YouView shareholder funding up 30% - Media - theguardian.com

This represents an increase of almost 30 on the 32.6m Youview's shareholders forked out the previous year, as time and resources were ploughed into getting the much-delayed TV service to launch last July. YouView's annual financial filing reveals the extent of the upscaling of the business, which almost doubled staff numbers from 29 to 55 between the end of March 2012 and the end of March this year. Research and development numbers rose from one to 15, while those in administration grew from 28 to 40. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

Richard Desmond appoints Barclays to explore sale of Channel 5 - Media - theguardian.com

Channel 5 owner Richard Desmond has appointed Barclays to advise on a possible sale. The process is understood to be at a very early stage with Barclays, which was involved in evaluating the potential value of Desmond's magazines including flagship title OK in 2011, not yet thought to have approached potential buyers. The most obvious buyer which would gain the biggest strategic synergy would be ITV. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - Connected Red Button: a first look at the new service on Smart TVs

This new service will run alongside the existing Red Button service during its beta period, giving viewers a chance to try the new service whilstit istested and refined. Viewers will be able to try the new service, gain familiarity and provide feedback that we can potentially incorporate into the product as we continue development. They can do this while continuing to use the existing Red Button service as usual. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

Over half of You and Yours listeners use DAB

You Yours frequently returns to sensationalist, and negative, coverage of DAB. I was asked onto the programme in October to talk about the slow take-up of digital radio - and was subject to a barrage of negative questioning. In it, he made the not unreasonable point that a significant amount of listeners to You Yours will probably already have chosen DAB, and that the programme's constant rubbishing of the technology would suggest that they are calling their audience fools. - mediauk.com

www.mediauk.com

https://plus.google.com/u/0/110681770517923715807/posts/91DhVKyvcyP

- plus.google.com

plus.google.com

Media Talk podcast: predictions for 2014

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Rethinking TV news, Part I: Whats broken, whats possible BuzzMachine

Id like to see TV news be reinvented, yet Im astounded so little innovation is occurring in the medium. That could be because TV news is in better financial shape than print for now. It could be because in a highly competitive market, no one wants to leave the pack and risk failure trying something new. - buzzmachine.com

buzzmachine.com

Media: TV presenter Chemistry 1 Jan 2014

downloads.bbc.co.uk

diamond geezer

I've had it since the 20th century, so perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise. I bought it in the January Sales 1999, by which time it must already have been out of date, and I've been living firmly in the past ever since. There had been this strange smell in the room earlier in the evening. - diamondgeezer.blogspot.co.uk

diamondgeezer.blogspot.co.uk

BBC Trust boss Lord Patten 'busted flush' says Greg Dyke - Media - The Guardian

This year, Patten has been criticised in the fallout from the Jimmy Savile scandal and for agreeing to a 450,000 payout to short-lived director general George Entwistle . Dyke said Patten had suffered an enormous amount of damage from Entwistle's resignation as director general at the height of the Savile scandal last year after just 54 days in the job. He said Patten had also mishandled criticism of the severance payments. - gu.com

gu.com

Media: BuzzFeed, BBC governance; Danish writers' rooms 18 Dec 2013

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Ariel - PwC report criticises DMI management

Its authors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, blamed a lack of proper scrutiny at different stages of the project for the BBC's failure to spot that the digital end-to-end production tool was unlikely to deliver its objectives. The accountants said that effective decisions about the project's future were prevented by weaknesses in project management and reporting, as well as 'ad-hoc' assurance activities. Lack of knowledge PwC believed that DMI governance arrangements were 'not fit for purpose'. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

BBC - Blogs - About the BBC - Review of the BBC’s management of the Digital Media Initiative – DMI

However we got DMI wrong, which we regret. We know it is vital to spot problems early, which is why we have overhauled how our major projects are run to ensure this doesn't happen again. The report sets out a number of changes which will strengthen the Executive Board by increasing the number of Non-Executive Directors from four to six, and will improve reporting so that performance can be monitored more effectively. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

DTG :: News :: Siano launches receiver chip for DVB-T2

Supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions Siano has announced the launch of a new receiver chip designed exclusively for automotive and mobile consumer electronics applications. Similar to previous Siano chip solutions, the SMS4470 combines an RF tuner with a channel decoding processor, optimized for automotive and mobile devices. DVB-T2 offers higher spectrum utilization and improved overall performance than previous technologies. - dtg.org.uk

dtg.org.uk

Radio Today - Go Digital Day: Ed Vaizey s speech in full

The radio industry is in the midst of probably its greatest ever period of change certainly the greatest change since the birth of commercial radio. The shift to digital is growing steadily year on year. In 2010 we inherited from the previous Government an ambitious goal to switchover to digital. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

