BBC boss Tim Davie has issued a dire warning over the future of public service broadcasting globally. “It’s scary. It’s really problematic,” he said. “I mean not ‘marginally troublesome.’ I would say it’s a red alert situation in many many markets.”
Davie warned the situation was only getting worse as politics becomes “more polarized.”
Davie was speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Analysis Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference in London on Tuesday morning alongside Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon, managing director of ITV Studios Julian Bellamy and Sarah Rose, president of Channel 5 and regional lead for Paramount on a panel headed “U.K. television’s digital age.” The panel was moderated by Deloitte partner Rupert Darbyshire.
Mahon also spoke of public service broadcasters’ (PSBs) “battle for truth and trust” which she said is something “very different to something aggregated and algorithmically served.” PSBs were particularly important for young people,...
Davie warned the situation was only getting worse as politics becomes “more polarized.”
Davie was speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Analysis Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference in London on Tuesday morning alongside Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon, managing director of ITV Studios Julian Bellamy and Sarah Rose, president of Channel 5 and regional lead for Paramount on a panel headed “U.K. television’s digital age.” The panel was moderated by Deloitte partner Rupert Darbyshire.
Mahon also spoke of public service broadcasters’ (PSBs) “battle for truth and trust” which she said is something “very different to something aggregated and algorithmically served.” PSBs were particularly important for young people,...
- 6/4/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“I don’t want to be a market failure,” which is “what’s happening around the world” to public service broadcasters, BBC boss Tim Davie told Deloitte’s Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference in London on Tuesday. “It’s scary,” he said, speaking of a “red alert situation” in many parts of the world.
Davie in an appearance lauded the U.K. production sector for its success, but also noted that “many decisions we make are uneconomic.” That said, while the goal is to continue making and airing hit shows that audiences enjoy and love, “we don’t have to make the numbers work on every single show” as a public broadcaster to ensure important, educative and other shows make it to the screen, he emphasized.
“We have a rich history of working together” with other companies, Davie said about the BBC, as well as other U.K. public broadcasters.
Davie in an appearance lauded the U.K. production sector for its success, but also noted that “many decisions we make are uneconomic.” That said, while the goal is to continue making and airing hit shows that audiences enjoy and love, “we don’t have to make the numbers work on every single show” as a public broadcaster to ensure important, educative and other shows make it to the screen, he emphasized.
“We have a rich history of working together” with other companies, Davie said about the BBC, as well as other U.K. public broadcasters.
- 6/4/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Public service broadcasting is in a “red alert situation” in “many many markets” around the world, according to the most powerful man in British broadcasting.
BBC Director General Tim Davie urged the audience at the Deloitte and Enders Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference to “look around the world and see what’s happening to PSBs.”
“It’s scary,” he added. “It’s really problematic. We are not merely troublesome we are in a red alert situation in many many markets and as politics gets more polarized we have to decide what we do about institutions.”
Davie said the BBC, on the other hand, is “not a market failure provider” and stressed partnerships with major global players such as Warner Bros. Discovery in sports as a factor.
But this doesn’t stop the BBC from making “uneconomic” decisions, he stressed, in order to preserve its place as a public broadcaster.
“Sometimes...
BBC Director General Tim Davie urged the audience at the Deloitte and Enders Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference to “look around the world and see what’s happening to PSBs.”
“It’s scary,” he added. “It’s really problematic. We are not merely troublesome we are in a red alert situation in many many markets and as politics gets more polarized we have to decide what we do about institutions.”
Davie said the BBC, on the other hand, is “not a market failure provider” and stressed partnerships with major global players such as Warner Bros. Discovery in sports as a factor.
But this doesn’t stop the BBC from making “uneconomic” decisions, he stressed, in order to preserve its place as a public broadcaster.
“Sometimes...
- 6/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The production outfit behind Paramount+’s upcoming reality series Dating Naked UK is opening a hub in Scotland.
Nest Productions’ Scottish office will be headed up by co-founder and reality vet Derek Drennan, who is returning to his native Glasgow.
The hub will manage Nest’s partnerships and co-productions with Scottish production companies, seek to attract UK-wide and international production companies to film in Scotland with local support and tap into local funding. Nest’s head office is in London, with hubs in the Northwest, Northeast and South of England.
The company was launched by former Towie production boss Drennan and producer Stew Batt (Made in Chelsea) in 2019. Its first original commission is Paramount+ reality series Dating Naked UK hosted by Rylan Clark, which will launch later this year and follows singletons looking for love in a resort whilst completely naked. Other than making shows, Nest is built on...
Nest Productions’ Scottish office will be headed up by co-founder and reality vet Derek Drennan, who is returning to his native Glasgow.
The hub will manage Nest’s partnerships and co-productions with Scottish production companies, seek to attract UK-wide and international production companies to film in Scotland with local support and tap into local funding. Nest’s head office is in London, with hubs in the Northwest, Northeast and South of England.
The company was launched by former Towie production boss Drennan and producer Stew Batt (Made in Chelsea) in 2019. Its first original commission is Paramount+ reality series Dating Naked UK hosted by Rylan Clark, which will launch later this year and follows singletons looking for love in a resort whilst completely naked. Other than making shows, Nest is built on...
- 5/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, BBC director-general Tim Davie, and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall are among the industry leaders set to speak at the Royal Television Society’s (Rts) London Convention this year.
Its lineup also includes Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, journalist and host Amol Rajan, former quiz show co-host Richard Osman – widely known as the author of the best-selling crime novel The Thursday Murder Club – and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde. The not-yet-complete list of speakers will be updated in the future.
Dubbed a “leading forum” for the U.K.’s television and media, the organization announced streaming giant Netflix as the biennial event’s principal sponsor in 2024.
Taking place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in the British capital, the convention’s title is: “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge.” It will focus on how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage...
Its lineup also includes Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, journalist and host Amol Rajan, former quiz show co-host Richard Osman – widely known as the author of the best-selling crime novel The Thursday Murder Club – and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde. The not-yet-complete list of speakers will be updated in the future.
Dubbed a “leading forum” for the U.K.’s television and media, the organization announced streaming giant Netflix as the biennial event’s principal sponsor in 2024.
Taking place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in the British capital, the convention’s title is: “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge.” It will focus on how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage...
- 5/1/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rts London Convention Speakers
The Royal Television Society has revealed the dates and initial speakers for its annual Rts London Convention.
This year’s event will take place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in London and is chaired by Anna Mallett, Netflix’s vice president of production for Emea and the U.K. Netflix is also serving as the convention’s principal sponsor.
Confirmed speakers include Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, BBC director-general Tim Davie, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall and journalist Amol Rajan. “The Thursday Murder Club” author Richard Osman and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde are also on the line-up, with further speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
The theme for the forthcoming edition is “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge,” highlighting how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage of the opportunities of the future,...
The Royal Television Society has revealed the dates and initial speakers for its annual Rts London Convention.
This year’s event will take place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in London and is chaired by Anna Mallett, Netflix’s vice president of production for Emea and the U.K. Netflix is also serving as the convention’s principal sponsor.
Confirmed speakers include Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, BBC director-general Tim Davie, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall and journalist Amol Rajan. “The Thursday Murder Club” author Richard Osman and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde are also on the line-up, with further speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
The theme for the forthcoming edition is “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge,” highlighting how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage of the opportunities of the future,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has unveiled a landmark natural history series on insects as its head of unscripted brands the notion that the streamers are taking over “utter bollocks.”
The Traitors commissioner Kate Phillips talked tough on the BBC’s place in the ecosystem at Creative Cities Convention, citing research that BBC iPlayer is watched by more people in the UK than Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix combined. “This idea that broadcasters are irrelevant and streamers are taking over is utter bollocks,” she said. “More than nine out of 10 adults access the BBC in the UK.”
