of pounds, making licence fee payers the ultimate losers. It highlights the fact that, if the current system were to change, it must be done in a way that protects the public’s much-loved services. A decision of this scale – taking hundreds of millions not just out of the BBC but out of the UK’s creative economy – must not be taken lightly."
Saturday, March 14, 2020
DG2020 - 9
The slightest foot-fault can lose a campaign to be BBC DG. BBC Director of Content, Charlotte Moore (or, at least, the team she leads) thinks an appropriate, placatory programme to replace Match of the Day is Mrs Brown's Boys.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Dome heads
I commend a long read in The Guardian "Was the Millennium Dome really so bad ?", which re-interviews Dome Chief Executive Jennie Page, and one of the zone designers, Peter Higgins. Here's a paragraph I liked.
Eventually, Page and her team came up with something they called the Litmus Group to oversee the content of the Dome, composed of cultural luminaries such as Alan Yentob and Michael Grade. Their suggestions were of varied quality, according to the zone designers. “God, the input was totally worthless,” said Higgins.
Eventually, Page and her team came up with something they called the Litmus Group to oversee the content of the Dome, composed of cultural luminaries such as Alan Yentob and Michael Grade. Their suggestions were of varied quality, according to the zone designers. “God, the input was totally worthless,” said Higgins.
Taking sides
It's been a week of growing splits in the UK's commentariat. At the Mail, GMTV and on Twitter, we have Chief Scientific Advisor Piers Morgan, laying into what he believes is inaction on the part of the Government. Piers has also been advising Trump, so we'll see how that goes.
Over at The Sun and TalkRadio, Kiwi renaissance man, the stolid and unexcitable Dan Wootton, is right behind Boris and his chosen scientists. At Newsnight, new boy Lewis Goodall produced a querulous graphic, with crosses marking the 'preventative' actions of governments around the world, and a blank row across the top for the UK.
Sadly, it's probably not a good time to organise a March on 10 Downing Street with banners saying "We want to be locked up; when do we want it ? Now !".
Over at The Sun and TalkRadio, Kiwi renaissance man, the stolid and unexcitable Dan Wootton, is right behind Boris and his chosen scientists. At Newsnight, new boy Lewis Goodall produced a querulous graphic, with crosses marking the 'preventative' actions of governments around the world, and a blank row across the top for the UK.
Sadly, it's probably not a good time to organise a March on 10 Downing Street with banners saying "We want to be locked up; when do we want it ? Now !".
Rise and shine
Stig Abell, Childcatcher-in-Chief for the emerging Times Radio, is still presenting Radio 4's Front Row (cf Monday's edition).
Imagine the snickering if, after all this time prowling the open plan prairies of Broadcasting House waving chequebooks, the new challenger network opened with a breakfast show co-hosted by, er, Stig Abell.
Imagine the snickering if, after all this time prowling the open plan prairies of Broadcasting House waving chequebooks, the new challenger network opened with a breakfast show co-hosted by, er, Stig Abell.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Watching brief
The marathon Culture Select Committee (of old BBC Lags) grilling of Lord Hall is over. One factoid: there are 11 pay cases heading towards employment tribunals, and there was no mood music that Lord Hall was looking to settle. Former Breakfast presenter John Nicolson, claiming most of the credit for everything, urged the DG to cut deals, but Lord Hall said he believed it was right to defend, if unsuccessfully, the tribunal brought by Samira Ahmed, because the BBC needed to 'test' the interpretation of the law.
Lord Hall, 69, was observed throughout - though at a social distance - by his mentor, Lord Birt, 75. The bloke in the tracksuit has probably applied to be DG.
Lord Hall, 69, was observed throughout - though at a social distance - by his mentor, Lord Birt, 75. The bloke in the tracksuit has probably applied to be DG.
Baffled
A tired looking DG faced the Culture Select Committee this morning. Chief interrogator Julian Knight MP, bringing all the savagery he learned in the BBC's Business Unit to bear in a fusillade of clever-dick questions, didn't lay a finger on him.
70 minutes in, they took a comfort break. There was very little new stuff, apart from a hint of a 'rebalancing' to come in BBC England regional and local radio coverage, suggesting changes that reflect less on historical and physical geography, and more on social clusters and class proximity. Lord Hall said when you're in West Dorset, Southampton and Winchester feel a long way away. (Lord Hall has a holiday home in Whitchurch Canonicorum. A former, expensive DDG, Mark Byford lives in Winchester.) Frankly, it baffles me.
70 minutes in, they took a comfort break. There was very little new stuff, apart from a hint of a 'rebalancing' to come in BBC England regional and local radio coverage, suggesting changes that reflect less on historical and physical geography, and more on social clusters and class proximity. Lord Hall said when you're in West Dorset, Southampton and Winchester feel a long way away. (Lord Hall has a holiday home in Whitchurch Canonicorum. A former, expensive DDG, Mark Byford lives in Winchester.) Frankly, it baffles me.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
It could be you
Here's a novel idea. Decide the future of public service broadcasting through a competition.
Ofcom, and partner the FT, are inviting students aged 16-18 to submit a video or a blog post in response to the following question: What must traditional broadcasters and streaming services do to make sure they appeal to the audiences of tomorrow?
