Friday 11 July 2014, PM

Ariel - 'BBC Production is not leaving the family'
One producer said it 'sounds like an outsourcing' of BBC Production, and foresaw more short-term contracts and eroded terms and conditions ahead. 'Working arrangements are not going to change overnight.' New homes But he stressed that change was 'inevitable', with the quota system 'no longer fit for our purposes' in the age of massive global production consolidation. He was adamant, though, that any new approach would have BBC Production at its heart. - bbc.co.ukFeedback: Nigel Havers on WATO: 11 Jul 14
Friday 11 July 2014, AM

BBC radio must follow TV lead | News | Broadcast
The BBC has been urged by senior industry execs to extend its plans to scrap television quotas to the radio sector. The BBCs wide-ranging changes to its television production division should also be adopted by its radio arm, according to execs, sweeping away radios Window of Creative Competition (WoCC) restrictions and allowing in-house producers to make shows for third parties. Director general Tony Hall unveiled the plans at City University in London and said that competition should go beyond TV production. He asked whether extending competitive access for indie radio producers would offer broader choice and better ideas. The chair of the Radio Independents Group Phil Critchlow, who also heads up indie TBI Media, said that this would certainly be the case. Indie radio producers based across the UK have a proven track record creatively, and are more than ready to contribute world class ideas, with the competitively priced resources needed to deliver them, said Critchlow. He added that more external competition, coupled with a healthy in-house division, would result in a more creative and cost effective corporation. Somethin Else founder Jez Nels - broadcastnow.co.uk
BBC production plans a historic moment
Plans to break open the BBCs television supply model have been hailed as an historic moment for the UK television industry but some have warned that the changes will be fraught with difficulty. BBC director general Tony Hall today announced plans to sweep away all the corporations commissioning quotas and liberate in-house teams to pitch to other broadcasters. He argued it will be the biggest change to the corporation since its inception in 1922. Hall detailed the vision in a music performance room at City University, which was crammed full of producers, television industry grandees and press. Many in the audience welcomed the BBCs plans, but there was also recognition that it marks the start of a long debate about the future of television production at the corporation.Thursday 10 July 2014, PM