Notably, Phillips was speaking a session after Grant Mansfield, the EP behind Disney+’s most-watched natural history series of all time, A Real Bug’s Life, who had called on indies to embrace opportunities in the States.
The BBC unveiled Hidden Planet, a follow up to David Attenborough’s 2005 series Life in the Undergrowth, although the 97-year-old...
The Traitors commissioner Kate Phillips talked tough on the BBC’s place in the ecosystem at Creative Cities Convention, citing research that BBC iPlayer is watched by more people in the UK than Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix combined. “This idea that broadcasters are irrelevant and streamers are taking over is utter bollocks,” she said. “More than nine out of 10 adults access the BBC in the UK.”
Notably, Phillips was speaking a session after Grant Mansfield, the EP behind Disney+’s most-watched natural history series of all time, A Real Bug’s Life, who had called on indies to embrace opportunities in the States.
The BBC unveiled Hidden Planet, a follow up to David Attenborough’s 2005 series Life in the Undergrowth, although the 97-year-old...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Most British producers will find themselves very welcome in America.”
That is the verdict of Grant Mansfield, the head of A Real Bug’s Life and Tiny World producer Plimsoll, who, along with ITV Studios boss Julian Bellamy, attempted to paint a glass-half-full portrait of the state of the UK production industry amid doom and gloom proclamations at the Creative Cities Convention.
Mansfield said he “understands the negative mood music” but posited that “the transformational thing [for UK producers] is international,” as he revealed that 90% of Plimsoll’s commissions come from outside the UK.
“The whole business of what your market is has become more porous and most British producers wil find themselves very welcome in America,” said Mansfield. “They are incredibly respectful and knowledgeable of the UK market.”
Mansfield, who was CEO of Zodiak USA before launching Plimsoll, joked that producers should be aware of American buyers’ “there is no such thing...
That is the verdict of Grant Mansfield, the head of A Real Bug’s Life and Tiny World producer Plimsoll, who, along with ITV Studios boss Julian Bellamy, attempted to paint a glass-half-full portrait of the state of the UK production industry amid doom and gloom proclamations at the Creative Cities Convention.
Mansfield said he “understands the negative mood music” but posited that “the transformational thing [for UK producers] is international,” as he revealed that 90% of Plimsoll’s commissions come from outside the UK.
“The whole business of what your market is has become more porous and most British producers wil find themselves very welcome in America,” said Mansfield. “They are incredibly respectful and knowledgeable of the UK market.”
Mansfield, who was CEO of Zodiak USA before launching Plimsoll, joked that producers should be aware of American buyers’ “there is no such thing...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 has bowed to pressure from producers and will slowly start making more shows outside of England, its boss Alex Mahon revealed today.
Producers have been ramping up calls in recent months on the nation’s youth-skewing pubcaster to increase its commitment to make 9% of its shows in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which has stood since 2020.
For the first time this morning at the Creative Cities Convention, Mahon said “I think we will try” and boost the 9% quota, satisfying calls from the likes of trade body Pact and various creative industry bodies.
“There have been questions on us to make [the 9% quota] bigger,” Mahon told the Bristol event. “We will try and do more because we need to think more carefully about how we represent people on air. It is time to make that shift to support companies [outside England] more sustainably.”
Mahon was tight-lipped on how much Channel 4 will increase the...
Producers have been ramping up calls in recent months on the nation’s youth-skewing pubcaster to increase its commitment to make 9% of its shows in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which has stood since 2020.
For the first time this morning at the Creative Cities Convention, Mahon said “I think we will try” and boost the 9% quota, satisfying calls from the likes of trade body Pact and various creative industry bodies.
“There have been questions on us to make [the 9% quota] bigger,” Mahon told the Bristol event. “We will try and do more because we need to think more carefully about how we represent people on air. It is time to make that shift to support companies [outside England] more sustainably.”
Mahon was tight-lipped on how much Channel 4 will increase the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK’s producer trade body and actors union have called on the government to rejoin the AI debate and consider legislation before it is too late.
AI is set to play a central role in the upcoming contract negotiations between Pact and Equity but John McVay, who runs the former, and Lynda Rooke, who is president of the latter, concurred on the need for government to protect the industry via legislation.
“They’ve kicked the can down the road [on AI],” McVay said of the government at today’s Creative Cities Convention. “There is case law established in America about AI copyright. On the one hand you’ve got the [UK] government saying ‘let’s wait and see’ but if you go further down the road then they will say ‘we don’t like it, it’s going to go more extreme’. And then they will chill investment.”
McVay, whose body represents...
AI is set to play a central role in the upcoming contract negotiations between Pact and Equity but John McVay, who runs the former, and Lynda Rooke, who is president of the latter, concurred on the need for government to protect the industry via legislation.
“They’ve kicked the can down the road [on AI],” McVay said of the government at today’s Creative Cities Convention. “There is case law established in America about AI copyright. On the one hand you’ve got the [UK] government saying ‘let’s wait and see’ but if you go further down the road then they will say ‘we don’t like it, it’s going to go more extreme’. And then they will chill investment.”
McVay, whose body represents...
- 4/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix UK will not be changing its commissioning course when the streamer stops reporting quarterly subs numbers, according to its programing chief.
Anne Mensah, who oversees a huge slate featuring the likes of Baby Reindeer and The Gentlemen, said “there is no secret” for producers when they pitch to Netflix, and that this will remain the same given the streamer’s fresh focus on profit over subs.
“I can’t stress enough that [our commissioning strategy] is simply about how you get audiences to press play and stay,” she told the Creative Cities Convention in response to a question over Netflix’s decision to stop reporting quarterly subs numbers from next year.
“Before I arrived the idea was how to put in place a team that is authentically ‘of the UK’ and show you have absolute commitment to staying here long term,” she added. “For me the content remains utterly key.”
Mensah was...
Anne Mensah, who oversees a huge slate featuring the likes of Baby Reindeer and The Gentlemen, said “there is no secret” for producers when they pitch to Netflix, and that this will remain the same given the streamer’s fresh focus on profit over subs.
“I can’t stress enough that [our commissioning strategy] is simply about how you get audiences to press play and stay,” she told the Creative Cities Convention in response to a question over Netflix’s decision to stop reporting quarterly subs numbers from next year.
“Before I arrived the idea was how to put in place a team that is authentically ‘of the UK’ and show you have absolute commitment to staying here long term,” she added. “For me the content remains utterly key.”
Mensah was...
- 4/23/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Film4 has confirmed a 10% drop in its annual budget, reducing from £25m to £22.5m for January-December 2024.
“Film4 is the largest Psb [public service broadcasting] funder of independent film in the UK. Our budget is set annually, in line with Channel 4’s financials, to ensure we can best deliver sustainable, long-term support to the industry,” said a statement from Film4.
“We have recently had some of our most prolific and successful years, and we are committed to maintaining a similar level of support in the future, backing around 10-12 films per year, maintaining our cultural impact and continuing to champion the most distinctive and innovative filmmaking talent.
“Film4 is the largest Psb [public service broadcasting] funder of independent film in the UK. Our budget is set annually, in line with Channel 4’s financials, to ensure we can best deliver sustainable, long-term support to the industry,” said a statement from Film4.
“We have recently had some of our most prolific and successful years, and we are committed to maintaining a similar level of support in the future, backing around 10-12 films per year, maintaining our cultural impact and continuing to champion the most distinctive and innovative filmmaking talent.
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The former UK chief of one of Europe’s biggest production giants has been drafted in by Channel 4 to advise on the formation of its in-house productions unit.
Lucinda Hicks, who left her Banijay UK CEO post two years ago, will be consulting with Channel 4 two days per week over the coming months to help with the network’s strategy to seek “diversified revenue streams,” which includes in-house productions and comprises part of its Fast Forward blueprint. CEO Alex Mahon is understood to be keen to have a fleshed-out plan in place by the end of this year depending on the success of the media bill currently making its way through parliament.