The competition closes on 9th April. Hold your breath for the prizes - "vouchers to the value of £100", or "an invitation to an Ofcom experience day, offering opportunities to gain first-hand experience of the type of work we do. Ofcom will cover any reasonable travel expenses, subject to our discretion". As it's Ofcom, entrants have to complete a Diversity Form, which will probably take longer than the video.
Maybe they could help with producing the minutes of the Ofcom Content Board, currently only public up to October 1 2019.
Ofcom, and partner the FT, are inviting students aged 16-18 to submit a video or a blog post in response to the following question: What must traditional broadcasters and streaming services do to make sure they appeal to the audiences of tomorrow?
The competition closes on 9th April. Hold your breath for the prizes - "vouchers to the value of £100", or "an invitation to an Ofcom experience day, offering opportunities to gain first-hand experience of the type of work we do. Ofcom will cover any reasonable travel expenses, subject to our discretion". As it's Ofcom, entrants have to complete a Diversity Form, which will probably take longer than the video.
Maybe they could help with producing the minutes of the Ofcom Content Board, currently only public up to October 1 2019.
Pastéis de Nata
I note that the RadioDays Europe Conference in Lisbon at the end of this month has been postponed, because of covid-19. Pity. I don't get to mention that the BBC were sending, at the very least, Bob Shennan (still billed as Director, Radio & Music), James Purnell, Lorna Clarke, Andy Webb (Voice) Mukul Devichand (Voice) Adam Bowie (World Service) George Mullen (Audience Research) and Asha Knight (Distribution).
Another old Al
Alan "Goodness Gracious" Green joined the BBC as a News Trainee on April Fools Day, 1975, and is now preparing ungraciously for his exit.
He's told Henry Winter in The Times that his BBC contract ends in the summer: “They have shown me very little respect in how that is ending. I feel a mixture of disappointment and anger. I don’t think it’s justified. I was basically told, ‘You don’t fit our profile.’ I got a fair idea of what they meant by just listening to the output over the last year or so. There isn’t an ageist, sexist, racist bone in my body. I only care about ‘Can somebody do the job?’ There are new people in favour. They match the requirements in terms of ‘bants’ — banter with presenters.”
Mr Green started commentating in 1981, at just 29. He was dismissive of football phone-ins, which started on 5Live in 1991 with Danny Baker, then David Mellor, Richard Littlejohn, Adrian Chiles, DJ Spoony and others - then he got the gig in 2000. He was dropped in 2013.
He's not always been the most helpful colleague. He's been censured by Ofcom. And he's been combining his BBC duties with work in Atlanta.
He's told Henry Winter in The Times that his BBC contract ends in the summer: “They have shown me very little respect in how that is ending. I feel a mixture of disappointment and anger. I don’t think it’s justified. I was basically told, ‘You don’t fit our profile.’ I got a fair idea of what they meant by just listening to the output over the last year or so. There isn’t an ageist, sexist, racist bone in my body. I only care about ‘Can somebody do the job?’ There are new people in favour. They match the requirements in terms of ‘bants’ — banter with presenters.”
Mr Green started commentating in 1981, at just 29. He was dismissive of football phone-ins, which started on 5Live in 1991 with Danny Baker, then David Mellor, Richard Littlejohn, Adrian Chiles, DJ Spoony and others - then he got the gig in 2000. He was dropped in 2013.
He's not always been the most helpful colleague. He's been censured by Ofcom. And he's been combining his BBC duties with work in Atlanta.
Al's day
Happy 73rd birthday to Alan Yentob. He shares the day with Didier Drogba, Rupert Murdoch, Paddy O'Connell, Lord (Nigel) Lawson, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Shane Richie and John Barrowman. Make of that what you will.
DG2020 - 8
Collating the insights of various media commentators, we arrive at DG application day with a rather narrow field for perusal by the eagle eyes of Sir David Clementi.
Mark Di Stefano at the FT thinks Tim Davie, once acting DG and now CEO of BBC Studios is in play, as does Jake Kanter at Deadline. Tim took home £642k last year in his current role; Lord Hall got £475k.
Jake Kanter thinks Charlotte Moore, Director of Content, 'is keeping her cards close to her chest'. Indeed she pulled out of a planned interview on Radio 5 Live this Monday at short notice. Mark has her down simply as 'much fancied'. There will be those at her elbow encouraging her to run, if only to beat a very likely but unloved external candidate, Jay Hunt, ex BBC, C4 and now with Apple.
Down the pub yesterday, lower ranks refused to rule out a punt from Bob Shennan, Group Managing Director. There was a suggestion that Simon Pitts, a boyish and pushy 43 year-old CEO of STV, will have a go. He's had 20 years at ITV, and probably regards the gig in Glasgow as a stepping stone to greater things - he got beaten in the C4 CEO race by Alex Mahon.
More as it dribbles in....
Mark Di Stefano at the FT thinks Tim Davie, once acting DG and now CEO of BBC Studios is in play, as does Jake Kanter at Deadline. Tim took home £642k last year in his current role; Lord Hall got £475k.
Jake Kanter thinks Charlotte Moore, Director of Content, 'is keeping her cards close to her chest'. Indeed she pulled out of a planned interview on Radio 5 Live this Monday at short notice. Mark has her down simply as 'much fancied'. There will be those at her elbow encouraging her to run, if only to beat a very likely but unloved external candidate, Jay Hunt, ex BBC, C4 and now with Apple.
