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Saturday 30 November 2013, PM

By eck chuck, Coronation Street s moving out of Manchester - Television radio - The Guardian

The Coronation Street cast cut the ribbon outside the new Rovers Return Inn, which keen viewers will notice has an additional upstairs window. Friday marked the grand unveiling of Weatherfield in its new home on the windswept Salford Quays, across the water from the BBC. In January the soap will leave its long established Quay Street site in Manchester city centre, sold for 26.5m earlier this year. - theguardian.com

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Harding hires former Times deputy as managing editor of BBC news - Media - theguardian.com

James Harding has hired his former deputy as managing editor of BBC News. Blackmore, who left the Times in August after a career spanning 25 years, briefly took over as the newspaper as interim editor between Harding's departure in December appointment of John Witherow in early 2013. In the newly created BBC News managing editor role he will be responsible for negotiating contracts for senior journalists and presenters, editorial projects and career development. - theguardian.com

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BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What's on BBC Red Button November 30 - December 6

Also make sure you keep up-to-date with the latest football scores with Final Score from 2.30pm on Saturday. The top 16 players have lost their protection in ranking events, having previously gone through automatically to the last-32 stage. For a full list and times of sport coverage on Red Button see theBBC Sport website. - bbc.co.uk

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Friday 29 November 2013, PM

The best tablets for under £200 - Money - theguardian.com

If the hype is to be believed, 2013 is going to be a tablet Christmas and, over the next few weeks, these handheld devices are set to outsell personal computers for the first time. Once dismissed as a product that would never catch on, tablet computers have transformed the way households access the internet and entertain themselves. Then there's email that you can talk to rather than type, a web-surfing experience done by touch rather than mouse, and more games and apps than you can shake a stick at. - theguardian.com

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Xbox One compatibility problems on Freeview, Sky and Virgin - Product Reviews Net

We know there have been problems with the Xbox One disc drive, as well as consoles being bricked following the day one update. However, if that was not enough, there now seems to be Xbox One compatibility problems with the TV functions in the UK. It seems as though some British users are having issues when their Xbox One consoles are connected to certain set-top-boxes. - product-reviews.net

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Sugar urges BBC to remove 'layers of jobsworths' - News - Broadcast

The Apprentice star and former YouView chairman Lord Sugar has criticised the BBC for being “heavily overstaffed” and argued that the BBC Trust should be scrapped. Sugar is the latest BBC face to take a swipe at the corporation, telling a House of Lords debate on the future of broadcasting that the corporation is “hamstrung” by its preoccupation with defending its use of licence fee payers’ money.

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YouView bolsters accessibility options for visually impaired users — seenit.co.uk

The update adds support for the Grid 2 computer programme. Connected TV service YouView is due to deliver a major upgrade aimed at making the service more accessible to TV viewers with visual and cognitive impairments. A software update will be rolled-out to shop bought YouView boxes next week and the new features will be added to BT and TalkTalk boxes early next year. - seenit.co.uk

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Estuary TV: 'launching on Freeview is an amazing opportunity' - Media - theguardian.com

The government's plans have been much-derided by many in the media industry who do not believe that a business model exists to allow a network of mostly very small TV stations to be commercially viable. The channel will air from 6am until midnight daily. It could broadcast for longer but Nici is not yet convinced there is a demand, and promises 18 hours of fresh programming every week. - theguardian.com

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News transmission changes given a warm reception - The Southern Reporter

- thesouthernreporter.co.uk

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Keyboard control for YouView boxes is rolling out - News - TechRadar

People with YouView will soon be able to use a USB keyboard to control their set-top boxes, with a raft of accessibility updates also bringing extra functionality for all. The important arrival of accessibility features include high-contrast screens, text to speech on the YouView App and a big overhaul of the Zoom features as well as allowing the boxes to work with Grid 2 software. The update rolls out to the consumer boxes next week and to BT and TalkTalk boxes in 2014. - techradar.com

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Feedback: R2 changes: 29 Nov 13

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BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - A new approach to live events online from the BBC

Today, an early Beta version ofthis new approach to live event coverage across the BBCs web and mobile offering has been launched. The success of the first truly digital Olympics in 2012, and this years Wimbledon and Glastonbury, has demonstrated both the audience appetite and potential for digital live event coverage. Its our intention to raise the bar even higher for a wider range of Britains biggest social and cultural events. - bbc.co.uk

