Thursday 17 October 2013, PM
Former BBC boss Mark Thompson to face MPs over £100m DMI fiasco - Media - theguardian.com
It is possible that Thompson will give evidence via video link rather than fly to London. Accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, on behalf of the BBC Trust, was expected to have completed its independent review into the failed project last month, but the deadline is now understood to have slipped to before the end of the year. Its conclusions will then be passed to MPs on the public accounts committee. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comThursday 17 October 2013, AM
Wednesday 16 October 2013, PM
Media: BBC2 Controller Janice Hadlow
downloads.bbc.co.uk
YouView popularity wanes - Advanced Television
- advanced-television.comDTG :: News :: Report: Online TV video to generate $35 billion by 2018
By 2018, 520 million homes in 40 countries will watch online television and video both paid-for and ad-supported, up from 182 million in 2010. The OTT TV sector is on the brink of a huge take-off as the key players expand internationally, broadband penetration increases, technology advances and as new partnerships are announced on a daily basis, so the report. Online TV and video advertising has been the key driver for the OTT sector, with revenues of 7.4 billion expected in 2013, up from 2.4 billion in 2010. - dtg.org.ukdtg.org.uk
In Aereo Fight, Are Comcast and NBCUniversal at Odds? - Corporate Intelligence - WSJ
Thats a question worth asking in the wake of Fridays petition by major broadcasters seeking a Supreme Court review of the case over the online TV-streaming service. As close watchers of the case will remember, Aereos legal defense relies in part on a precedent established several years ago in another long-running legal battle, this time between Cablevision Systems Corp. and major entertainment companies. Cablevision won the case and the Supreme Court in 2009 declined to hear the media companies appeal. - blogs.wsj.comblogs.wsj.comYouView makes Simon Duffy chairman - Media - theguardian.com
Duffy is currently non-executive chairman of bwin.party digital entertainment and mobile company mBlox. YouView has been hunting for a chairman for the past seven months, following the departure of Lord Sugar that came from a boardroom showdown with Desmond in March. Sugar was paid 500,000 to chair YouView, Duffy's remuneration is not known. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comBBC - Media Centre - Helen Boaden - Radio Festival 2013
Please check against delivery It is a huge pleasure to be here and thank you for doing me the immense honour of inviting me to speak today. As you may know, I have been away from the radio industry for eight years enjoying the cut and thrust of BBC News. News is a place of constant change and you certainly cant dodge the so-called digital revolution if youre in its midst. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukWednesday 16 October 2013, AM
BBC to Name Head of VOD Service, Treat It Like Fifth TV Channel - The Hollywood Reporter
The BBC is planning to name a controller of its VOD service, the BBC iPlayer, to effectively establish it as a fifth network of the U.K. public broadcaster, director of television Danny Cohen said here Tuesday evening.www.hollywoodreporter.comiPlayer: BBC to appoint controller for 'fifth channel' - Media - theguardian.com
The announcement comes on the back of BBC director Tony Hall's announcement that an enhanced and personalised iPlayer will pay a central role in the corporation's strategy. Under the BBC's plan, iPlayer will not only allow viewers to watch some content online before it is broadcast, it will also give them access to new iPlayer channels, some of them temporary pop-up ones covering events such as Wimbledon. To pay for Hall's vision for the BBC the corporation is looking to make savings of around 100m a year during the final two years of the current 10-year royal charter agreement, which runs to the end of 2016. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comTuesday 15 October 2013, PM
Ariel - Local radio at sharp end of public anger
She said that one of her reporters, who had gone to a local school to do an interview, had been spat at by a parent when she revealed where she worked. 'Those pay-offs were wrong,' admitted Yentob, who put them in the context, however, of finding a quick fix to a bloated management. She said she'd worked at the BBC for a quarter of a century and that 'the level we go to to be impartial and balanced in what we do is incredible'. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukBBC's Alan Yentob: Mark Byford might have helped avoid Jimmy Savile crisis - Media - theguardian.com
The fallout of the scandal resulted in the resignation of director general George Entwistle after just 54 days. Yentob implied that Byford's experience and close links with top executives across the corporation he was a 32-year BBC veteran and close ally of ex-director general Mark Thompson before being made redundant in 2010 could have made a critical difference in decisions that were taken. Yentob admitted that he and other presenters, such as Richard Bacon who was leading the interview session on a live Radio 5 Live broadcast, are paid too much. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
Smart TV to remain a complementary platform - Advanced Television
The reports author, Roger Stanyard, notes that TV is the last of the great communications and media platforms to embrace the Internet, but suggests that the exercise will take some two decades to complete. This will rise to some 1.6 million in 2017 some 15 per cent of total broadcasting revenues. We also expect that at end of the next two decade most television content will be delivered to the consumer over Internet through a combination of live streaming media and VoD, says Stanyard. - advanced-television.comadvanced-television.comBBC director general rejects claim that corporation crushes entrepreneurs - Media - theguardian.com