Down the pub yesterday, lower ranks refused to rule out a punt from Bob Shennan, Group Managing Director. There was a suggestion that Simon Pitts, a boyish and pushy 43 year-old CEO of STV, will have a go. He's had 20 years at ITV, and probably regards the gig in Glasgow as a stepping stone to greater things - he got beaten in the C4 CEO race by Alex Mahon.
More as it dribbles in....
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Tussis time
There used to be a 'cough button' on most Radio 4 presenter's mikes. There can't have been a worse item to introduce with a casual hack....
Saturday Night At The Movies
So, as we drift towards the end of the financial year, there's a two-hour hole in the BBC1 Saturday evening schedule, to be filled by the film Guardians of the Galaxy. Giving up the ghost against Ant & Dec's Takeaway, or just an unexpected tangle in the supply pipeline ?
(I say two hour hole - the BBC declares the film at 2.01, yet the schedule says it runs from 1925 to 2115. Maybe they're running it fast....)
(I say two hour hole - the BBC declares the film at 2.01, yet the schedule says it runs from 1925 to 2115. Maybe they're running it fast....)
Prod
With all the stuff the BBC is producing on coronavirus, an adept BBC Sounds might stitch together a 'channel'. There's World Service and 5Live/BBC News special podcasts; bits all over local radio; and much more that could be done with a handful of producers and presenters. Might be more use than Radio 1 Dance.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Timing
28th November 2019: Lee Cain, a Conservative spokesman during the election campaign, reveals he's written to Ofcom, complaining about 'a wider pattern of bias' at Channel 4, which included Ms Dorothy Byrne, Head of News and Current Affairs at the network ‘making highly personal and unpleasant attacks on the Prime Minister at the Edinburgh Television Festival in August’.
9th March 2020: Ms Byrne, 67, is to leave her job, but will continue for a year at Channel 4 looking after podcasts.
9th March 2020: Ms Byrne, 67, is to leave her job, but will continue for a year at Channel 4 looking after podcasts.
A surfeit
Crikey, the BBC doesn't half pile in when they think a presenter's 'hot'. Rylan Clark Neal nearly nudged Zoe Ball out of Strictly: It Takes Two last year. Now we've got him on Ready Steady Cook, re-invented to Lord Hall's recipe, and soon there'll be a new fashion show called You Are What You Wear. So it's obvious he'd also be signed up for a new BBC1 gameshow, The Squeeze, to be produced by Monkey Kingdom, piloted but not broadcast last month.
He's also now favoured stand-in for Zoe Ball on Radio 2 Breakfast, and has a three-hour show of his own on Saturday afternoons.
He's also now favoured stand-in for Zoe Ball on Radio 2 Breakfast, and has a three-hour show of his own on Saturday afternoons.
Meet Mike
Who's watching who at the DCMS ?
Mike Crowhurst has turned up as a special adviser. Mike originally used his history degree from Lady Margaret Oxford to teach at a comprehensive in Birmingham. Then he pursued an education MA at Warwick alongside his appointment as Head of Development at the New Schools Network. Oh, yes, the pioneering, disrupting education charity set up by Rachel Wolf, with the support of Dominic Cummings. Mr Crowhurst combined his time with the NSN with working for Tory MP Sir Mike Penning, who has firm views on the licence fee.
As we reported last month, Rachel Wolf's Public First company has been hired to research alternative forms of funding public service broadcasting by the DCMS.
As we reported last month, Rachel Wolf's Public First company has been hired to research alternative forms of funding public service broadcasting by the DCMS.
Financial advice
What next for Sarah Sands, Editor of Today (and by the way, where's the ad for her replacement ?)
Sarah celebrated International Women's Day roughing it as part of a Harper's Bazaar panel at the Mandarin Oriental, complete with three-course meal and Laurent Perrier champagne, thanks to sponsors UBS and De Beers.
“I am fierce about economic independence but less sound on personal finance – I operate on ‘Sandseconomics’, which is to count bargains as actual savings, so if I buy a dress for £300 discounted from £500, I think I am £200 better off! I have, however, learnt from Anne Robinson to behave like a market stallholder when negotiating with someone – you need to look into the whites of their eyes and see what they are prepared to pay. Finally, the one piece of advice I’d give any woman is to plan for a pension. The future will not look after itself.”
Sarah celebrated International Women's Day roughing it as part of a Harper's Bazaar panel at the Mandarin Oriental, complete with three-course meal and Laurent Perrier champagne, thanks to sponsors UBS and De Beers.
“I am fierce about economic independence but less sound on personal finance – I operate on ‘Sandseconomics’, which is to count bargains as actual savings, so if I buy a dress for £300 discounted from £500, I think I am £200 better off! I have, however, learnt from Anne Robinson to behave like a market stallholder when negotiating with someone – you need to look into the whites of their eyes and see what they are prepared to pay. Finally, the one piece of advice I’d give any woman is to plan for a pension. The future will not look after itself.”
Close to 60,000
News executives at BBC Scotland will be pleased to see a news programme in the channel's Top 15 shows. The Seven, a 15-minute bulletin, spookily at 7pm on a Sunday, captured 58,600 viewers on Feb 23rd, coming in at Number 6 in the chart. Preceding the bulletin, on BBC2 and BBC Scotland's transmitters, were highlights of the Six Nations Rugby, and straight after, Sportscene, with highlights of Scottish association football matches.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Call centre jammed
From Harry Cole in the Mail Online. (Harry squired Carrie Symonds to a number of events, before BoJo).