Reporting into Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan, Hicks is working closely with Mahon and content boss Ian Katz on the plans.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said Hicks is examining how the broadcaster can “explore the potential of...
Lucinda Hicks, who left her Banijay UK CEO post two years ago, will be consulting with Channel 4 two days per week over the coming months to help with the network’s strategy to seek “diversified revenue streams,” which includes in-house productions and comprises part of its Fast Forward blueprint. CEO Alex Mahon is understood to be keen to have a fleshed-out plan in place by the end of this year depending on the success of the media bill currently making its way through parliament.
Reporting into Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan, Hicks is working closely with Mahon and content boss Ian Katz on the plans.
A Channel 4 spokeswoman said Hicks is examining how the broadcaster can “explore the potential of...
- 4/3/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 has confirmed Ollie Madden, director of Film4, is expanding his role to encompass TV drama commissioning as part of the ongoing restructuring at the UK broadcaster.
As director of Film4 and C4 drama, he takes over from Caroline Hollick, the Leeds-based head of TV drama for Channel 4, who departed Channel 4 on March 21.
”Ollie is a creative powerhouse who has been at the heart of Film4’s extraordinary success and has a bold and ambitious vision for what Channel 4 drama can be,” said Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer, today.
Channel 4 has previously confirmed the film and TV...
As director of Film4 and C4 drama, he takes over from Caroline Hollick, the Leeds-based head of TV drama for Channel 4, who departed Channel 4 on March 21.
”Ollie is a creative powerhouse who has been at the heart of Film4’s extraordinary success and has a bold and ambitious vision for what Channel 4 drama can be,” said Ian Katz, Channel 4’s chief content officer, today.
Channel 4 has previously confirmed the film and TV...
- 3/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 has launched Equity by Design, its first equity strategy aimed at created fair outcomes throughout the business and accelerating change in the industry.
The strategy is a blueprint for all Channel 4 employees, including those at Film4 and Film4 Productions.
Creative Diversity, the diversity, equity and inclusion team that sits within the commissioning department, has been renamed Creative Equity, in a reflection of the emphasis on equity throughout the business.
The Equity by Design strategy is based on six principles:
Make informed choices Design for inclusion Choose inclusive partners Treat people right Create opportunity Lead on societal impact
The...
The strategy is a blueprint for all Channel 4 employees, including those at Film4 and Film4 Productions.
Creative Diversity, the diversity, equity and inclusion team that sits within the commissioning department, has been renamed Creative Equity, in a reflection of the emphasis on equity throughout the business.
The Equity by Design strategy is based on six principles:
Make informed choices Design for inclusion Choose inclusive partners Treat people right Create opportunity Lead on societal impact
The...
- 3/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4, the U.K. network where Russell Brand found early career fame, has revealed the findings of an internal investigation into whether its staff knew of “deeply troubling allegations” before they were revealed in a Dispatches doc last year.
The probe was opened after Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches program, which investigated sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the actor and TV host, aired on Sept. 16 of last year.
“The investigation found no evidence to suggest that there was knowledge within the channel of the allegations contained in the Dispatches program about Russell Brand’s behavior while he was a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings of Comedy between 2004 and 2007,” the Channel 4 probe revealed.
After making a name for himself as a stand-up comic, Brand rose to fame on Channel 4 as the host of Big Brother spin-off Big Brother’s Big Mouth in the mid-2000s,...
The probe was opened after Channel 4’s Russell Brand: In Plain Sight: Dispatches program, which investigated sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the actor and TV host, aired on Sept. 16 of last year.
“The investigation found no evidence to suggest that there was knowledge within the channel of the allegations contained in the Dispatches program about Russell Brand’s behavior while he was a presenter on Big Brother’s Big Mouth and Kings of Comedy between 2004 and 2007,” the Channel 4 probe revealed.
After making a name for himself as a stand-up comic, Brand rose to fame on Channel 4 as the host of Big Brother spin-off Big Brother’s Big Mouth in the mid-2000s,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Channel 4 Bonuses Are “Slap In The Face” For Fired Staffers & Ailing Freelance Workforce, Bectu Says
“A slap in the face” was the verdict of broadcasting union Bectu to Channel 4 bosses’ decision to accept bonuses this year amidst a 250-staff layoff program.
Deadline revealed yesterday that the network’s CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan would be taking their bonuses in 2024, although at reduced rates.
Responding, Bectu Head Philippa Childs pointed to the optics of the bonuses being taken at a time when freelance community morale is at an all-time low. Channel 4’s Remuneration Committee would have rubberstamped the bonuses around the time the broadcaster began implementing a 250-staff layoff program, which is seeing commissioning teams shrunk back amidst tricky economic headwinds and a slowdown in commissioning.
“Hot on the heels of recent announcements of mass redundancies at the broadcaster, this will come as a slap in the face to both those at risk of redundancy and the...
Deadline revealed yesterday that the network’s CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan would be taking their bonuses in 2024, although at reduced rates.
Responding, Bectu Head Philippa Childs pointed to the optics of the bonuses being taken at a time when freelance community morale is at an all-time low. Channel 4’s Remuneration Committee would have rubberstamped the bonuses around the time the broadcaster began implementing a 250-staff layoff program, which is seeing commissioning teams shrunk back amidst tricky economic headwinds and a slowdown in commissioning.
“Hot on the heels of recent announcements of mass redundancies at the broadcaster, this will come as a slap in the face to both those at risk of redundancy and the...
- 3/19/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4 bosses will take home reduced bonuses in 2024 as 250 staffers are laid off.
Deadline can reveal that the vast majority of Channel 4 staff will receive a bonus this year around half the level of 2023, including CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan. The trio will see their pay reduced by around 30% to 40% from last year’s record highs, we are also told.
The decision on bonuses was recently rubberstamped by the network’s Remuneration Committee and a Channel 4 spokesman told Deadline the bonus was calculated from the network’s “annual targets, remit and business goals.” This decision to award them bonuses was made in the past few weeks as the redundancy program has been in full flow – the biggest such program initiated by the broadcaster for 15 years.
Senior bosses’ separate six-figure loyalty bonuses, which Deadline revealed had been indefinitely deferred last year amidst a revolt from producers,...
Deadline can reveal that the vast majority of Channel 4 staff will receive a bonus this year around half the level of 2023, including CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan. The trio will see their pay reduced by around 30% to 40% from last year’s record highs, we are also told.
The decision on bonuses was recently rubberstamped by the network’s Remuneration Committee and a Channel 4 spokesman told Deadline the bonus was calculated from the network’s “annual targets, remit and business goals.” This decision to award them bonuses was made in the past few weeks as the redundancy program has been in full flow – the biggest such program initiated by the broadcaster for 15 years.
Senior bosses’ separate six-figure loyalty bonuses, which Deadline revealed had been indefinitely deferred last year amidst a revolt from producers,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Greta Gerwig tells me there’s “no resistance” from her about the possibility of Barbie 2.
The challenge for her she says, is how to tackle a follow-up movie. Initially, the filmmaker wasn’t “feeling” the idea of a sequel, but now she’s warm to such a situation. “I’m not dismissing it, I want to do it,” she says, but there’s a heck of a lot to discuss first with Mattel, Margot Robbie, Warner Bros Discovery, producer David Heyman and all of her creative collaborators.
Related: Oscars Events And Parties Photos: Apple and Universal Pictures Afterparties, Elton John Viewing Party, Governors Ball & More
Also, there’s rather a lot on her plate as she puts the architecture in place to shoot Narnia for Netflix, and Gerwig revealed that she’ll return to London to soon resume the very early stages of pre-production in the UK.
Related: Vanity Fair...