Radio Today - Podcast: Lack of love for radio s D Love

An enforced premature DAB switchover was not in the interests of our sector of the industry, nor the listener, Said William. James Cridland backed him up saying D Love is a failed attempt a virility whilst others asked why a made up character from the 70s is promoting the future of radio. You can listen below, on the Audioboo Channel or within the RadioToday App. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

DTG :: News :: Industry welcomes Government confirmation of digital future and investment in local DAB coverage

They also welcomed the announcement of a second national commercial multiplex in 2014 which will allow for new national stations on DAB. These major initiatives will help towards meeting the switchover coverage and listening criteria, and so support the preparations for a future radio switchover. Minister Ed Vaizey confirmed that we are not ready for a radio switchover and that consumer listening and DAB coverage criteria would need to be met in order for switchover dates to be set. - dtg.org.uk

dtg.org.uk

Phase 2 of Digital Radio in the UK - Matt Deegan Writes

If the papers are to be believed, he wont be binding the Government to a switchover from FM to digital but then he wouldnt be the first politician to alter their direction of travel with an election coming up. What he will talk about is the kick-off of another round of changes that alter the direction of radio. In truth, it will bring together many of radios factions and bind them around a plan to suit how listeners have changed how they now listen to radio and consume media. - mattdeegan.com

www.mattdeegan.com

A Digital Radio Future - adambowie.com

The event was DRUKs Go Digital conference their third annual get together. - a second national commercial digital multiplex, potentially allowing ten or so new national services to launch. - further investigation into hyper-local DAB potential following the Ofcom test in Brighton. - adambowie.com

www.adambowie.com

DTG :: News :: Digital UK responds to Ofcom TV White Space consultation

TV White Spaces are gaps in the spectrum airwaves used by terrestrial television that could potentially be used by new devices for communications and services in some areas. Potential applications identified by Ofcom include wifi hotspots, rural broadband and machine-to-machine communications. The response calls on Ofcom to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect terrestrial television services from interference which could be caused by the use of white spaces. - dtg.org.uk

dtg.org.uk

BBC News - Digital radio to get £21m investment

16 December 2013 Last updated at 0816 ET More money is to be invested in digital radio as the industry gears up to switch off FM transmitters within the next few years. Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said up to 21m will come from the BBC, government and commercial radio. It will be used to increase digital radio coverage so more homes can receive DAB signals. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

informitv - Online television revenues grow but remain marginal

People in the United Kingdom are among the most likely to access television programming distributed over the internet. Online television and video revenue in the United Kingdom has risen by almost 300 in three years. Yet it still represents less than 3 of total television subscription, advertising and licence fee revenue in the country, or 28 of the total export value of television programmes. - informitv.com

informitv.com

informitv - Rethinking television trends

Television as we know it will be redefined by the smartphone and the tablet, with future viewing experiences ranging from handheld screens to wall-sized multiscreen environments, all connected to ever more capable networks. A characteristically provocative new report from Rethink Research suggests that sales of the traditional television display are destined to decline, while viewers will be taking to tablets as secondary screens. He says these traditionalists are tired of change and just want to get through to their retirement before it matters to much and then let someone else deal with the problems imposed by smartphones, tablets and ubiquitous connectivity. - informitv.com

informitv.com

Radio Today - Reaction to DAB Switchover announcement

A number of commercial radio groups are welcoming news from Ed Vaizey that no switch-over date has been set during todays landmark announcement. A coalition of 81 national, regional and local commercial radio stations operated by 14 separate commercial radio operators has welcomed the lack of commitment to a digital switchover date. We want all our local stations, that are part of the Capital and Heart networks, to enjoy good coverage on DAB, and this will soon be a reality as a result of this agreement. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

Radio Today - No switchover date for DAB, Vaizey says

Ed Vaizey has confirmed the Governments vision of a digital future for radio but said he wanted to continue to improve the service, and reach coverage and listening criteria before a radio switchover. This means the radio industry has no deadline to work towards, but will continue as it has been doing for over a decade in trying to build a better digital radio experience for listeners. He said that funding was in place for Ofcom to develop a route to digital for small local stations. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