"Not only was Boris Johnson furious about garrulous briefings that emerged from Downing Street about 'pruning' the BBC to the point of abolition, I hear the so-called 'Garden Girls' who answer No 10's phones were rather grumpy, too.
"So many BBC TV viewers rang to complain that the system jammed and an automated message had to be recorded.
"It said: 'You have reached the Downing Street switchboard. If you are calling regarding the Save Our BBC petition, please press 1.'
"Callers then heard a grovelling message apologising that the 'Prime Minister cannot take your call personally' - as if he had just popped out - and politely suggested writing instead. "
"Not only was Boris Johnson furious about garrulous briefings that emerged from Downing Street about 'pruning' the BBC to the point of abolition, I hear the so-called 'Garden Girls' who answer No 10's phones were rather grumpy, too.
"So many BBC TV viewers rang to complain that the system jammed and an automated message had to be recorded.
"It said: 'You have reached the Downing Street switchboard. If you are calling regarding the Save Our BBC petition, please press 1.'
"Callers then heard a grovelling message apologising that the 'Prime Minister cannot take your call personally' - as if he had just popped out - and politely suggested writing instead. "
Sheer terror
From Robert Peston's Hugh Cudlipp lecture:
"Among the many things that I wish in life, I wish the BBC was more confident in its news coverage. As it happens, only once in my time at the BBC did its bosses stop me saying what I wanted to say. A couple of days before the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, and just ten minutes before going to air on the Ten O’Clock news, a piece I had made on the economic implications of Scottish independence was pulled, on the orders of the corporation’s most senior executives, who feared the ire of Alex Salmond.
"The least edifying aspect of the incident is that the assorted bosses subsequently rang me to distance themselves from the decision, just in case it leaked and became a cause celebre. What this shows, of course, is why it is so hard for the BBC to stick its neck out and give a view. The backlash against it from politicians and media when it makes a mistake is so disproportionately great that sheer terror grips those who run it."
"Among the many things that I wish in life, I wish the BBC was more confident in its news coverage. As it happens, only once in my time at the BBC did its bosses stop me saying what I wanted to say. A couple of days before the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, and just ten minutes before going to air on the Ten O’Clock news, a piece I had made on the economic implications of Scottish independence was pulled, on the orders of the corporation’s most senior executives, who feared the ire of Alex Salmond.
"The least edifying aspect of the incident is that the assorted bosses subsequently rang me to distance themselves from the decision, just in case it leaked and became a cause celebre. What this shows, of course, is why it is so hard for the BBC to stick its neck out and give a view. The backlash against it from politicians and media when it makes a mistake is so disproportionately great that sheer terror grips those who run it."
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Club loyalty
The good works continue to flow from Lay Canon Mark Byford, former BBC DDG.
He's organised a celebration for fellow Saints fan, Ken Rigney, who marks his 90th birthday this week. There'll be a shirt, a cake and cards signed by big Southampton FC names, to be presented in the Kingsland stand by Lawrie McMenemy, at today's match against Newcastle.
Nobody mention that Mark used to shout for Leeds Utd FC...
He's organised a celebration for fellow Saints fan, Ken Rigney, who marks his 90th birthday this week. There'll be a shirt, a cake and cards signed by big Southampton FC names, to be presented in the Kingsland stand by Lawrie McMenemy, at today's match against Newcastle.
Nobody mention that Mark used to shout for Leeds Utd FC...
Churning
More changing of the the guard at BBC News - Rico Hizon, featuring on BBC World for 17 years, is 'moving on', at just 53.
Excitement mounts
A grim Thursday morning ahead for Lord Hall, 69 and Sir David Clementi, 71, as they glove up to face jeering Julian Knight, leader of the Culture for Dummies Select Committee.
They'd both rather be getting on with shortlisting for a new DG. Applications to Odgers Berndtson close the day before.
Who is really having a punt ? Will the BBC have a single internal candidate in Charlotte Moore, or will Tim Davie fancy the glory, not the gain ? Will shy, unassuming Welsh wizard Rhodri Talfan Davies have a go ? Will Jane Turton, quietly effectively at All3 Media - a major BBC supplier - be a player ? How many pages will the Jay Hunt application cover ? Is Lionel Barber, lately of the FT, already bored just tweeting ? Will Odgers or Berndtson have found anyone from the States ? Does James Goldston at ABC fancy a return to Lonodon, with partner Laura Trevelyan ? Is Deborah Turness, formerly of ITN, bored with NBC's European project ? So excited.....
They'd both rather be getting on with shortlisting for a new DG. Applications to Odgers Berndtson close the day before.
Who is really having a punt ? Will the BBC have a single internal candidate in Charlotte Moore, or will Tim Davie fancy the glory, not the gain ? Will shy, unassuming Welsh wizard Rhodri Talfan Davies have a go ? Will Jane Turton, quietly effectively at All3 Media - a major BBC supplier - be a player ? How many pages will the Jay Hunt application cover ? Is Lionel Barber, lately of the FT, already bored just tweeting ? Will Odgers or Berndtson have found anyone from the States ? Does James Goldston at ABC fancy a return to Lonodon, with partner Laura Trevelyan ? Is Deborah Turness, formerly of ITN, bored with NBC's European project ? So excited.....