The challenge for her she says, is how to tackle a follow-up movie. Initially, the filmmaker wasn’t “feeling” the idea of a sequel, but now she’s warm to such a situation. “I’m not dismissing it, I want to do it,” she says, but there’s a heck of a lot to discuss first with Mattel, Margot Robbie, Warner Bros Discovery, producer David Heyman and all of her creative collaborators.
Related: Oscars Events And Parties Photos: Apple and Universal Pictures Afterparties, Elton John Viewing Party, Governors Ball & More
Also, there’s rather a lot on her plate as she puts the architecture in place to shoot Narnia for Netflix, and Gerwig revealed that she’ll return to London to soon resume the very early stages of pre-production in the UK.
Related: Vanity Fair...
- 3/11/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 has hired a Chief Financial Officer amidst its 250-staff layoff program.
The network has brought in Lucy Thomas in the expanded CFO role. Deadline revealed that Finance Director Vince Russell was leaving at the end of last year after five years.
Reporting to CEO Alex Mahon, Thomas will lead finance across the public broadcaster. She will act as a business partner to Mahon and the executive team, identifying commercial and strategic opportunities and supporting the digital transformation of the business.
She was most recently Chief Financial & Operating Officer at Bauer Audio, where she led a commercial finance team spanning nine markets across Europe. Prior to this, she spent more than 20 years at Sky, progressing through a range of Commercial Finance Director and Commercial MD roles before becoming Group Chief Data Officer.
“Lucy has extensive experience of media industry transformation and joins us at a crucial time, as we...
The network has brought in Lucy Thomas in the expanded CFO role. Deadline revealed that Finance Director Vince Russell was leaving at the end of last year after five years.
Reporting to CEO Alex Mahon, Thomas will lead finance across the public broadcaster. She will act as a business partner to Mahon and the executive team, identifying commercial and strategic opportunities and supporting the digital transformation of the business.
She was most recently Chief Financial & Operating Officer at Bauer Audio, where she led a commercial finance team spanning nine markets across Europe. Prior to this, she spent more than 20 years at Sky, progressing through a range of Commercial Finance Director and Commercial MD roles before becoming Group Chief Data Officer.
“Lucy has extensive experience of media industry transformation and joins us at a crucial time, as we...
- 3/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Ollie Madden, director of Film4, is poised to expand his role to encompass TV drama commissioning as part of the ongoing restructuring at Film4’s UK broadcaster parent Channel 4.
Caroline Hollick, head of TV drama at Channel 4, is expected to leave the broadcaster according to Screen’s sister site Broadcast, and Madden is widely tipped to take on the top scripted role at the organisation, leading the division that orders TV series and backs films.
Channel 4 has previously confirmed the film and TV drama departments would continue to operate as independent teams with separate budgets but under the same leadership.
Caroline Hollick, head of TV drama at Channel 4, is expected to leave the broadcaster according to Screen’s sister site Broadcast, and Madden is widely tipped to take on the top scripted role at the organisation, leading the division that orders TV series and backs films.
Channel 4 has previously confirmed the film and TV drama departments would continue to operate as independent teams with separate budgets but under the same leadership.
- 2/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Festival season 2024 is well underway, Insiders, as our team decamps to Berlin. That and plenty more news to report from around the world to follow. Jesse Whittock with you. Sign up for the Insider newsletter here.
Berlin Kicks Off
Protests on the red carpet: The build-up to the 74th Berlin Film Festival has been highly politicized and Thursday evening’s opening ceremony was no different. The ceremony began with a red carpet awash with political statements. The festival held what it described as a ‘Filmmakers for Democracy, Diversity, and Peaceful Togetherness’ demonstration featuring between 50 and 60 filmmakers. Meanwhile, a series of attendees used their time in front of media pens to display their own political messages. The most eye-catching included American filmmaker Eliza Hittman, last at Berlin with her Silver Bear-winning Never Rarely Sometimes Always, who had ‘ceasefire now’ stitched to the back of her dress. The message was a reference...
Berlin Kicks Off
Protests on the red carpet: The build-up to the 74th Berlin Film Festival has been highly politicized and Thursday evening’s opening ceremony was no different. The ceremony began with a red carpet awash with political statements. The festival held what it described as a ‘Filmmakers for Democracy, Diversity, and Peaceful Togetherness’ demonstration featuring between 50 and 60 filmmakers. Meanwhile, a series of attendees used their time in front of media pens to display their own political messages. The most eye-catching included American filmmaker Eliza Hittman, last at Berlin with her Silver Bear-winning Never Rarely Sometimes Always, who had ‘ceasefire now’ stitched to the back of her dress. The message was a reference...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: It’s a big week for husband-and-wife production duo Luke Hyams and Sunita Mirchandani Hyams.
Not only does their debut documentary, The Sidemen Story, launch tomorrow (February 14) on Netflix in the UK, but this interview with Deadline is the first they’ve given since the launch of their indie cross-cultural producer Pangaea.
In a wide-ranging chat that interrupts a break in Jamaica — what they call their “first holiday in quite a few years” — they talk about the gruelling hours of work that went into shooting and producing a doc on British YouTube stars The Sidemen, the state of the UK production sector and a slate that includes Work in Progress, a talk show in which UK TV host, broadcaster and creative Julie Adenuga quizzes major public figures.
Hyams is the former Head of Originals for YouTube Emea, Director of Global Content for The Walt Disney Company and the creator...
Not only does their debut documentary, The Sidemen Story, launch tomorrow (February 14) on Netflix in the UK, but this interview with Deadline is the first they’ve given since the launch of their indie cross-cultural producer Pangaea.
In a wide-ranging chat that interrupts a break in Jamaica — what they call their “first holiday in quite a few years” — they talk about the gruelling hours of work that went into shooting and producing a doc on British YouTube stars The Sidemen, the state of the UK production sector and a slate that includes Work in Progress, a talk show in which UK TV host, broadcaster and creative Julie Adenuga quizzes major public figures.
Hyams is the former Head of Originals for YouTube Emea, Director of Global Content for The Walt Disney Company and the creator...
- 2/13/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Film4 will continue to be run as an independent unit within UK broadcaster Channel 4, despite changes announced earlier this week to Channel 4’s commissioning structure.
Ollie Madden, who took over as Film4 director from Daniel Battsek in 2022, will continue reporting to Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon.
Screen has confirmed the Film4 film production division will continue to have a separate financial reporting structure from Channel 4 commissioning.
Screen also understands a ‘digital first’ strategy launched on Monday January 29 by Channel 4 does not apply to Film4, due to the differences between film and TV distribution models. Film4 will remain committed to...
Ollie Madden, who took over as Film4 director from Daniel Battsek in 2022, will continue reporting to Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon.
Screen has confirmed the Film4 film production division will continue to have a separate financial reporting structure from Channel 4 commissioning.
Screen also understands a ‘digital first’ strategy launched on Monday January 29 by Channel 4 does not apply to Film4, due to the differences between film and TV distribution models. Film4 will remain committed to...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
British public broadcaster Channel 4 says it will lay off around 240 workers and sell its London-based headquarters as the television network works to reign in expenses as part of a broader restructuring of its business.
The layoffs will affect around one in five workers at the television network, which employs slightly more than 1,200 employees in the United Kingdom and certain other territories.
Additionally, Channel 4 affirmed its £90 million (around U.S. $114 million) headquarters in London will be put on the market, and the broadcaster will open a central London office that is smaller and shift more of its remaining workforce to work-from-home roles.
Channel 4 has been under mounting pressure to curb its operational spending as it shifts its core business away from television advertising revenue with an eye toward digital advertising and content licensing opportunities.
“With 600 roles based outside London by the end of 2025, lower headcount in London overall, and a shift to flexible working,...
The layoffs will affect around one in five workers at the television network, which employs slightly more than 1,200 employees in the United Kingdom and certain other territories.