Everything you know about 4K is wrong thanks to HDCP 2.2 | News | TechRadar
I really don't think Freeview is about being cutting edge what we tend to do is look at innovation and then follow it. Without a device-to-device handshake, HDCP 2.2 delivered content isn't going to make it onto any screen. Unfortunately HDCP 2.2 chip availability is trailing behind 4K product roll-outs. - techradar.com
BBC producers may make TV shows for rival broadcasters | Media | The Guardian
However, it remains to be seen how the idea will be greeted by politicians and the TV industry. The decision would require sweeping regulatory changes to be incorporated into the BBC charter from 2017. We should have regulation in the TV supply market only where it's needed so that we can let creativity flourish ... - theguardian.com
BBC could start making shows for foreign and UK broadcast rivals as part of Director-General's 'competitive revolution'
If independent producers can take their ideas to any broadcaster around the world, I would want the same for BBC Production. Were up for a discussion as to whether they should offer ideas to other UK broadcasters, he will say. The plan is said to represent the single biggest breaking open of the BBC since it was first conceived in 1922, said one source. - independent.co.uk
RadioToday | Radio Indies respond to Tony Hall speech
Indie radio producers based across the UK have a proven track record creatively, and are more than ready to contribute world class ideas, with the competitively priced resources needed to deliver them. - radiotoday.co.uk
A seismic change for British TV | News | Broadcast
For the indie sector, it means that 400m worth of programming could be up for grabs, but also that a powerful new competitor is likely to emerge. The indie sector has been knocking on the WoCC door for some time, but dont expect it to walk all over an archaic in-house division. Which broadcaster wouldnt want Miranda or Strictly - broadcastnow.co.uk
Lord Burns sounds note of caution over BBC plans | News | Broadcast
Channel 4 chairman Lord Burns has voiced concerns about the future of the indie sector and the licence fee following Tony Hall’s plans to scrap BBC quotas. Speaking after the director general earlier today at City University, London, Burns sounded a note of caution about the potential knock-on effects for production companies. Burns said that he had a “very deep interest in maintaining a vibrant indie sector”, and would be “nervous” if the corporation’s plans to scrap quotas and liberate its production arm “would squeeze that”. - broadcastnow.co.uk
Hall: BBC must compete or compare to survive
Tony Hall has unveiled plans to introduce a “compete or compare” culture at the BBC to ensure the corporation is on the strongest footing possible going into charter renewal negotiations next year. Delivering a potentially legacy-defining speech at City University on Thursday, the director general argued that the BBC must open itself up to competition and benchmark its performance wherever possible. Sccording to Hall, only this will enable the corporation to make a coherent case on the level at which the licence fee should be set when it sits down with the government to thrash out its future after the 2015 general election. - broadcastnow.co.uk
The industry reacts: TV execs on BBC quota plans | News | Broadcast
10 July, 2014 Tony Halls plans to tear up quotas at the BBC and liberate in-house production has been largely welcomed by the indie sector and rival broadcasters. If you subscribe today you can take advantage of our 20 discount on Broadcast. Subscribing takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the website along with a copy of the weekly magazine. - broadcastnow.co.uk
Tony Hall: speech in full | News | Broadcast
The director general outlined his plans for major changes to BBC Productions at City University in London earlier today. In his inspiring book, An Empire Of Their Own, the cultural historian Neal Gabler tells the story of the creation of Hollywood. He records the extraordinary lives of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who came to America, to work as retailers, as small time entrepreneurs, as grafters in the garment industry. And Gabler tells the tale of their rise to greatness as legendary movie moguls. The great impresarios of one of the most spectacular cultural industries of the last century began in the most modest way and made a success as pioneers because they had liberty and a fierce desire to succeed. - broadcastnow.co.uk
BBC TV production plans welcomed by indie trade body as ‘historic’ | Media | theguardian.com
The chief executive of Pact, the independent producers trade body, described the opening up of the BBCs TV production operation as a historic moment. He said every programme commissioner in the BBC should pop a cork because they would now be able to choose whatever programmes they want, regardless of whether they were made in-house at the BBC or elsewhere. McVay said Halls plan reflected calls that Pact had been making for many years to open up the BBC to more competition from independent producers. - theguardian.com
Channel 4 chair fears for indies over BBC production plans | Media | theguardian.com
The chair of Channel 4 says the broadcaster would buy programmes from the BBC, but expressed concerns about the impact director general Tony Halls plans may have on the independent sector. Lord Burns said Halls proposals to open up the BBC to more competition could go further and criticised the corporation for not looking ahead to a post-licence fee world. Can you really imagine in 30 years time there will be a licence fee said Burns. - theguardian.com
BBC’s TV production shakeup could extend to news, radio and online | Media | theguardian.com
Hall, the BBC director general, said on Thursday morning that the plan, which will see in-house TV production spun off as a standalone subsidiary and allowed to make shows for rivals for the first time, marked a stripping-away of regulation that would enable an era of unprecedented competition. I want a less regulated system that ensures that both our own BBC producers and those of the independent sector have creative freedom. I want a level playing-field between BBC producers and independent ones. Hall said that the new Compete or Compare strategy could be extended to radio, news and current affairs programming and its digital and technology operations. - theguardian.com
Tony Hall’s BBC ‘compete or compare’ speech - full text | Media | theguardian.com
The great impresarios of one of the most spectacular cultural industries of the last century began in the most modest way and made a success as pioneers because they had liberty and a fierce desire to succeed. I believe strongly in the freedom and entrepreneurial spirit that made this possible. I have been fortunate to work for some of the greatest cultural bodies of this country. - theguardian.com
BBC News - Why Coe is set to win BBC race
10 July 2014 Last updated at 1138 Here are a couple of mildly interesting tidbits about my own shop, the BBC. Of course his appointment is not 100, because there is a formal and slightly cumbersome appointments process. Well they know him well George Osborne and Coe once shared an office, I think, and they regard him as an impressive leader, with a remarkable record of success off the track leading London's Olympics bid, chairing the organising committee for the games, and so on. - bbc.co.uk
Ofcom | Speaking TV programme guides - Would they help people with visual impairments, and are they feasible?
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BBC News - What emergency data law means for you
A European Court of Justice ECJ ruling earlier this year meant the powers to retain this data were under threat. However, privacy campaigners said it was another encroachment on the rights of people not to have their communications monitored. Here is an explanation of the new law, and what it means to people who live in the UK. - bbc.co.ukDTG :: News :: Ofcom requests views on speaking EPGs
Following a round-table discussion on the use of EPGs by visually-impaired viewers that was held earlier this year, regulatory body Ofcom have published a call for input from users. This is an invitation for views from all those interested, in particular -People with visual impairments would be able to make more use of EPGs if they could read out information on request. The input given will then be used when Ofcom decide whether or not they are to change their guidance to EPG providers on the features they should make available for people with visual impairments who use their programme guides. - dtg.org.uk
BBC News - Giant rollable TVs on the horizon, says LG
10 July 2014 Last updated at 1321 LG has announced the release of two new paper-thin TV panels, with one that is so flexible it can be rolled into a 3cm diameter tube. The company stated it is confident it will produce a 60in 152cm Ultra HD rollable TV by 2017. LG unveiled one of its first flexible TVs at CES - a global consumer electronics and technology trade show - earlier this year. - bbc.co.ukThursday 10 July 2014, AM