Friday, March 6, 2020
Adding and subtracting
Paul Revoir, now back at the Mail after a six year gap, thinks Lord Hall is ruminating about a return to the transmitters for BBC3.
You can see how it might work - out of BBC4's most recent Top 15 programmes, a good number are repeats from BBC2 - Walt Disney, New Zealand; Earth's Mythical Islands; The 80s with Dominic Sandbrook; Rick Stein's Long Weekends; Attenborough 60 years in the Wild. Two came from BBC1, Top of the Pops and the Welsh thriller, Hidden. For some time, the weekend schedule has been propped up by archive music shows, mainly Top of The Pops. The remaining thread is largely history, mostly fronted by Lucy Worsley and Michael Wood.
A re-imagined BBC3 could easily take the music stuff, and properly scheduled, the oldies would follow it; a re-imagined BBC2 could take back its own repeats, and a weekend dollop of history. BBC4 has a weekly reach of 9m, but they very much dip in when bored with other networks - average daily time with it's output is a mere 1 minute 38 seconds.
You can see how it might work - out of BBC4's most recent Top 15 programmes, a good number are repeats from BBC2 - Walt Disney, New Zealand; Earth's Mythical Islands; The 80s with Dominic Sandbrook; Rick Stein's Long Weekends; Attenborough 60 years in the Wild. Two came from BBC1, Top of the Pops and the Welsh thriller, Hidden. For some time, the weekend schedule has been propped up by archive music shows, mainly Top of The Pops. The remaining thread is largely history, mostly fronted by Lucy Worsley and Michael Wood.
A re-imagined BBC3 could easily take the music stuff, and properly scheduled, the oldies would follow it; a re-imagined BBC2 could take back its own repeats, and a weekend dollop of history. BBC4 has a weekly reach of 9m, but they very much dip in when bored with other networks - average daily time with it's output is a mere 1 minute 38 seconds.
Timing
There would never have been a good time for these letters to arrive, but this month could be worse than most....
Had a letter this morning telling me I have to start paying the TV licence again on June 1st. Only watch Pointless and Newsnight, there should be an opt-out option.— roger green (@rogergreen67) March 6, 2020
Perceptions of impartiality
Detail man Oliver Dowden, this month's Culture Secretary, spotted some Ofcom research from last year, saying Sky News and CNN has higher ratings on perceived impartiality than the BBC.
It's from a survey by Jigsaw, and uses an entertaining methodology, which clearly favours 'fans' of various networks. It captures those who rate various attributes of their preferred service (they have to use it at least weekly) at 7 or above, on a scale of 1 to 10. Thus they found 200 regular CNN users, and, funnily enough, 70% of them said the service they liked was impartial, at least at 7 or above. For BBC TV News, there were 2878 users; 76% rated the services at 7 or above, as 'important to me personally', the highest score in that category. In impartiality, BBC TV News got 59% of its users to rate it at 7 or above for impartiality; Sky News got 68% of 959 users.
How does this play in other sections of the same research ? By the same methodology, the survey places The Guardian/Observer as the most impartial of all national newspapers, at 69%. It also led the way on accuracy, at 81%, which will make some chuckle, and scored 81% for 'helps me make up my mind'.
Surveying websites, BBC and Sky News tie at 61% for impartiality; the Guardian/Observer falls to 49%, and the Mail props up the table at 32%.
It's from a survey by Jigsaw, and uses an entertaining methodology, which clearly favours 'fans' of various networks. It captures those who rate various attributes of their preferred service (they have to use it at least weekly) at 7 or above, on a scale of 1 to 10. Thus they found 200 regular CNN users, and, funnily enough, 70% of them said the service they liked was impartial, at least at 7 or above. For BBC TV News, there were 2878 users; 76% rated the services at 7 or above, as 'important to me personally', the highest score in that category. In impartiality, BBC TV News got 59% of its users to rate it at 7 or above for impartiality; Sky News got 68% of 959 users.
How does this play in other sections of the same research ? By the same methodology, the survey places The Guardian/Observer as the most impartial of all national newspapers, at 69%. It also led the way on accuracy, at 81%, which will make some chuckle, and scored 81% for 'helps me make up my mind'.
Surveying websites, BBC and Sky News tie at 61% for impartiality; the Guardian/Observer falls to 49%, and the Mail props up the table at 32%.
Grooming
Oh, dear. Just when she should be launching a new Shakespeare canon, or classic dramas for kids, or a series on Beethoven featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra (all things you need to do to be DG), Charlotte Moore has commissioned Pooch Perfect, a dog grooming reality show. It's only just started in Australia, hosted by Rebel 'Pitch Perfect' Wilson, developed by Seven Studios. BBC1 gets a series of eight, hosted by Sheridan Smith.
I hope Charlotte hasn't written her application to Odgers Berndston like this....
"Each week, the teams will reveal their creations on The Dogwalk, where the judges will deliberate over the week’s canine contenders, and their owners are given the chance to see their newly transformed dogs for the first time. From scruffy to fluffy and from ruff to regal, audiences across the country will be barking mad for this brand new show.
"As well as amazing ‘transfurmations’, the show will also be packed full of useful information for dog lovers and owners, delivering top tips on responsible ownership, fun facts about dog breeds and a guide to at-home pooch pampering techniques.
"Alongside breathtaking reveals, celebrity guest judges and the cutest cast of canines, the doggy stars will be in seventh heaven in the show’s specially built ‘Pooch Palace’ designed to cater for their every need. Pooch Perfect is packed with heart and joy, warm and funny for the whole family, leaving viewers begging for more."