Additionally, Channel 4 affirmed its £90 million (around U.S. $114 million) headquarters in London will be put on the market, and the broadcaster will open a central London office that is smaller and shift more of its remaining workforce to work-from-home roles.
Channel 4 has been under mounting pressure to curb its operational spending as it shifts its core business away from television advertising revenue with an eye toward digital advertising and content licensing opportunities.
“With 600 roles based outside London by the end of 2025, lower headcount in London overall, and a shift to flexible working,...
- 1/30/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
UK public service broadcaster Channel 4 has unveiled a suite of radical changes in an effort to cut costs and become a digital-first, streaming-focused broadcaster.
Headcount will reduce by 18%, which will result in around 200 redundancies and the closure of approximately 40 unfilled roles. The reduction will return the workforce to 2021 levels, when the number of employees was 1,044.
In the next few years, Channel 4 will move out of its iconic London headquarters on Horseferry Road in Victoria, where Film4 is also based. This is in line with Channel 4’s target of having 600 roles based in the nations and regions.
Channel 4 is also radically reshaping its commissioning departments,...
Headcount will reduce by 18%, which will result in around 200 redundancies and the closure of approximately 40 unfilled roles. The reduction will return the workforce to 2021 levels, when the number of employees was 1,044.
In the next few years, Channel 4 will move out of its iconic London headquarters on Horseferry Road in Victoria, where Film4 is also based. This is in line with Channel 4’s target of having 600 roles based in the nations and regions.
Channel 4 is also radically reshaping its commissioning departments,...
- 1/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 4 has confirmed the 200 layoffs that were being planned earlier this month.
The broadcaster is proposing to reduce headcount by 18% – around 200 redundancies – and the closure of some 40 unfilled roles. The layoffs are amid a continuous decline in TV advertising. The cost cutting also includes moving out of Channel 4’s central London base on Horseferry Road “in the next few years.” “With 600 roles based outside of London by the end of 2025, lower headcount in London overall, and a shift to flexible working, Channel 4 will find a new fit-for-purpose office space in central London,” the broadcaster said. In addition, Channel 4 is proposing to close small linear channels that “no longer deliver revenues or public value at scale.”
Channel 4 has also unveiled a five-year strategy called Fast Forward to “reshape the organization and accelerate its transformation into an agile, genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030,” the broadcaster said.
The broadcaster is proposing to reduce headcount by 18% – around 200 redundancies – and the closure of some 40 unfilled roles. The layoffs are amid a continuous decline in TV advertising. The cost cutting also includes moving out of Channel 4’s central London base on Horseferry Road “in the next few years.” “With 600 roles based outside of London by the end of 2025, lower headcount in London overall, and a shift to flexible working, Channel 4 will find a new fit-for-purpose office space in central London,” the broadcaster said. In addition, Channel 4 is proposing to close small linear channels that “no longer deliver revenues or public value at scale.”
Channel 4 has also unveiled a five-year strategy called Fast Forward to “reshape the organization and accelerate its transformation into an agile, genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030,” the broadcaster said.
- 1/29/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 on Monday unveiled a five-year strategy to reshape itself and “accelerate its transformation into an agile, genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030.”
Proposing to reduce headcount by 18 percent — including around 200 layoffs and the closure of approximately 40 unfilled roles, it said that “around 70 percent of roles closed would be out of legacy operations.” It added: “This would return head count close to 2021 levels, but with the organization in the right shape to deliver further digital growth and lead public service media into the future.”
Other plans include “moving out of Channel 4’s London base in the next few years, with 600 roles based outside of London by the end of 2025, lower head count in London overall, and a shift to flexible working, including “a new fit-for-purpose office space in central London”; and “closing small linear channels that no longer deliver revenues or public value at scale, including...
Proposing to reduce headcount by 18 percent — including around 200 layoffs and the closure of approximately 40 unfilled roles, it said that “around 70 percent of roles closed would be out of legacy operations.” It added: “This would return head count close to 2021 levels, but with the organization in the right shape to deliver further digital growth and lead public service media into the future.”
Other plans include “moving out of Channel 4’s London base in the next few years, with 600 roles based outside of London by the end of 2025, lower head count in London overall, and a shift to flexible working, including “a new fit-for-purpose office space in central London”; and “closing small linear channels that no longer deliver revenues or public value at scale, including...
- 1/29/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Channel 4 is merging several commissioning departments including TV drama and film and leaving its Horseferry Road premises as the network sets out its layoffs plan and five-year strategy.
The network has unveiled a Fast Forward blueprint to suppliers, staff and press in the past few minutes. There will be a “substantial” number of layoffs in commissioning, according to content boss Ian Katz, with several mergers incoming.
Caroline Hollick’s TV drama department is coming together with new Film4 boss Ollie Madden’s team. Meanwhile, documentaries and factual entertainment, which make the likes of 24 Hours in Custody and Gogglebox, are coming together, as are entertainment and reality – commissioners of Married at First Sight and The Last Leg. Portfolio channel E4 is also restructuring, with commissions at E4 going through relevant genres and digital reporting straight to Katz.
“We know that this is also a very difficult time for the indie...
The network has unveiled a Fast Forward blueprint to suppliers, staff and press in the past few minutes. There will be a “substantial” number of layoffs in commissioning, according to content boss Ian Katz, with several mergers incoming.
Caroline Hollick’s TV drama department is coming together with new Film4 boss Ollie Madden’s team. Meanwhile, documentaries and factual entertainment, which make the likes of 24 Hours in Custody and Gogglebox, are coming together, as are entertainment and reality – commissioners of Married at First Sight and The Last Leg. Portfolio channel E4 is also restructuring, with commissions at E4 going through relevant genres and digital reporting straight to Katz.
“We know that this is also a very difficult time for the indie...
- 1/29/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: On Monday, Channel 4 will detail its biggest round of layoffs in 15 years.
The British broadcaster is expected to tell its 1,197-strong workforce how it intends to cull around 200 roles, with content teams expected to learn their fate.
Channel 4 is making the cuts – the deepest since the 2008 global financial meltdown – in response to a floundering ad market that shows little sign of improving.
Speculation has been rife about how Channel 4’s commissioners will be impacted by the layoffs and commissioning is expected to be one of the hardest hit areas.
Channel 4 has been seen as having a larger commissioning team than rivals ITV and Channel 5. John McVay, who runs producer trade body Pact, recently told us his “members have often complained that Channel 4 has too many commissioners.”
Channel 4 declined to comment on plans for next week.
Home to Gogglebox and The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4 had 429 “creative...
The British broadcaster is expected to tell its 1,197-strong workforce how it intends to cull around 200 roles, with content teams expected to learn their fate.
Channel 4 is making the cuts – the deepest since the 2008 global financial meltdown – in response to a floundering ad market that shows little sign of improving.
Speculation has been rife about how Channel 4’s commissioners will be impacted by the layoffs and commissioning is expected to be one of the hardest hit areas.
Channel 4 has been seen as having a larger commissioning team than rivals ITV and Channel 5. John McVay, who runs producer trade body Pact, recently told us his “members have often complained that Channel 4 has too many commissioners.”
Channel 4 declined to comment on plans for next week.
Home to Gogglebox and The Great British Bake Off, Channel 4 had 429 “creative...
- 1/26/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Apple TV+ exec will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards.
Jay Hunt, AppleTV+ European creative director, has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
She will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards for a four year-term on February 16.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer.
Australia-born Hunt will be the first female chair since Joan Bakewell, who was in post from 1999-2002, and the first chair to come from a streaming platform.
“The BFI plays...
Jay Hunt, AppleTV+ European creative director, has been confirmed as the next chair of the British Film Institute (BFI).
She will take over from Vue CEO Tim Richards for a four year-term on February 16.
The BFI chair is appointed by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) and ratified by culture secretary Lucy Frazer.