BBC signals end of quotas | News | Broadcast
The BBC plans to tear up production quotas and liberate in-house teams to pitch to other broadcasters in the biggest breaking open of the corporation in its 92-year history. The proposals, outlined in a speech by director general Tony Hall on 10 July, mean that all existing BBC quotas would be scrapped, opening up 400m worth of commissioning opportunities to the independent production sector.Wednesday 09 July 2014, PM
Media: 'Magaluf Girl' coverage, White Dee, the reporting of historic child sex abuse allegations
Tuesday 08 July 2014, PM

Ariel - Derbyshire gets News Channel show
The move follows the announcement last week that she had decided to leave Radio 5 live after 16 years. Her news and current affairs tv programme will include interviews, discussion and debate, with social media employed in new ways to involve the audience. 'It will include the kind of broadcasting I love doing - original journalism, stories that affect the lives of our audience, exclusive interviews, viewer debates and big breaking news. - bbc.co.uk
Why British TV rules the world - Features - TV Radio - The Independent
Making quality TV is becoming recognised internationally as a great British trait, matching our long-held reputation in popular music. In the past three years, the UK has exported more than 600 TV shows, around six times as many as Germany. Although its story has been overshadowed by the novelty of the internet, British television has been through a revolution in the past two decades. - independent.co.uk
BBCs Nicky Campbell launches scathing attack on Lord Patten over female broadcasters debate - News - The Independe
Campbell launched a blistering attack on the BBC Trust Chairman, who has stepped down following major heart surgery. Hes just so ignorant, Campbell told Radio Times. However Derbyshire and Fogarty both defended the new 5 Live line-up, which they said included many prominent female voices. - independent.co.uk
BBC News - Smart LED light bulbs leak wi-fi passwords
Context Security released details about how it was able to hack into the wi-fi network of one brand of network-enabled bulb, and control the lights remotely. The LIFX light bulb, which is available to buy in the UK, has network connectivity to let people turn it on and off with their smartphones. The firm behind the bulbs has since fixed the vulnerability. - bbc.co.ukTuesday 08 July 2014, AM