I hope Charlotte hasn't written her application to Odgers Berndston like this....
"Each week, the teams will reveal their creations on The Dogwalk, where the judges will deliberate over the week’s canine contenders, and their owners are given the chance to see their newly transformed dogs for the first time. From scruffy to fluffy and from ruff to regal, audiences across the country will be barking mad for this brand new show.
"As well as amazing ‘transfurmations’, the show will also be packed full of useful information for dog lovers and owners, delivering top tips on responsible ownership, fun facts about dog breeds and a guide to at-home pooch pampering techniques.
"Alongside breathtaking reveals, celebrity guest judges and the cutest cast of canines, the doggy stars will be in seventh heaven in the show’s specially built ‘Pooch Palace’ designed to cater for their every need. Pooch Perfect is packed with heart and joy, warm and funny for the whole family, leaving viewers begging for more."
In charge
On the left, Chris Whitty, BA Pembroke, Oxford, Physiological Science; BM BCH, Oxford; Dip Economics, Open University; Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, University of London; Master of Laws, Northumbria; MBA Edinburgh Business School; MSc Epidemiology, London; DSc Oxford; Gresham Professor of Physic; Head of the National Institute for Health Research; Consultant Physician, University College Hospital London; Consultant Physician, Hospital for Tropical Diseases; Chief Scientific Adviser, Department of Health and Social Care; Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Adviser to the UK Government; FFPH; FMedSci; FRCP; Hon FFPM; Hon FRCPCH. A genuine 'superforecaster'. Plays tennis poorly and likes a beer every now and then.
On the right, someone else, shaping the future of the UK.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Deckchair movement
What's one job in 450 ?
In the old days, integration was the watchword in BBC News - last century, attempting to join 'news' and 'current affairs' (never really achieved), then bi-media (you're kidding, aren't you ?), then mixing online teams up with linear news treams - today being unpicked. Head of News Output, firm-jawed Gavin Allen, has surrendered control of UK and World Online, Social Media and Digital Video to the new Great Dane, Digital Director, Naja Nielsen.
Naja previously only owned Digital Development. Now she has 'News' responsibility, she apparently needs the support of a Digital News Editor, a new role for which presumably some of the anxious 450 facing redundancy will apply. Maybe they should have held on to Nick Sutton, formerly styled as Executive News Editor, Digital, now Head of Digital Output at Sky News.
In the old days, integration was the watchword in BBC News - last century, attempting to join 'news' and 'current affairs' (never really achieved), then bi-media (you're kidding, aren't you ?), then mixing online teams up with linear news treams - today being unpicked. Head of News Output, firm-jawed Gavin Allen, has surrendered control of UK and World Online, Social Media and Digital Video to the new Great Dane, Digital Director, Naja Nielsen.
Naja previously only owned Digital Development. Now she has 'News' responsibility, she apparently needs the support of a Digital News Editor, a new role for which presumably some of the anxious 450 facing redundancy will apply. Maybe they should have held on to Nick Sutton, formerly styled as Executive News Editor, Digital, now Head of Digital Output at Sky News.
Gongs
Wednesday night at the London Palladium saw the return of the UK's annual radio awards, The Arias, to the capital.
There was a warm bath of joy for Lewis Carnie, winning National Station of the Year for Radio 2 - just as he's on his way out of Wogan House. He took a large posse on stage - always risky when people are looking for demonstrations of diversity.
Emma Barnett took Best Speech Presenter, and was reunited on stage with her former 5Live editor Tim Levell, now part of Stig Abell's Childcatcher Team for Times Radio. Host Greg James won Best New Show for Radio 1 Breakfast. In all, 17 of 23 available gongs went to BBC shows, teams and presenters. Only one seemed to have an issue - Toby Foster, winner of best speech breakfast show for Radio Sheffield....
There was a warm bath of joy for Lewis Carnie, winning National Station of the Year for Radio 2 - just as he's on his way out of Wogan House. He took a large posse on stage - always risky when people are looking for demonstrations of diversity.
Emma Barnett took Best Speech Presenter, and was reunited on stage with her former 5Live editor Tim Levell, now part of Stig Abell's Childcatcher Team for Times Radio. Host Greg James won Best New Show for Radio 1 Breakfast. In all, 17 of 23 available gongs went to BBC shows, teams and presenters. Only one seemed to have an issue - Toby Foster, winner of best speech breakfast show for Radio Sheffield....
We won apparently. I don’t know, I was wandering round London having a massive ADHD meltdown.— Toby Foster (@tobyfoster) March 5, 2020
This is what ADHD does. After 2 hours in The Palladium, I had to go for a 3 hour walk. Missing the win.— Toby Foster (@tobyfoster) March 5, 2020
Poor start
Oh, dear. The new Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, is following a narrative about the BBC based on assertion rather than evidence. The MP, born close to the country's longest running naturist club, bares his media chest at a conference this morning, and to show everyone how clever he is, he's told everyone what he's going to say.
“If we’re honest, some of our biggest institutions missed, or were slow to pick up, key political and social trends in recent years. The BBC needs to be closer to, and understand the perspectives of, the whole of the United Kingdom and avoid providing a narrow urban outlook.