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'BBC should open more shows up to indies if it doesn't subsidise Channel 4' - Media - theguardian.com

Morrison said the independent sector needed to be bolstered because of the long-term decline in advertising revenues faced by Channel 4, the only public service broadcaster not to have an in-house production division. Morrison said the BBC had a fight on its hands to preserve the licence fee. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. - theguardian.com

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BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - BBC iPlayer comes to the Sony PlayStation 4

Today BBC iPlayer is being launched on Sony Playstation 4. We have been working with Sony to bring the best possible experience to the device and I hope that PlayStation 4 users will love it. Clear process We specify very clearly what requirements wehave of a new TV or device, referencing industry standards. - bbc.co.uk

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DTG :: News :: BBC News announces two new senior appointments

Jonathan Munro is to be Head of Newsgathering, in charge of the day-to-day activity and deployments of all journalists working to network news based at home and abroad. Previously Deputy Editor at ITV News, he brings a wealth of experience to the role. DTG Staff 29.11.2013 Links open in a new window. - dtg.org.uk

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DTG :: News :: BBC signs Memorandum of Understanding with open internet organisations

These agreements will enable closer collaboration between the BBC and each of the four organisations on a range of mutual interests, including the release of structured open data and the use of open standards in web development. One aim of this agreement is to give clear technical standards and models to organisations who want to work with the BBC and give those using the internet a deeper understanding of the technologies involved. Through this and other initiatives, the BBC aims to be a catalyst for open innovation by publishing clear technical standards, models, expertise and, where feasible, data. - dtg.org.uk

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BBC - Media Centre - Tony Hall - Voice of the Listener Viewer Conference

As you can see, next year is going to be very special. One of my most vivid memories of the BBC from my childhood was that extraordinary series The Great War, 26 episodes of riveting testimony from men and women who had lived through years of conflict. Fifty years on from that landmark series, we want 2014 to be a chance for us all to learn something new about a war we think we know so well and a chance to engage a new generation with those extraordinary times. - bbc.co.uk

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Radio Today - Vaizey confirms no imminent DAB switchover

The DAB switchover debate hit the Commons again this week, with an adjournment debate ahead of an official announcement by the Government due on December 16th. Cheryl Gillan said DAB is fundamentally the wrong platform for local radio stations at this time due to the coverage difference from FM. Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Ed Vaizey responded. - radiotoday.co.uk

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DTG :: News :: Ofcom proposes to approve first improved 'text relay' service

Ofcom today took a step towards improving telephone calls for disabled consumers by proposing to approve BT's enhanced text relay service. Text relay is a vital service as it enables people with hearing and/or speech impairments to communicate with others via the telephone. A relay assistant acts as an intermediary to convert speech to text and vice versa for the two people in conversation. - dtg.org.uk

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Thursday 28 November 2013, PM

Media Talk podcast: Tony Hall, Edgar Wright, BBC at world's end?

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Media Talk podcast: BBC Scotland, Edgar Wright

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Wednesday 27 November 2013, PM

London Live strikes first deals with major indies - News - Broadcast

It takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the Broadcast website along with a copy of the magazine delivered every week. - broadcastnow.co.uk

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Lord Hall paves way for shake-up of Match of the Day after praising Gary Nevilles impact since joining Sky - News

In a speech in London, Lord Hall expressed admiration for the on-camera skills of the former Manchester United player, who has been credited for bringing fresh insight into expert football analysis since joining Sky two years ago. Lord Halls lauding of broadcasting rivals, came in an address to the Voice of the Listener Viewer Conference. We need to be less British about saying what you get for 40p a day, he said. - independent.co.uk

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Ariel - Make more aggressive case for BBC, says DG at VLV conference

27 November 2013 Last updated at 1700 Tony Hall said the BBC should be 'more aggressive' in making its argument for the licence fee and should use its own airwaves to do it. He believed it needed to be 'less British' about trumpeting just how much people actually get from the broadcaster for just 40p per day. The director general was speaking at a conference organised for the 30th anniversary of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer. - bbc.co.uk

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Media: Local TV, S4C, crowdfunded journalism 27 Nov 2013

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DTG :: News :: Comux to provide s studio-to-transmitter monitoring for local DTT explosion in UK

