UK Broadcast News
Commercial radio: show me the money
Global’s appeal against the decision to block its GMG takeover must be supported says Paul Robinson.
Michael Palin: TV production like selling toilet paper
Michael Palin, the travel documentary presenter and Monty Python comedian, has taken a swipe at some modern forms of documentary storytelling.
Ofcom flags concerns over C4 News share
Ofcom has raised concerns with Channel 4 over a variety of issues including its declining main channel audience share, its education strategy, and the reach of its news services.
C5 books in vajazzling format
Channel 5 has ordered a new spa-themed entertainment format from ITV Studios.
FremantleMedia cooks up Jamie Oliver deals
Jamie Oliver is heading to Germany and Austria after FremantleMedia International closed a raft of sales deals.
Vice hunts young directors
Vice Media is looking for new directors to work with on its tranche of original UK productions.
BBC orders Christopher Hitchens doc
The BBC has commissioned a one-off documentary about the late author and journalist Christopher Hitchens.
Netflix orders raft of Dreamworks shows
Netflix has struck a landmark deal with Dreamworks Animation that will see it stream more than 300 hours of exclusive original programming from the Shrek and Kung Fu Panda producer.
Today programme censured over ‘retard’ remarks
A Radio 4 Today programme interview with Prime Suspect scribe Lynda La Plante has been rapped by Ofcom over the writer’s use of the word “retard”.
Simon Fuller moves into kids TV
American Idol producer Simon Fuller is to make his first move into kids TV with the launch of US musical series The Meeps.
TV heavyweights recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours list
Dave Gordon, the former head of major events for sport at the BBC, was one of a number of industry figures to be decorated in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Broadcasters investigated over Woolwich coverage
The UK’s major broadcast news providers are to be investigated by Ofcom for their coverage of drummer Lee Rigby’s murder in Woolwich on 22 May.
Blue Zoo lands first animation tax break
Blue Zoo has become one of the first companies to qualify for the government’s animation tax break for its new production Digby Dragon.
Sky hits back against BT with broadband deal
Sky has hit back against emerging rival BT’s move to offer free Premier League football to broadband customers - by offering free broadband to Sky Sports subscribers.
ITV lines up Christopher Jefferies drama
The Queen writer Peter Morgan is to pen an ITV drama about Christopher Jefferies - the man wrongly linked to the murder of Joanna Yeates in 2010.
Abraham, Desmond & Miller to speak at RTS
Northern & Shell owner Richard Desmond and Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport Maria Miller will be among the key speakers at the RTS Cambridge Convention in September.
C5 revamps acquisitions team
Channel 5 has hired Beyond Distribution’s Cherry Yeandle as factual acquisitions executive and has promoted a number of execs.
Bectu explores bullying at Freelancer Fair
Bectu’s annual freelancer fair is to focus on the issue of bullying in the TV industry.
DCI Banks set to return
ITV has commissioned a third series of Left Bank Pictures’ crime drama DCI Banks.
Barb to track online TV viewing
Barb will start measuring TV viewing through all computer devices, including smartphones and tablets, for the first time from August.