"By this, I don't just mean getting authentic and diverse voices on and off screen - although this is important. But also making sure there is genuine diversity of thought and experience. And this matters because if you don't have that, you miss what's important to people and you seem distant and disengaged."
"The perception of news impartiality is currently lower for some public service broadcasting channels than commercial channels like Sky and CNN.
"Ultimately, if people don't perceive impartiality, then they won't believe what they see and read and they'll feel it is not relevant to them. In an age of fake news and self reinforcing algorithms, the need for genuine impartiality is greater than ever."
Both rude and wrong about the BBC. The BBC has more roots around the UK than the Woodland Trust; the 6.30 regional programmes around the UK regularly top the overnight audience ratings; no other media outlet has a daily farming programme; BBC1 put Countryfile in a peak viewing slot and it stuck. "Narrow urban outlook" is simply too rich from a career Tory who once spent three years with a London PR firm. Give him what for, Lord Hall.
“If we’re honest, some of our biggest institutions missed, or were slow to pick up, key political and social trends in recent years. The BBC needs to be closer to, and understand the perspectives of, the whole of the United Kingdom and avoid providing a narrow urban outlook.
"By this, I don't just mean getting authentic and diverse voices on and off screen - although this is important. But also making sure there is genuine diversity of thought and experience. And this matters because if you don't have that, you miss what's important to people and you seem distant and disengaged."
"The perception of news impartiality is currently lower for some public service broadcasting channels than commercial channels like Sky and CNN.
"Ultimately, if people don't perceive impartiality, then they won't believe what they see and read and they'll feel it is not relevant to them. In an age of fake news and self reinforcing algorithms, the need for genuine impartiality is greater than ever."
Both rude and wrong about the BBC. The BBC has more roots around the UK than the Woodland Trust; the 6.30 regional programmes around the UK regularly top the overnight audience ratings; no other media outlet has a daily farming programme; BBC1 put Countryfile in a peak viewing slot and it stuck. "Narrow urban outlook" is simply too rich from a career Tory who once spent three years with a London PR firm. Give him what for, Lord Hall.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Signing up
The US version of Britbox, the streaming service offering BBC and ITV programmes, has just clocked up 1 million subscribers, two years after launch. It took Netflix five years to reach 1 million, from its monthly subscription launch in 1999 to 2004. Now it has 175 million worldwide.
The Competition Commission in the UK turned down Project Kangaroo, the first BBC/ITV proposal for a streaming service, in 2008.
The Competition Commission in the UK turned down Project Kangaroo, the first BBC/ITV proposal for a streaming service, in 2008.
Principal
BBC Studios - another department with a principle problem....
BBC Studios, the BBC’s principle commercial arm and the UK’s most awarded producer, has appointed Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway Executive Producer, Pete Ogden, as Creative Director, Entertainment North.
BBC Studios, the BBC’s principle commercial arm and the UK’s most awarded producer, has appointed Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway Executive Producer, Pete Ogden, as Creative Director, Entertainment North.
Big listening
The problems for the BBC of changing DG when under fire are highlighted in the Daily Mail today.
Lord Hall, in an article for the paper, can only offer a big public consultation, and even that is light on detail. At least it won't be run by companies like Public First, based in 55 Tufton Street.
"We will talk to the public about what kind of BBC they want as we approach our second century. We will carry out a big listening exercise, with events up and down the country. It will be a chance for audiences to speak to us directly, and tell us what they want us to be. I will set out full plans in the spring, but I want this to be one of the most significant pieces of public engagement the BBC has ever undertaken. I won’t tie the hands of my successor, but I want them to have all the insight they need from the people who matter most: the public.
"So yes, let’s have a debate about the BBC. Let’s even debate our funding model when the time comes. But let’s not put the cart before the horse. Let’s first decide what kind of BBC we want for this country, then work out how best to achieve it. I genuinely believe at this important moment, the BBC matters more than ever and can work even harder for the UK at home and abroad."
Lord Hall also attempts to take the stream out of the young v old audience debate, unconvincingly. Standby for a squeeze on middle-age pleasures.
"We know we have to do more to serve young people in particular. It’s an area where we need to be radical and I’ll be setting out big plans on this in April when we publish our strategy for the year ahead. But don’t let anyone tell you this will come at the expense of older audiences.
"We know they are often the people who value and rely on us most. They are our super-users and they will always be super-served. Big change at the BBC will need to continue. We will need to go further to switch spending from activities that no longer serve audiences towards those that can serve them better."
Lord Hall, in an article for the paper, can only offer a big public consultation, and even that is light on detail. At least it won't be run by companies like Public First, based in 55 Tufton Street.
"We will talk to the public about what kind of BBC they want as we approach our second century. We will carry out a big listening exercise, with events up and down the country. It will be a chance for audiences to speak to us directly, and tell us what they want us to be. I will set out full plans in the spring, but I want this to be one of the most significant pieces of public engagement the BBC has ever undertaken. I won’t tie the hands of my successor, but I want them to have all the insight they need from the people who matter most: the public.
"So yes, let’s have a debate about the BBC. Let’s even debate our funding model when the time comes. But let’s not put the cart before the horse. Let’s first decide what kind of BBC we want for this country, then work out how best to achieve it. I genuinely believe at this important moment, the BBC matters more than ever and can work even harder for the UK at home and abroad."
Lord Hall also attempts to take the stream out of the young v old audience debate, unconvincingly. Standby for a squeeze on middle-age pleasures.