Australia-born Hunt will be the first female chair since Joan Bakewell, who was in post from 1999-2002, and the first chair to come from a streaming platform.
“The BFI plays...
- 1/10/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Channel4 Chief Executive Alex Mahon this morning announced the departure of Film4 Chairman Daniel Battsek who is set to return to the U.S. from March. Read the internal statement below.
Battsek, former President of Miramax and National Geographic Films, is leaving after an eight-year stint and is expected to continue working in the U.S.
Film4 Director Ollie Madden will step up to lead the UK broadcaster’s film division from March. He will also take on Battsek’s position on the Channel4 board.
Channel4 told us this morning the move has nothing to do with impending cuts at the organization and that Daniel’s departure is a “personal decision” and part of a long transition between himself and Madden. The company said there wouldn’t be any other immediate structural changes as a result of the move.
Cornerstone UK financier Film4 is currently riding high off the success...
Battsek, former President of Miramax and National Geographic Films, is leaving after an eight-year stint and is expected to continue working in the U.S.
Film4 Director Ollie Madden will step up to lead the UK broadcaster’s film division from March. He will also take on Battsek’s position on the Channel4 board.
Channel4 told us this morning the move has nothing to do with impending cuts at the organization and that Daniel’s departure is a “personal decision” and part of a long transition between himself and Madden. The company said there wouldn’t be any other immediate structural changes as a result of the move.
Cornerstone UK financier Film4 is currently riding high off the success...
- 1/9/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Battsek, one of the most respected execs in the U.K. film industry, is set to leave his role as chairman of Film4 after eight years at the company.
The news was announced in an internal note from Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4 (Film4 is its film production division), seen by Variety. Battsek is set to leave at the end of March.
“Daniel has been a key partner to me, a trusted champion and friend to countless filmmakers and has driven Film4 towards ever-greater success,” Mahon wrote. “Thanks to Daniel’s charismatic leadership and the outstanding team he’s built, Film4 has punched far above its weight – competing with the biggest international powerhouse studios for awards – and cementing its reputation as one of the most pioneering and influential film companies anywhere in the world.”
Ollie Madden, currently Film4 director, is set to assume leadership responsibilities (while retaining the...
The news was announced in an internal note from Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4 (Film4 is its film production division), seen by Variety. Battsek is set to leave at the end of March.
“Daniel has been a key partner to me, a trusted champion and friend to countless filmmakers and has driven Film4 towards ever-greater success,” Mahon wrote. “Thanks to Daniel’s charismatic leadership and the outstanding team he’s built, Film4 has punched far above its weight – competing with the biggest international powerhouse studios for awards – and cementing its reputation as one of the most pioneering and influential film companies anywhere in the world.”
Ollie Madden, currently Film4 director, is set to assume leadership responsibilities (while retaining the...
- 1/9/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel Battsek is stepping down as Chairman of Film4 after 8 years in the position.
He will be replaced by Ollie Madden, who has served as director of Film4 for the past 6 years.
Battsek is going out on a high, coming off of one of Film4’s most acclaimed years. Recent productions include such award season favorites as Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, which won the Golden Lion in Venice as well as 2 Golden Globes over the weekend, including for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy and Best Performance for star Emma Stone; Jonathan Glazer’s Holocaust drama The Zone of Interest, a Grand Prix winner in Cannes; Molly Manning Walker’s Un Certain Regard prize winner How to Have Sex; Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers; and Steve McQueen’s acclaimed documentary Occupied City.
“Thanks to Daniel’s charismatic leadership and the outstanding team he’s built, Film4 has punched...
He will be replaced by Ollie Madden, who has served as director of Film4 for the past 6 years.
Battsek is going out on a high, coming off of one of Film4’s most acclaimed years. Recent productions include such award season favorites as Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, which won the Golden Lion in Venice as well as 2 Golden Globes over the weekend, including for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy and Best Performance for star Emma Stone; Jonathan Glazer’s Holocaust drama The Zone of Interest, a Grand Prix winner in Cannes; Molly Manning Walker’s Un Certain Regard prize winner How to Have Sex; Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers; and Steve McQueen’s acclaimed documentary Occupied City.
“Thanks to Daniel’s charismatic leadership and the outstanding team he’s built, Film4 has punched...
- 1/9/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Film4 chair joined the UK funder in 2016.
Film4 chair Daniel Battsek will step down in March after eight years with the UK organisation.
Battsek joined as director of Film4 in 2016, taking over from David Kosse. He became chair in May 2022 and sat on the Channel 4 board, with Ollie Madden, then head of creative, being promoted to director.
Madden will now lead Film4 and will join Channel 4’s executive management board.
Film4’s current slate features a raft of strong awards contenders, including Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone Of Interest, Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex...
Film4 chair Daniel Battsek will step down in March after eight years with the UK organisation.
Battsek joined as director of Film4 in 2016, taking over from David Kosse. He became chair in May 2022 and sat on the Channel 4 board, with Ollie Madden, then head of creative, being promoted to director.
Madden will now lead Film4 and will join Channel 4’s executive management board.
Film4’s current slate features a raft of strong awards contenders, including Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone Of Interest, Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex...
- 1/9/2024
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 is compiling a plan to enact its biggest round of layoffs in more than 15 years, with up to 200 staff potentially in line to be let go. The figure would represent around 17% of the network’s overall headcount.
According to The Guardian, which broke the news, Channel 4 head honchos have been working on the plan since late last year, with a view to doubling down on digital streaming while acknowledging linear difficulties and trying to keep its circa-£700M ($887M) content budget steady as it battles against economic forces.
“Like every organisation, we are having to deal with an extremely uncertain economy in the short term and the need to accelerate our transformation to become a wholly digital public service broadcaster in the long term,” a spokeswoman said. “As a result, we need to continue to divest from our linear channels business and simplify our operations to become a leaner organisation.
According to The Guardian, which broke the news, Channel 4 head honchos have been working on the plan since late last year, with a view to doubling down on digital streaming while acknowledging linear difficulties and trying to keep its circa-£700M ($887M) content budget steady as it battles against economic forces.
“Like every organisation, we are having to deal with an extremely uncertain economy in the short term and the need to accelerate our transformation to become a wholly digital public service broadcaster in the long term,” a spokeswoman said. “As a result, we need to continue to divest from our linear channels business and simplify our operations to become a leaner organisation.
- 1/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
UK TV and radio has hit a major milestone with half of workers now based outside of London, but a lack of diversity in the upper echelons remains an issue, according to Ofcom’s latest diversity report.
The regulator’s seventh Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in TV and Radio report found that 44% of those who work in TV are now based beyond the capital along with 54% in radio, equating to just more than half for the first time.
“This data indicates how diverse the broadcasting workforce is in different areas compared to the wider working population in the relevant nation or region,” Ofcom added, having examined the year to March 2023.
The nations and regions has been a major focus for broadcasters in recent years and the BBC has relocated hundreds from London to other parts of the UK as part of its Across the UK plan, while Channel 4 opened in Leeds and Glasgow.
The regulator’s seventh Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in TV and Radio report found that 44% of those who work in TV are now based beyond the capital along with 54% in radio, equating to just more than half for the first time.
“This data indicates how diverse the broadcasting workforce is in different areas compared to the wider working population in the relevant nation or region,” Ofcom added, having examined the year to March 2023.
The nations and regions has been a major focus for broadcasters in recent years and the BBC has relocated hundreds from London to other parts of the UK as part of its Across the UK plan, while Channel 4 opened in Leeds and Glasgow.
- 12/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The U.K. Government has promised a “package of new safeguards” for the country’s independent production industry following the introduction of the Media Bill, which has begun to makes its way through the U.K. Parliament.
The bill, once it becomes law, will enable publicly-owned broadcaster Channel 4 to make its own content for the first time — a move that has worried the U.K. production sector, who in the last few years have been rocked by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.