Whatever it might look like on a piece of paper, we are able to point to what actually happens," he said, speaking at the Technology Innovators Forum (TIF) at Broadcasting House. "In practice the argument is not right. The BBC has not crushed entrepreneurs. It has done the opposite". - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
Now That's What I Call Music channel queued up - News - Broadcast
A Now That’s What I Call Music-branded TV channel will launch later this month as a joint venture between two major labels and All Around The World TV. The channel will air on Sky 378 and Freesat 512 and will target a wide demographic from tweens to families. broadcastnow.co.ukwww.broadcastnow.co.uk
Lessons from the 4K frontline - In-depth - Broadcast
Sky was quickly into digital, then HD and then 3D 4K should be next. We have to be cautious, says 3D operations and development manager Robin Broomfield. Dramas and movies are already shot in 4K, even if theyre not being mastered or transmitted that way. - broadcastnow.co.ukwww.broadcastnow.co.ukTuesday 15 October 2013, AM
BBCs Tony Hall takes on critics after attack by Rupert Murdoch
Lord Hall, speaking to an audience of tech entrepreneurs and media bosses in London, said the critics are missing the point when they say the BBC is crowding out the market. Rather, he maintained, the BBCs 5bn in annual revenue provides risk capital for independent media companies to make programmes and films that the commercial sector would not be able to fund alone. For me, the BBC is one of those amazing brands that makes Britain what it is, she said, noting creative industries are growing at twice the rate of the rest of the UK economy. - independent.co.ukwww.independent.co.ukMonday 14 October 2013, PM
Ariel - Boaden: Audience not ready for switchover
On the same day that the Corporation announced plans to begin increasing DAB coverage for its network services from 94 to 97, Boaden reflected on a growing appetite for digital. DAB listening was claiming nearly a 25 share, she said, with 52 of the audience listening to something digitally each week. More new cars, meanwhile, were being fitted with digital radios, reaching just over 40 this year. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukHumax new Freeview +HD box out 18 October, for £180 - CNET UK
Fans of free telly rejoice -- Humax has a new Freeview HD box, that'll be on sale later this week. Perhaps best of all, the box lets you record shows to its 500GB hard drive. It's packing twin-tuners, so you can record two channels at the same time, while pausing and rewinding TV is also on the cards. - crave.cnet.co.ukcrave.cnet.co.ukinformitv - BBC places iPlayer at the heart of its vision
In his much awaited speech to staff he described a toddler sitting up holding a magazine, trying to swipe it and bang it to make it play. To a toddler, a tablet may simply be a broken toy, if you are not careful. The perennial question, like a broken record, is whether public service broadcasting is broken and if so what can be done to fix it. - informitv.cominformitv.cominformitv - Connected televisions forecast at 760 million by 2018
The number of television sets connected to the internet is forecast to rise from around 300 million at the end of 2013 to almost 760 million by 2018. That will represent over a quarter of the television sets in the world. The latest forecast from Digital TV Research includes smart televisions, games consoles, digital media adapter devices, network connected set-top boxes and disc players. - informitv.cominformitv.cominformitv - Google TV may simply become Android TV
The Google TV brand may be quietly dropped as the focus moves to the Android platform on which it is based. There are suggestions that it may simply become Android TV. Given the success of Android for smartphones and tablets, it could become the generic operating system for television products, as part of a wider ecosystem that already supports a billion devices. - informitv.cominformitv.com
Radio Today - 40.1% of new cars now have DAB as standard
Future plans for the progress of DAB are being announced today at the Radio Festival, including that 40.1 of new cars now have digital radio as standard. It follows news earlier today that the BBC has confirmed its plans to increase DAB coverage for its national network stations from 94 to 97 with the addition of 162 new transmitters starting at the end of 2013. After the Government decision on radio switchover local DAB coverage would be further expanded to 90. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukMipcom: TV bosses upbeat as technology opens new opportunities - Media - theguardian.com
DreamWorks chief executive Jeffrey Katzenberg set the tone in his keynote speech. Something that may be starting to affect the artform itself. Television as the new novel rather than the new Hollywood - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
Radio Today - 162 new BBC DAB transmitters in two years
The corporation says transmitters will be added at a rate of more than three every two weeks between now and Christmas 2015. Coverage at the moment is just over 93 of the UK. The fourth-phase of the roll-out will bring network BBC radio on DAB to an extra 2.5m people and improve coverage for millions of others. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukMonday 14 October 2013, AM
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - Video Factory: Transcoding Video for BBC iPlayer