"We know we have to do more to serve young people in particular. It’s an area where we need to be radical and I’ll be setting out big plans on this in April when we publish our strategy for the year ahead. But don’t let anyone tell you this will come at the expense of older audiences.
"We know they are often the people who value and rely on us most. They are our super-users and they will always be super-served. Big change at the BBC will need to continue. We will need to go further to switch spending from activities that no longer serve audiences towards those that can serve them better."
Radio control
Seven months and a bit after her appointment as Controller Pop Music, Lorna Clarke has come up with a management structure. With Ben Cooper gone as Controller, Radio 1, 1Xtra and The Asian Network, and Lewis Carnie going as Head of Radio 2, she's advertised internally for new 'Heads of Station' for all five networks.
These 'brand guardians' are graded at Band F - in theory up to £110k, but Auntie is still flexible. Whether six jobs end up as cheaper than the old way is unclear. Ben Cooper was on £200k when he left; no-one else bothered the £150k disclosure level.
How will Lorna get the diversity she strives for in the new team ? Aled Hadyn-Jones must be in pole position at Radio 1, Paul Rodgers at 6Music, and Mark Strippel probably hopes to hang on to either Radio 1Xtra or the Asian Network. If I'm right, it points to women running Radio 2 and perhaps 1xtra....
These 'brand guardians' are graded at Band F - in theory up to £110k, but Auntie is still flexible. Whether six jobs end up as cheaper than the old way is unclear. Ben Cooper was on £200k when he left; no-one else bothered the £150k disclosure level.
How will Lorna get the diversity she strives for in the new team ? Aled Hadyn-Jones must be in pole position at Radio 1, Paul Rodgers at 6Music, and Mark Strippel probably hopes to hang on to either Radio 1Xtra or the Asian Network. If I'm right, it points to women running Radio 2 and perhaps 1xtra....
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Very Important Job
Any suggestion that BBC engineers or their HR advisers are a bit loose with English is resented. They're looking to recruit a Principle/Senior Developer Mobile Android. It's not in the job spec, but I'm sure the successful candidate will help the team bring forward a number of fundamental truths or propositions that will serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour or for a chain of reasoning.
Hammer time
“The BBC has made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent months – axing hundreds of news posts, asking over-75s to pay up, and digging into budgets to settle equal pay claims. Unprecedented changes in how we watch and listen mean the broadcaster faces a fight for its future.
“We’re concerned about the BBC’s preparations to deal with these challenges, particularly when its Director-General has decided to step down at such a critical time.
“The Committee will be scrutinising the corporation’s planning as a priority to ensure that the interests of licence fee payers are at its heart and will be holding its senior leadership to account.”
Taking the reins
A pandemic requires a pan-BBC Steering Group, and Bob Shennan is the man to lead it.
Yesterday, ITV staff working at Maidstone Studios were sent home to self-isolate, in case they'd been in contact with someone working in a NHS Trust in the same building who has got coronavirus. There are some 40 business in the complex.
The BBC's advice, as you'd expect, mirrors that from the Government. Staff are encouraged to take their laptops home regularly, 'so you have the ability to work from home if needed'. And there's a prompt to get familiar with online meeting tools likeSyncopatico Zoom.
Yesterday, ITV staff working at Maidstone Studios were sent home to self-isolate, in case they'd been in contact with someone working in a NHS Trust in the same building who has got coronavirus. There are some 40 business in the complex.
The BBC's advice, as you'd expect, mirrors that from the Government. Staff are encouraged to take their laptops home regularly, 'so you have the ability to work from home if needed'. And there's a prompt to get familiar with online meeting tools like
Hedging bets
Here's a funny thing. BBC Studios, presumably aware of BBC Sounds' international ambitions, has decided to buy into another podcasting platform, Pocket Casts. And the announcement suggests that BBC Sounds will put some of its most popular pods on the app.
Pocket Casts was developed by two Australians back in 2012; its odd name builds on their first app, Pocket Weather, from 2008. In May 2018 it was taken over by a group of US public radio stations, including NPR, WNYC Studios and WBEZ Chicago, and their alumni at This American Life, who developed the breakthrough true crime podcast Serial. They've put in place a new CEO from iHeart Radio. The business model is a little unclear; it's now free to download, but there are ads and purchase offers; there's a premium model for computers. It carries 'featured' podcasts, so may be asking publishers for fees there.
It has less than 2% of the US market by unique devices (100% is around 40 million), coming just behind iHeart Radio. The big battle is still between Apple's apps and platforms and Spotify, with Google lagging in fourth. Many reviewers note similarities between the Google app and the Pocket Casts interface.
Pocket Casts was developed by two Australians back in 2012; its odd name builds on their first app, Pocket Weather, from 2008. In May 2018 it was taken over by a group of US public radio stations, including NPR, WNYC Studios and WBEZ Chicago, and their alumni at This American Life, who developed the breakthrough true crime podcast Serial. They've put in place a new CEO from iHeart Radio. The business model is a little unclear; it's now free to download, but there are ads and purchase offers; there's a premium model for computers. It carries 'featured' podcasts, so may be asking publishers for fees there.
It has less than 2% of the US market by unique devices (100% is around 40 million), coming just behind iHeart Radio. The big battle is still between Apple's apps and platforms and Spotify, with Google lagging in fourth. Many reviewers note similarities between the Google app and the Pocket Casts interface.
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