Showdown: will on-demand kill the big TV get-together? - Television radio - The Guardian

For the TV industry, the ghost of viewing past in the form of extended families slumped in front of the telly returns onChristmas Day, as it's oneof the rare times nowadays that millions watch the same show at the same time. However, if you believe some people, this year's seasonal schedules may be fatally stalked by theghost of viewing future. Produced by Netflix andstarring Kevin Spacey, it can be watched by the site's subscribers however and whenever they chose. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

Radio Today - Go Digital Day live conference updates

07.35 So were on our way to London. 07.34 But the points made on various occasions about sound quality and low power do need to be addressed. Im not sure those issues will be covered today but we can hope. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

BBC payoffs damaged its international reputation, say MPs - Media - The Guardian

Current BBC Trust chairman Chris Patten took part in committee hearings with four other current and former executives. Among the payouts given to senior staff were 470,000 to former director general George Entwistle after only 54 days in the job and 680,000 to former chief operating officer Caroline Thomson. Deputy director general Mark Byford departed from the BBC with a total payout of 949,000. - gu.com

gu.com

Media Monkey's diary: The Times, the Pope, and Cathy Newman - Media - theguardian.com

You could be forgiven for imagining that recent chastening events might have made playing hardball less appealing at News UK, Rupert Murdoch's rebranded press empire. Let go in the summer amidst rumours of friction with newish editor John Witherow, Wagner was unveiled last week as one of the 2014 Booker prize judges a feather in the cap for her, and arguably for the paper too. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

David Frost remembered by Greg Dyke - Media - The Observer

Presenter, interviewer, talent spotter, producer, great ideas man David Frost in 1964. What was remarkable about David Frost was that despite being famous from his early 20s right through until his mid 70s he was never the typical star. David was always happy in his own skin, generous about others and widely liked in the television industry. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What's on BBC Red Button - 14-20 December

There are special festive treats and highlights from a great year of music and sport on the Red Button this week. Plus, dont miss red carpet coverage and the big reveal from Sports Personality of the Year 2013. Press red after Casualty to find out or watch the special episode again on Friday. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

Freeview coming to your tablet in time for the World Cup - CNET UK

Freeview is coming to your tablet in the new year, potentially allowing you to watch and record your favourite broadcast telly wherever you roam. That sees your tablet connect wirelessly to a T-Pod dongle, beaming tellywaves to the screen over Wi-Fi so you don't actually have to plug the dongle into the tablet. Meanwhile the Freeview dongle is planned for a release date in mid-2014. - crave.cnet.co.uk

crave.cnet.co.uk

Is it time for justice for Monkey? Police probe OnDigital 'hack by Newscorp' - About UK Free TV - ukfree.tv - 11 years

Renamed ITV Digital three years later, it was plagued by widespread piracy and folded in 2002. News Corporation is due to be split into one entity for newspaper and book publishing, and another for television and movie companies. The allegations of industrial espionage were made last year by a self-confessed hacker, Lee Gibling, who claimed that he had been paid to publicise codes that enabled viewers to bypass encryption technology and watch On Digital for free. - ukfree.tv

www.ukfree.tv

Broadcasters criticise Ofcom over TV 'white spaces' disruption to Freeview - Media - theguardian.com

Freeview published research suggesting nearly three-quarters of consumers who pay for a package of TV, broadband and phone are confused about what they signed up to. Ofcom intends to use the so-called gaps in the spectrum used to broadcast digital terrestrial TV service Freeview to 19m homes across the UK for a range of potential wireless services. However, the broadcasters are also concerned that Ofcom doesn't offer adequate assurances of protection from interference to Freeview households that use indoor or set top aerials estimated to be about a quarter of the 19m homes that get the service via a main or secondary TV set. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

Feedback: Coverage of Nelson Mandela's death: 13 Dec 13

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Aereo CEO to Broadcasters: Go Ahead, Make My Day - TIME.com

Aereo has asked the high court to grant the broadcasterspetition for a writ of certoriari, arguing that its time to settle the legality of its streaming video service once and for all. Aereos message to the broadcasters Bring it on. If the high court agrees to take the case which is far from certain it would set the stage for landmark test of copyright law that could have major implications for the entertainment industry. - business.time.com

business.time.com

Response to Ofcom Consultation ‘TV white spaces: approach to coexistence.’ 13 December 2013