It delivered 600 hours of Television programmes each week to BBC iPlayer. The experiment in delivering video over the internet was proven to work, the demand was there but the infrastructure was aging and needed replacement. In this post blog I shall be telling you about how its built and how it will allow us to continue to improve the BBCiPlayer service. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukSunday 13 October 2013, PM
London Live's head of news says it cannot be WBD – worthy but dull - Media - The Guardian
Costume drama London Live aims to arrive on the capitals TV screens with the exuberance of the Notting Hill carnival. It may be too soon for Vikki Cook, the channel's head of news and current affairs, to reveal how London Live will cover the carnival, but she hopes her station will be in full swing when the festival drums strike up. Last week the channel announced it is recruiting 50 people, including on-air talent and producers, to fill its as-yet-unfurnished studios in Derry Street, west London. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comSaturday 12 October 2013, AM
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What's on BBC Red Button 12-18 October
Showcasing the music that the station has championed, enjoyed and nurtured, listeners can find all the action on-air, online and of course on the Red Button. Our valuation game is simple, fun and free to play. Consider each of the objects featured in the programme, select an option before our experts give their valuation and see how many you get right. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk
Cablevision blasts broadcasters' Supreme Court filing against Aereo - latimes.com
Aereo has a similar cloud-based digital recorder as part of its service. Interestingly, Cablevision had previously come out in support of broadcasters against Aereo. Last year, Cablevision filed an amicus brief in support of broadcasters saying Aereo violates copyright laws. - latimes.comwww.latimes.comFriday 11 October 2013, PM
Broadcasters petition Supreme Court in Aereo fight - Internet Media - CNET News
The Supreme Court should review the case, the broadcasters argue in the petition, because courts outside the Second Circuit based in New York have been shutting down similar services, setting up court conflict. The petition also argued that the Second Circuit decision in Aereo's favor is rapidly and deeply harming the television industry. All petitions to the Supreme Court have a long shot of being granted. - news.cnet.comnews.cnet.comBSkyB CEO took home £7m last year - Media - The Guardian
It was pointed out that Darroch's base pay was still less than former CEO James Murdoch's in 2007. Darroch's total remuneration including salary, bonus, pension and benefits for the year to the end of June remained almost flat year-on-year at 2.93m. That included a 1.82m bonus, almost the maximum 200 of his base salary, while his salary remained flat year-on-year at 935,000.He also received 175,686 in benefit payments and banked almost 4.1m from 580,000 shares awarded as part of BSkyB's long-term incentive plan. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 force TVCatchUp to drop their services - Media - theguardian.com
TVCatchUp, which earlier this month added catchup TV to its offering of live streaming services, posted a statement on its website acknowledging the changes to its operation following the ruling. The European court of justice ruled that websites that retransmit live TV over the internet without permission from broadcasters are in breach of copyright. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
When Our News Is Gerrymandered, Too - NYTimes.com
I read an interview this past week with someone who gets his news from a narrow band of information providers. He reads The Wall Street Journal, a really good newspaper that tilts right on its editorial page and sometimes in its news coverage. He also reads The Washington Times, a more reflexively conservative publication, and listens to the talk guys on the radio during his commute to work. - nytimes.comwww.nytimes.comFeedback: Is watching radio the future? 11 Oct 13
downloads.bbc.co.ukHow Americans Get TV News at Home - Pew Research Centers Journalism Project
Almost three out of four U.S. adults 71 watch local television news and 65 view network newscasts over the course of a month, according to Nielsen data from February 2013. On average, the cable news audience devotes twice as much time to that news source as local and network news viewers spend on those platforms. And the heaviest cable users are far more immersed in that coveragewatching for more than an hour a daythan the most loyal viewers of broadcast television news. Even those adults who are the heaviest viewers of local and network news spend more time watching cable than those broadcast outlets. - journalism.orgwww.journalism.orgDTG :: News :: Ofcom consults on licence fees for mobile spectrum
Ofcom has published a consultation on revising annual licence fees for the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands, currently used by mobile network operators. These bands are used for voice calls, 3G and some 4G services. In December 2010, the Government directed Ofcom1 to revise these fees so that they reflect full market value. - dtg.org.ukdtg.org.uk
Ariel - Worldwide steps in as Discovery deal ends
Worldwide is to make a 'major new investment' in BBC factual content, including natural history, science and history, working alongside a range of other co-producers around the world. The current North American co-production deal between the BBC and Discovery - who have been partners for the last 15 years - is due to end by 'mutual agreement' in 2014, having last been extended in 2010. Meanwhile, Worldwide has announced its investment in a number of new titles. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk
YouView shareholders mull funding options Digital TV Europe
The report claims that the BBC in particular is keen to scrutinise costs and is keen for a cheaper, stripped down, version of existing YouView boxes to launch at a price of around 50 or less. Discussions between YouViews partners are expected to conclude by the end of the year after being extended from September, said the FT. - digitaltveurope.netwww.digitaltveurope.net
Freeview viewers may face problems in Bradford From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
This means some viewers could experience disruption to Freeview services, including a loss of sound, blocky images or loss of some or all channels. At800 was set up, and is funded, by the leading UK mobile operators, to ensure viewers can still watch Freeview, or are offered a suitable alternative, as 4G at 800 MHz services go live. In most cases, the problem will be fixed with an At800 filter, which is available free of charge. - thetelegraphandargus.co.ukwww.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - Links: Tony Hall Speech, BBC Playlister and Android Update
The whole speech can be watched on the About The BBC website. The other big announcement this week was the BBC Playlister Beta. The BBC News story is where comment action can be found. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukMedia Talk podcast: Leveson faces MPs and commercial radio hits 40
download.guardian.co.ukFriday 11 October 2013, AM
BBC iPlayer - Help - Where can I find the Windows Media streams to listen live to National BBC Radio?
The simplest way to access a radio stream is to listen live via BBC iPlayer Radio. However, you can also access the following streams directly. - iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.ukiplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.ukGoogle to sunset Google TV brand as its smart TV platform merges with Android Tech News and Analysis
The move is part admission that Google TV failed, part hope that Android will eventually find its place in the living room. Google apparently isnt quite ready to announce the switch-over yet a spokesperson contacted for this story declined to comment. Sony introduced a new smart TV adapter dubbed the Bravia TV stick last month. - gigaom.comgigaom.comThursday 10 October 2013, AM
In Digital Era, What Does 'Watching TV' Even Mean? - WSJ.com
We spend a full five hours and 16 minutes a day in front of a screen, and that's without even turning on a television. So says a statistic from eMarketer, a research firm that focuses on digital media and marketing. It says that for the first time we are devoting more attention each day to smartphones, computers and tablets. - online.wsj.comonline.wsj.comBBC - Media Centre - Director-General Tony Hall unveils his vision for the BBC
Please check against delivery Ladies and Gentlemen, colleagues and friends. I came back to the BBC to work with some of the best journalists and creative talent in the world as we face perhaps the greatest challenges in our history. We are going to show the British public, who pay for this service, that we know and will never again forget what we are here to do. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukLondon Live TV channel recruit 50 editorial staff ahead of Launch - Media - theguardian.com
New local TV channel London Live, which launches in March, is to recruit 50 editorial staff. The vast majority of the 50 staff will join London Live's news and current affairs operation under Vikki Cook, the former Sky entertainment commissioner. The new local TV channel is also expected to draw on the staff and resources of the Lebedev-owned Evening Standard and Independent titles. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
Radio Today - Director-General Tony Hall s future speech
I came back to the BBC to work with some of the best journalists and creative talent in the world as we face perhaps the greatest challenges in our history. We are going to show the British public, who pay for this service, that we know and will never again forget what we are here to do. We are here to serve the public, not be served by them. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.uk
BBC News - BBC plans to to launch +1 service
Speaking at his first major speech since joining in April, Lord Hall announced other innovations including a revamped, personalised iPlayer, offering a 30-day catch-up period. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/longer-exposure-watch-programmes-on-bbc-iplayer-up-to-30-days-af
All of these offerings are an attempt to win back confidence in the BBC after an unexpectedly traumatic opening six months for Lord Hall. The former chief executive of the Royal Opera House has struggled to make his mark on an organisation that has been beset by continuing allegations of sex abuse against former members of staff, and scandals over wasteful spending on executive redundancy payments and flawed IT projects. That will influence what we commission, when we schedule, how we run the BBC. - independent.co.ukwww.independent.co.uk
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/giant-ipads-for-oompa-loompas-fox-news-futuristic-redesign-gets
Those watching the news have been equally unimpressed when they have spotted BBC staff engaging in horse-play behind the news reader. At least the Fox journalists will have their hands full with the BATs, though they will need to remember quite how visible their screens are - just in case that quick game of solitaire suddenly becomes very public. click here to watch the full video from Fox - independent.co.ukwww.independent.co.ukpick a page