Comux UK, the community-owned business operating the new local TV broadcasting platform, has implemented Techex's Spotlight software to deliver integrated monitoring services. Polling over 1,000 different monitoring parameters, Spotlight helps Comux's MCR operators see the status of the core broadcast network from one screen, allowing faults to be quickly identified without referencing multiple systems. - dtg.org.uk

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BBC chief wants corporation to be 'less British' defending the licence fee - Media - theguardian.com

Hall indicated that the BBC would be more assertive than in the past in fighting its corner and should not be afraid to use its TV, radio and online services to promote its cause. His comments come ahead of what is certain to be a long and bitterly fought lobbying battle to secure renewal of the royal charter agreement, setting out the BBC's scope and remit, and 3.6bn-a-year licence fee funding deal with the government. Both agreements run until the end of 2016, but critics of the BBC, including Tory party chairman Grant Shapps, have already argued that the corporation must reform its ways if it is to retain its current levels of funding. - theguardian.com

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4oD launches on the NOW TV Box

Its available alongside flexible pay-as-you-go access to must-see sport, the latest movies you missed at the cinema and the TV shows everyones talking about. - corporate.sky.com

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BBC4 executive defends channel after David Dimbleby questions future - Media - theguardian.com

BBC4 has had its budget cut as part of the corporations 700m Delivering Quality First cost-saving initiative. Among BBC4's programmes will be two shows dissecting the human hand and the human foot. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. - theguardian.com

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BT YouViewers can now record internet channels - PC Advisor

A software update for BT's Humax YouView box now allows it to record internet channels in the same way as regular aerial ones. This will be a phased roll-out managed by BT so some customers will get it today/tonight and the rest will get it in due course. Users can still record two channels at the same time, regardless of whether they are internet channels or broadcast channels. - pcadvisor.co.uk

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Al Jazeera English available in HD Freeview - Press Office - Al Jazeera English

It is the first time anywhere in the world that the channel is available in HD. Providing this on Freeview HD showcases these news and programmes at their very best. The launch will be phased withtransmitter sites being switched in major population areas between 26th November 2013 and June 2014. - aljazeera.com

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DTG :: News :: Al Jazeera English available in HD Freeview

Al Jazeera English HD has launched on Freeview. It is the first time anywhere in the world that the channel is available in HD. DTG Staff 27.11.2013 Links open in a new window. - dtg.org.uk

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Tuesday 26 November 2013, PM

Grimsby's Estuary TV makes television history - Media - The Guardian

Without the big budgets of the national stations, who also snap up their best talent, without large audiences, without even very much to talk about, local broadcasters have always tended to look, well, a bit quaint. The coalition government, however, is keen on quaintness or decentralisation, as it is also known and so this afternoon sees the birth of a litter of new local television stations, beginning where else Channel 879 on Virgin cable, in fact, in case you've missed it. They know what they are doing, therefore. - theguardian.com

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DTG :: News :: Comux switches on the local TV Digital Transmission Network

Estuary TV's schedule kicks off with a local news show at 5.40 pm on Channel 8. A further 18 stations across the UK are preparing to go to air before the end of 2014, and an additional 28 are set to launch in the second phase in 2014/15. Comux's business model for sustainable local TV infrastructure is based on local ownership and profit sharing. - dtg.org.uk

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Tuesday 26 November 2013, AM

Local TV goes live - News - Broadcast

Local TV will today launch on Freeview channel eight in Grimsby as Estuary TV is pushed live. Estuary TV was one of the first local television operators to be awarded a 12-year licence by Ofcom last year under former culture secretary Jeremy Hunt’s broadcasting vision. - broadcastnow.co.uk

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Cord Cutters And The Death Of TV - Business Insider

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Monday 25 November 2013, PM

UK ad spend set to hit record £14bn - Media - theguardian.com

UK ad spend is set to reach nearly 14bn in 2013, fuelled by the huge growth in digital revenues. Group M has more than doubled its UK ad spend growth projection for 2013, from 3.3 six months ago to 7 and also upped it growth forecast for next year, from 3.5 to 6, when the total is expected to hit 14.8bn. Digital will make up almost 50 of total UK ad spend in 2014, Group M is forecasting, reaching 7bn. - theguardian.com

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This is Grimsby calling! Another cultural breakthrough beside the Humber as Estuary TV goes live - TV Radio - Medi