Among the safeguards promised by the Government are increasing the requirement for independent U.K. commissions from 25% to 35% and enabling media regulator Ofcom to review how Channel 4 uses its newfound ability to make its own shows.
John McVay, CEO of U.Kl. producing body Pact, said: “Pact welcomes the fact that Government has listened to many of our proposals to ensure the regulation of Channel 4’s commercial production arm.
The bill, once it becomes law, will enable publicly-owned broadcaster Channel 4 to make its own content for the first time — a move that has worried the U.K. production sector, who in the last few years have been rocked by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.
Among the safeguards promised by the Government are increasing the requirement for independent U.K. commissions from 25% to 35% and enabling media regulator Ofcom to review how Channel 4 uses its newfound ability to make its own shows.
John McVay, CEO of U.Kl. producing body Pact, said: “Pact welcomes the fact that Government has listened to many of our proposals to ensure the regulation of Channel 4’s commercial production arm.
- 11/8/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4 has refused to release the findings of an independent review into whether it is an anti-racist organization, saying that putting the document in the public domain would have a “chilling effect” on internal diversity discussions.
The British broadcaster, which has a unique remit to champion under-represented voices, blocked the release of a review by consultancy Caerus Executive following a Freedom of Information Act (Foi) request by Deadline.
Instructed by Channel 4 last year, Caerus interviewed current and former staff members and provided advice on creating a “truly inclusive and anti-racist environment.”
In its decision to refuse release, Channel 4 said Caerus provided a “free and frank” analysis of the broadcaster’s progress, but publishing the document would “inhibit” internal discussions over implementing the recommendations.
Channel 4 said it was important to create a “safe space in which participants can be totally candid in offering their views and advice.” Publishing would...
The British broadcaster, which has a unique remit to champion under-represented voices, blocked the release of a review by consultancy Caerus Executive following a Freedom of Information Act (Foi) request by Deadline.
Instructed by Channel 4 last year, Caerus interviewed current and former staff members and provided advice on creating a “truly inclusive and anti-racist environment.”
In its decision to refuse release, Channel 4 said Caerus provided a “free and frank” analysis of the broadcaster’s progress, but publishing the document would “inhibit” internal discussions over implementing the recommendations.
Channel 4 said it was important to create a “safe space in which participants can be totally candid in offering their views and advice.” Publishing would...
- 10/26/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“It’s the Alex Mahon show,” was how one seasoned British TV executive characterized the industry’s biennial gathering in Cambridge, chaired by the Channel 4 CEO.
The Royal Television Society conference’s line-up was such a draw that even Elisabeth Murdoch was in attendance the day before news broke of her father’s surprise retirement. The traditional turns from UK network leaders were elevated by CAA’s Bryan Lourd jetting in from Hollywood, while James Corden gave his first interview since quitting The Late Late Show.
In an auspicious bit of timing, Katherine Ryan was the after-dinner speaker. She declined to address the Russell Brand-shaped elephant in the room, but did manage to roast an audience member called Ian for looking like a golf fanatic. Unbeknownst to Ryan, he turned out to be Channel 4 chairman Ian Cheshire.
But it was Mahon who presided over it all. The Channel...
The Royal Television Society conference’s line-up was such a draw that even Elisabeth Murdoch was in attendance the day before news broke of her father’s surprise retirement. The traditional turns from UK network leaders were elevated by CAA’s Bryan Lourd jetting in from Hollywood, while James Corden gave his first interview since quitting The Late Late Show.
In an auspicious bit of timing, Katherine Ryan was the after-dinner speaker. She declined to address the Russell Brand-shaped elephant in the room, but did manage to roast an audience member called Ian for looking like a golf fanatic. Unbeknownst to Ryan, he turned out to be Channel 4 chairman Ian Cheshire.
But it was Mahon who presided over it all. The Channel...
- 9/22/2023
- by Jake Kanter and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
We’ve got the keys to the weekend, Insider fans. Jesse Whittock here guiding you through the international film and TV stories you need to read to top off the working week.
Russell Brand Fallout
Serious allegations: Jake and Max headed to the Rts Cambridge Convention this week, a bi-annual confab bringing together the great-and-the-good of the British TV industry to ruminate and speculate over the future of the sector. But, as is so often the case, events got in the way. In the days leading up, Russell Brand was accused by four women of allegations ranging from rape to sexual assault via a bombshell joint investigation that has been nearly five years in the making from The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4. The entertainment world was rocked and the BBC, Channel 4 and Big Brother producer Banijay all reacted by launching investigations into historic allegations, while Brand, a one-time man-of-the-moment,...
Russell Brand Fallout
Serious allegations: Jake and Max headed to the Rts Cambridge Convention this week, a bi-annual confab bringing together the great-and-the-good of the British TV industry to ruminate and speculate over the future of the sector. But, as is so often the case, events got in the way. In the days leading up, Russell Brand was accused by four women of allegations ranging from rape to sexual assault via a bombshell joint investigation that has been nearly five years in the making from The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4. The entertainment world was rocked and the BBC, Channel 4 and Big Brother producer Banijay all reacted by launching investigations into historic allegations, while Brand, a one-time man-of-the-moment,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
“Strong leaders and managers” are required to call out bad behavior in the UK TV industry, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall said today as she addressed the Russell Brand allegations and slammed the government for its economic policies.
Although Brand has never worked on ITV and the BBC and Channel 4 have been far more in the firing line since the allegations, McCall said the management of talent is as important as victims speaking up to stop a repeat of Brand’s alleged behavior.
“You have to have strong leaders and managers who will say ‘that’s not appropriate’ or ‘we have had a complaint and here’s what we will do about it’,” she told the Rts Cambridge Convention. “Perhaps that has not happened enough because [the behavior has] not come out enough.”
McCall, however, said “anyone in government or anywhere else that could even think or imagine that we don’t take...
Although Brand has never worked on ITV and the BBC and Channel 4 have been far more in the firing line since the allegations, McCall said the management of talent is as important as victims speaking up to stop a repeat of Brand’s alleged behavior.
“You have to have strong leaders and managers who will say ‘that’s not appropriate’ or ‘we have had a complaint and here’s what we will do about it’,” she told the Rts Cambridge Convention. “Perhaps that has not happened enough because [the behavior has] not come out enough.”
McCall, however, said “anyone in government or anywhere else that could even think or imagine that we don’t take...
- 9/21/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Katherine Ryan avoided the “elephant in the room” at the Rts Cambridge tonight by not mentioning Russell Brand during an Rts Cambridge comedy set.
The Duchess star joked that the “elephant in the room” was that she had lost two stones in the past two months, as she took attendees through an after-dinner comedy set covering her sex life, kids and her ancestry.
Deadline revealed earlier this week that Ryan turned the heat on Brand a number of times during the filming of Roast Battle on Comedy Central in 2018, Brand’s last mainstream TV appearance.
After being introduced by Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, Ryan didn’t comment on the Brand allegations during tonight’s comedy set, which was jovially received. “Thank you so much for what must have felt like a very strange part of the convention,” she concluded.
Ryan has previously spoken about her experience on Roast Battle,...
The Duchess star joked that the “elephant in the room” was that she had lost two stones in the past two months, as she took attendees through an after-dinner comedy set covering her sex life, kids and her ancestry.
Deadline revealed earlier this week that Ryan turned the heat on Brand a number of times during the filming of Roast Battle on Comedy Central in 2018, Brand’s last mainstream TV appearance.
After being introduced by Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, Ryan didn’t comment on the Brand allegations during tonight’s comedy set, which was jovially received. “Thank you so much for what must have felt like a very strange part of the convention,” she concluded.
Ryan has previously spoken about her experience on Roast Battle,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A YouTube exec has said disgraced comedian Russell Brand should not be able to “make a living” through the platform but added YouTube currently has no plans to ban him.