Guardian appoints Jane Martinson as head of media - Media - theguardian.com
Jane Martinson has been appointed the Guardians new head of media, overseeing all of Guardian News and Medias coverage of the media industry in print and online. Martinson, who is currently the womens editor of the Guardian, will take up the new role on 8 September. She was previously the Guardians media editor responsible for the papers print section until 2010, when she moved to take up the womens editor post, setting up the Guardians womens blog. - theguardian.comMonday 07 July 2014, PM
QVC Extra launches on local TV multiplex Digital TV Europe
Comuxs sale of capacity for two national channels not ringfenced for local TV part of its original licence agreement with regulator Ofcom is designed to create an additional revenue stream for its local TV services. This shows the Comux business model delivering exactly what it said it would, with public seed funding and private management enabling a long-term future for this new local TV initiative. - digitaltveurope.net
Samsung bows out of plasma TV production
It will end allplasma display operations by the 30th of November. Samsung didn't release any new plasma models in 2014, making last year'sF8500 the last chance customers will have to get their hands on a Samsung plasma TV. Panasonic was widely seen as the market leader in plasma TV technology before the announcement, a title it won from Pioneer and its legendary Kuro range when the latter company decided to ditch the TV market altogether. - expertreviews.co.ukDVB sets new standards - informitv
The Digital Video Broadcasting Project has ratified specifications for the delivery of ultra-high-definition television services. Its Phase 1 specification sets a base level for UHDTV but does not address more demanding requirements that are already on the horizon. It allows for the possibility that Phase 2, which has yet to be considered, will use higher frames rates. - informitv.com
RadioToday - De-regulate with caution, says UKRD boss
There is no question that there is an increasing detachment taking place between local stations and their local communities and we are not in favour of a further substantial erosion of this relationship. It is not. Local commercial radio licences are granted to businesses by Ofcom so that they can serve specific local communities and if there is a further move which allows too much erosion of this relationship, there will be little point in having local commercial radio licences of this nature at all. We represent a particular strand of local commercial radio which seems to be unfashionable in certain quarters. - radiotoday.co.uk
UBS: Sky could sell ITV stake - News - Broadcast
ky could sell its 7.5% stake in ITV ahead of the creation of Sky Europe, according to analysts. The move may help to pave the way for the creation of a pan-regional pay-TV business, first floated in May, which would bring together Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland with the UK service. Sky could be keen to resolve its plans for its interest in the free-to-air broadcaster ahead of tackling the ambitious consolidation strategy. “?We argue that there is potential for BSkyB to sell this stake as part of the plan to create Sky Europe,” Tamsin Garrity, an analyst at investment bank UBS, noted in a report. Sky bought a 17.9% stake in the commercial broadcaster in 2006 to block cable operator NTL, now Virgin Media, from taking over the broadcaster. It subsequently sold a 10.4% stake in February 2010, leaving it with the 7.5% holding. - broadcastnow.co.uk
BBC News - Teletext festival breathes life into old tech
Teletext, a British invention from the 1970s phased out in the UK in 2012, is a television information retrieval service. Despite teletext's limitations, artists from across the world have pushed the ageing tech to its limit to create an impressive collection of retro illustrations. The festival, in its third year, will be run by Finnish art collective FixC, from 14 August to 14 September 2014. - bbc.co.ukMonday 07 July 2014, AM

Susanna Reid's list of instructions to boost Good Morning Britain's ailing ratings of ITV show - Mail Online
It leaves the programme with just 13 per cent of the audience, falling short of the 15 per cent executives said it needed to survive. Scroll down for video Change Susanna Reid has been told to soften her look as executives worry it deters female viewers. On Friday, the 43-year-old took the show outdoors once more, sporting a flowery dress, sling-back heels, hoop earrings and sunglasses. - dailymail.co.ukSunday 06 July 2014, PM

Scotlands TV industry post-independence: A Yes vote will interfere with viewing north of the border -
So, the BBC would give its shows to a foreign country at no further cost to Scottish viewers. Some companies in Scotlands thriving independent production sector, which produces numerous shows for network British television, are alarmed at the prospects for their businesses post-independence. The idea that the BBC would just sit down and put pen to paper on such a deal is ridiculous. - independent.co.uk
Nick Pollard: ‘Sky News is always more inventive and energetic than BBC News’ - Media - The Guardian
Nick Pollard, the former head of Sky News, was asked to investigate the fallout from the botched Newsnight investigation, while Tony Hall, his exact contemporary at school, was invited back as director general. Pollard was not shot, as a messenger bringing grim news, but neither was he invited to fix the problems hed accurately identified as many thought he should have been. Ever the enthusiast, he has directed his energies into modernising BFBS, which celebrated 70 years of broadcasting in 2013. - theguardian.comSaturday 05 July 2014, PM