After years of being lampooned by Steve Coogan and Armando Iannucci's portrayal of the hapless Alan Partridge, local broadcasting is set for a transformation. The added reach means the network has a potential audience of 270,000 homes. The team behind the channel have experience in local broadcasting going back to 1998, which is why Grimsby was chosen by Ofcom to be the first station in the network to launch. - independent.co.uk

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informitv - World Television Day

On the United Nations official World Television Day, some fifteen years after the start of digital television transmissions, many countries have already switched to digital. ITU research shows that 55 of the estimated 1.4 billion households worldwide with a television receive a digital signal, compared to just 30 in 2008. Over half of television homes worldwide now have a pay-television subscription. - informitv.com

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Estuary TV channel set for launch - Journalism News from HoldtheFrontPage

The long-awaited rollout of local TV services in towns and cities in the UK will get under way tomorrow. Estuary TV is set to launch in Grimsby and is the first of 19 local TV stations due to go on air over the next year. Itwas given a pre-launch boost when government minister Ed Vaizey, government minister for culture, communications and creative industries,visited theGrimsbystation last week to see the new policy on local TV in action. - holdthefrontpage.co.uk

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Monday 25 November 2013, AM

CBeebies named best channel at kids Baftas - News - Broadcast

It takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the Broadcast website along with a copy of the magazine delivered every week. - broadcastnow.co.uk

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Doctor Who one of biggest shows in the world, says BBC following simulcast - Television radio - The Guardian

Over the weekend 8,000 fans of the programme Whovians, many in costume attended a convention to mark the anniversary at the Excel centre in east London. - theguardian.com

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Saturday 23 November 2013, AM

BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What's on BBC Red Button - 23-29 November

As Doctor Who celebrates 50 years, go behind the lens on the years most anticipated television drama. Plus this week you can catch up with the BBC Introducing festival, celebrating the top music acts of tomorrow. Sports fans can tune in to rugby action and watch highlights from the Brazil Grand Prix. - bbc.co.uk

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Almost quarter of shareholders at BSkyB oppose chief's £7m pay - Media - The Guardian

Almost 23 voted against BSkyB's remuneration report with a further 0.6 abstaining, which is often viewed as a protest vote after several shareholder advisory services flagged concerns over the way top executives are paid. Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox voted its 39 stake in favour of the pay deal meaning that of the independent shareholders who voted, some 42 opposed the pay plans. Darroch took more than 7m in overall remuneration and share award payouts in the year to the end of June, including a maximum bonus of 1.9m, totalling about eight times his base salary. - theguardian.com

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Friday 22 November 2013, PM

Robbie Williams: BBC Radio 4 listeners won't swing his way - Media - theguardian.com

Robbie Williams BBC Radio 4 listeners don't get the point. Some of its listeners think not after Williams was featured in the new series of Radio 4 music programme, Mastertapes, talking about his first solo album. Except, Radio 1 has plenty of speech, so why shouldn't Radio 4 occasionally have music - theguardian.com

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Talking TV: Doctor Who, Derren Brown and diversity - News - Broadcast

Talking TV is available on SoundCloud below and can also be downloaded on iTuneshere. - broadcastnow.co.uk

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BBC - Blogs - About the BBC - Listening to the listeners: Radio Cymru announces new schedule

To be honest they went beyond views about the voices and names of Radio Cymru. People were saying that something fundamental had been lost in the relationship between the station and its audience and this needed to be addressed. Radio Cymrus presenters and voices, like all other radio stations, will come and go. - bbc.co.uk

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Feedback: Robbie Williams on Radio 4: 22 Nov 13

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Doctor Who takes on new dimension with 3D 50th anniversary episode - Media Monkey - Media - theguardian.com

It will also be the BBC's last 3D broadcast, for three years at least, after it called time on the third dimension, blaming a lack of appetite among viewers. If any audience can be assumed to be early adopters, then it's surely that for Doctor Who, which is among the most requested programmes in the history of the BBC iPlayer more than 100m, since you ask. Most popular episode of all was The Eleventh Hour series five, episode one, the first full episode with Matt Smith with nearly 3m requests. - theguardian.com

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Ariel - Is the BBC’s out-of-London focus delivering?

Production outside of London - not just in northern England - was a key theme at the festival, which was previously called the Nations and Regions conference. - bbc.co.uk

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