Pedro Pina, YouTube’s Emea VP was appearing in conversation with Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K, on Wednesday when Mahon asked him about the decision to turn off monetization of Brand’s YouTube channel.
“Essentially he is not able to make a living through YouTube,” said Pina. “We don’t believe that should happen.”
Brand, a comedian and actor who has appeared in films including “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, was the subject of a lengthy joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged that Brand raped or sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strongly denied the allegations.
Pedro Pina, YouTube’s Emea VP was appearing in conversation with Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, U.K, on Wednesday when Mahon asked him about the decision to turn off monetization of Brand’s YouTube channel.
“Essentially he is not able to make a living through YouTube,” said Pina. “We don’t believe that should happen.”
Brand, a comedian and actor who has appeared in films including “Rock of Ages” alongside Tom Cruise, was the subject of a lengthy joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary strand “Dispatches” which alleged that Brand raped or sexually assaulted four women at the height of his fame. Brand has strongly denied the allegations.
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Director General Tim Davie has declined to rule out an external inquiry into the Russell Brand allegations as he stresses the issues surrounding the situation are “not wholly historic.”
Pressed on the BBC’s internal review at the Rts Cambridge Convention and whether the BBC could look outside the corporation for help, he said: “I don’t rule out anything.”
Davie unveiled the internal review led by Peter Johnston earlier this week following the allegations published by The Times and Channel 4, which range from rape to sexual assault and come from four women. The BBC has also removed content featuring Brand from its VoD player and yesterday Davie told staff he didn’t know how some of Brand’s older broadcasts were allowed to air.
The BBC has a number of reviews in place at the moment including into Tim Westwood and Huw Edwards and Davie said “my...
Pressed on the BBC’s internal review at the Rts Cambridge Convention and whether the BBC could look outside the corporation for help, he said: “I don’t rule out anything.”
Davie unveiled the internal review led by Peter Johnston earlier this week following the allegations published by The Times and Channel 4, which range from rape to sexual assault and come from four women. The BBC has also removed content featuring Brand from its VoD player and yesterday Davie told staff he didn’t know how some of Brand’s older broadcasts were allowed to air.
The BBC has a number of reviews in place at the moment including into Tim Westwood and Huw Edwards and Davie said “my...
- 9/20/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has said that the allegations against Russell Brand show that “terrible” treatment of women was tolerated in the British television industry.
In her first comments about the scandal on a public platform, Mahon said there would be no empty words or gestures in getting to the bottom of the accusations of sexual assault against Brand.
Opening the Rts Cambridge Convention, she said the allegations — broadcast on her own network via Channel 4’s Dispatches current affairs brand — were “disgusting and saddening.” Brand strenuously denies criminal wrongdoing.
Alex Mahon
Mahon said the evidence uncovered by Dispatches, alongside The Times and Sunday Times newspapers, revealed that “terrible behavior towards women was historically tolerated in our industry.” She said conditions had improved, but it is “still a problem.”
Channel 4 has launched an investigation into Brand. As revealed by Deadline, it has also asked third-party production companies to come forward...
In her first comments about the scandal on a public platform, Mahon said there would be no empty words or gestures in getting to the bottom of the accusations of sexual assault against Brand.
Opening the Rts Cambridge Convention, she said the allegations — broadcast on her own network via Channel 4’s Dispatches current affairs brand — were “disgusting and saddening.” Brand strenuously denies criminal wrongdoing.
Alex Mahon
Mahon said the evidence uncovered by Dispatches, alongside The Times and Sunday Times newspapers, revealed that “terrible behavior towards women was historically tolerated in our industry.” She said conditions had improved, but it is “still a problem.”
Channel 4 has launched an investigation into Brand. As revealed by Deadline, it has also asked third-party production companies to come forward...
- 9/20/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Alex Mahon, boss of U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 4, has called the allegations against comedian Russell Brand “horrendous” and has confirmed the network is investigating the comedian’s behaviour.
Brand has been accused of sexual assault and rape by four women. The allegations were made public last weekend in a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary team “Dispatches.” Brand has strongly denied the claims.
For many years the comedian was a familiar face on Channel 4, presenting “Big Brother” spin-off “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” among other fare. In 2019 he also appeared as a celebrity guest on “The Great British Bake-Off” where he shocked viewers by baking cookies shaped like his wife’s genitals.
“We meet in a week where yet again our industry is very much in the public spotlight,” Mahon said as she gave the opening remarks at the Royal...
Brand has been accused of sexual assault and rape by four women. The allegations were made public last weekend in a joint investigation by The Times of London, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 documentary team “Dispatches.” Brand has strongly denied the claims.
For many years the comedian was a familiar face on Channel 4, presenting “Big Brother” spin-off “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” among other fare. In 2019 he also appeared as a celebrity guest on “The Great British Bake-Off” where he shocked viewers by baking cookies shaped like his wife’s genitals.
“We meet in a week where yet again our industry is very much in the public spotlight,” Mahon said as she gave the opening remarks at the Royal...
- 9/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Russell Brand’s upcoming book releases will be paused by his U.K. publisher Bluebird following allegations of sexual assault and rape. The Pan Macmillan imprint revealed on Monday that all plans related to the actor and comedian’s publishing have been terminated for the time being. His upcoming release, Recovery: The Workbook, was scheduled to be published in December.
“These are very serious allegations and in the light of them, Bluebird has taken the decision to pause all future publishing with Russell Brand,” Bluebird shared in a statement, according to The Bookseller.
“These are very serious allegations and in the light of them, Bluebird has taken the decision to pause all future publishing with Russell Brand,” Bluebird shared in a statement, according to The Bookseller.
- 9/18/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: “The UK’s role in the media multiverse” will take up plenty of airtime at the Rts Cambridge Convention, according to Theresa Wise, as the great-and-the-good of the TV industry prepare to gather for the biannual get-together.
Wise, the Rts CEO for a decade, pointed to huge international players set to keynote the two-day event including CAA Chairman Bryan Lourd and Liberty Global MD Mike Fries. With the industry experiencing tough times as the economic crisis, ad recession and U.S. strikes combine to slow production to a stutter, the UK’s “role in the media multiverse” will be up for discussion, according to Wise, who said speakers will likely tackle the American labor action and its impact on the UK head on.
Lourd will be speaking just a few weeks after French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault agreed to buy a majority stake in CAA. Wise said the CAA Chair...
Wise, the Rts CEO for a decade, pointed to huge international players set to keynote the two-day event including CAA Chairman Bryan Lourd and Liberty Global MD Mike Fries. With the industry experiencing tough times as the economic crisis, ad recession and U.S. strikes combine to slow production to a stutter, the UK’s “role in the media multiverse” will be up for discussion, according to Wise, who said speakers will likely tackle the American labor action and its impact on the UK head on.
Lourd will be speaking just a few weeks after French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault agreed to buy a majority stake in CAA. Wise said the CAA Chair...
- 9/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Britain’s public service broadcasters (PSBs) are developing a new free TV service that will deliver live TV over broadband.
Set for launch in 2024, the service, called Freely, will allow viewers to browse and watch live TV channels together with on-demand content streamed to their smart TV via the internet. Freely will be built-in to the next generation of smart TVs and feature a lineup of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels. It will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, currently used in 16 million homes.
The initiative is being developed by Everyone TV, the organization which runs free TV in the U.K. and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “This new development is a reflection of the fact that a growing number of U.K.
Set for launch in 2024, the service, called Freely, will allow viewers to browse and watch live TV channels together with on-demand content streamed to their smart TV via the internet. Freely will be built-in to the next generation of smart TVs and feature a lineup of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels. It will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, currently used in 16 million homes.
The initiative is being developed by Everyone TV, the organization which runs free TV in the U.K. and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “This new development is a reflection of the fact that a growing number of U.K.
- 9/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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