BBC staff told to stop inviting cranks on to science programmes - Telegraph
Science coverage does not simply lie in reflecting a wide range of views but depends on the varying degree of prominence such views should be given. The Trust said that man-made climate change was one area where too much weight had been given to unqualified critics. In April the BBC was accused of misleading viewers about climate change and creating false balance by allowing unqualified sceptics to have too much air-time. In a damning parliamentary report, the corporation was criticised for distorting the debate, with Radio 4s Today and World at One programmes coming in for particular criticism. - telegraph.co.ukQVC builds TV presence with new Freeview channel - ProfessionalJeweller.com
The new channel will strengthen the companys TV business model, and will provide a 24-hour platform for QVCs product ranges in one-hour themed slots and branded programmes. This announcement strengthens the commercial model for local TV broadcasters up and down the UK. The proceeds from the sale go directly to help fund a wider range of services for local television. - professionaljeweller.com
Social media drives TV choices for one in seven in UK - Social TV - News - Rapid TV News
Celebrating its second birthday, the subscription-free on-demand platform provider discovered that 14 of Facebook users questioned also said they always or often use the site to talk about the TV programme they are watching. For Twitter the number was slightly higher at 16. Nationally, 4 of people admitted they talk about TV at least once a day on Facebook and 2 on Twitter. - rapidtvnews.comFriday 04 July 2014, PM
Feedback: Climate Change Coverage: 4 Jul 14

Doctor Who writer predicts extermination of the soap opera - Media Monkey - Media - theguardian.com
The man who penned Queer as Folk reckons Coronation Street, Hollyoaks et al have at best 10 years left in them, the Sun reports. You can see a television landscape in 10 years time where they wont exist or will be reduced. Well, Monkey is determined to look on the bright side with all that air-time going spare, think of all the new reality TV shows that can fill up the schedules. - theguardian.com
Exclusive: Today Programme criticised for giving platform to climate sceptic Lord Lawson - TV Radio - Media - The
It gave the impression that theres still debate about climate change. Across our programmes the number of scientists and academics who support the mainstream view far outweighs those who disagree with it. - independent.co.uk
Ariel - TV News celebrates its 60th birthday
At 7.30pm on July 5, 1954, Richard Baker uttered the opening words. Kenneth Kendall was the first, in 1955, later joined by others such as Robert Dougal, who would all become semi-permanent fixtures of the living room furniture. 'For many of us working in television news or multimedia news, some of these people are the people we grew up with,' says Mary Hockaday, head of the newsroom and responsible for about 1000 staff. - bbc.co.ukWednesday 02 July 2014, PM

Radio's Brave New World
It sounds as if radio is heavily under threat. The facts are that radio is as resilient today as it always has been. The amount of people who tune into radio is as high as it has ever been. - mediauk.comMedia: Diversity, Facebook controlling emotions, Changes to Radio 5 Live
Wednesday 02 July 2014, AM
Tuesday 01 July 2014, PM

Why the Aereo Shutdown Will Be a Disaster for Broadcast TV - Re/code
Too bad they werent in Anaheim with me, because despite Aereos now-illegal Rube Goldberg-esque transmission technology, it offered a distinctive and revolutionary way for broadcast TV to remain relevant to younger viewers. Unfortunately, most TV execs probably never had a chance to actually use Aereo. I had a chance to use Aereo extensively when I spent a month in the Boston area this spring, and it delivered broadcast TV to the devices that most people under 30 use to view video mobile phones and tablets. - recode.net
Ariel - Matthew Postgate to be technology chief
1 July 2014 Last updated at 1334 Matthew Postgate is to succeed John Linwood as chief technology officer. Currently controller of research and development, he will be responsible for delivering the BBC's broadcast technology and IT systems. Linwood was sacked from the role last July for his part in the 100m failure of the Digital Media Initiative. - bbc.co.ukpick a page