Digital UK welcomes the opportunity to respond to Ofcom’s “TV white spaces: approach to coexistence” consultation. We recognise the need to ensure that valuable spectrum must be used in the most efficient way possible and are keen to support Ofcom’s exploration of ways that may achieve this to the benefit of viewers.

www.digitaluk.co.uk

BT complaints shoot up following sports TV launch - Money - theguardian.com

BT paid 738m to broadcast 38 Premier League football games a season, but customer service levels have since suffered. Half the complaints were about its BT Sport channels which launched amid much fanfare on 1 August 2013, in time for the start football season. The company paid 738m for the rights to broadcast 38 Premier League football games a season, and has since splashed out 897m on the right to show Champions League games from 2015 onwards. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

BBC News - BT apologises for poor service at sports channel launch

It followed figures that showed complaints about BT's television service more than doubled in the July-to-September period. Telecoms regulator Ofcom said complaints peaked in August, when the new channel went on air. As a result, BT had a far higher ratio of complaints than its rivals. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

Ariel - BBC best for laughs and entertainment

It was named best comedy panel show, with team captain Lee Mack voted best male tv comic. Funny women 'Brilliant to see female comedy talent scoop the big sitcom prize,' said Shane Allen, controller, comedy commissioning, 'and also delighted for Harry Paul with their richly deserved sketch show award. 'BBC comedy/entertainment really is at the top of its game and these awards prove that.' - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

The BBC must declare the interests of its contributors, or lose our trust - George Monbiot - Comment is free - theguardi

I didn't expect this flat refusal to uphold its own editorial guidelines. Two weeks ago, I wrote an article explaining how the BBC routinely flouts its professed commitment to impartiality and transparency, by allowing people who appear to be little more than corporate lobbyists to pose as independent pundits. What we were not told is that the institute, which calls itself a thinktank, has for many years been funded by the tobacco industry. - theguardian.com

www.theguardian.com

BBC News - Graham Norton warned over World Aids Day ribbon

The presenter and his guests all sported the charity emblem on his BBC One chat show broadcast on 29 November. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

DTG :: News :: Elemental demonstrates full frame rate live 4K HEVC video processing

At a special event in London, the company showed an end-to-end workflow in which live 4Kp60 HEVC content was encoded for display in real-time. Elemental first announced support for the H.265 codec in January of 2013. Video processing solutions from Elemental offer support for the new codec via a seamless software upgrade. - dtg.org.uk

dtg.org.uk

Radio Today - Will Arqiva be bidding for Digital Two ?

Weve heard speculation that radio groups and non-radio organisations will be bidding for the chance to control the overdue digital platform, although one company already has the network to expand upon. Arqiva is hugely supportive of the industry-wide transition to digital, which is making great progress this year. We have already led the way in improving coverage over the past year and with a positive decision on the Digital Radio Switchover at the end of this year, we would welcome an additional national commercial multiplex. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

Freeview – Loss of BBC HD channels - BBC - FAQs - Home

The BBC has been made are aware that a small number of set top boxes have problems accessing both HD multiplexes at the same time. However, until the manufacturer has resolved the issue you will not be able to access both at the same time. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

Local television: Small-town views - The Economist

With a new nameEstuary TVand a prominent spot on Freeview, a free digital television platform, their news and discussion shows now reach 350,000 homes around the Humber. Estuary TV is the first of 19 television stations launching in Britains towns and cities over the next yearthe fruits of a plan laid out in 2010 by Jeremy Hunt, then the culture secretary, to revitalise local media. Ministers hope they will help promote small businesses, train new creative talent and generally make people more civic-minded. - economist.com

www.economist.com

Radio Today - Surrey DAB radio multiplex switched on

Three new digital radio transmitters have been switched on in Surrey, giving local coverage to almost 800,000 people. Four radio stations will be on the new multiplex, including a third Eagle-branded service. Sir Paul Beresford Surrey is way ahead on digital radio, with over half of us having a digital radio at home. - radiotoday.co.uk

radiotoday.co.uk

BBC - BBC Trust - BBC publishes conclusions of governance review

The review was launched in September 2013 following a year of difficult events at the BBC which highlighted a need to clarify roles and responsibilities and improve the working culture between the two parts of the Corporation. The key conclusion of the review is that, while much of the current governance system works well, there is confusion about who is responsible for what in certain key operational areas and this has undermined confidence in the governance and operation of the BBC. Sir Howard was previously President of the CBS network and will bring his extensive broadcasting and commercial experience to this role. - bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk