Channel 4 is in “market shock territory” and may finally look to use its £75M ($94M) revolving credit facility next year, according to CEO Alex Mahon.
Mahon faced a barrage of questions about the embattled Gogglebox broadcaster’s finances from the Culture, Media & Sport Committee this morning and was at pains to stress how bad the ad market has been this year and its impact on Channel 4.
In line with rivals, she said Channel 4 hasn’t seen predicted recoveries in H2 or Q4 of 2023 and revenues will likely be down around 8% for 2023, while the channel expects to post a deficit following three years of surplus.
“We are in what I would probably call market shock territory,” she told MPs. “This level of ad fall was only deeper in the 2008 recession.”
In a marked change of position, Mahon said she “imagines” Channel 4 may “look at how to use” the credit facility next year,...
Mahon faced a barrage of questions about the embattled Gogglebox broadcaster’s finances from the Culture, Media & Sport Committee this morning and was at pains to stress how bad the ad market has been this year and its impact on Channel 4.
In line with rivals, she said Channel 4 hasn’t seen predicted recoveries in H2 or Q4 of 2023 and revenues will likely be down around 8% for 2023, while the channel expects to post a deficit following three years of surplus.
“We are in what I would probably call market shock territory,” she told MPs. “This level of ad fall was only deeper in the 2008 recession.”
In a marked change of position, Mahon said she “imagines” Channel 4 may “look at how to use” the credit facility next year,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
James Corden and Emma Thompson are among the industry leaders featuring in the speaker lineup of the U.K. Royal Television Society’s annual convention.
The program titled Too Much to Watch, will see Corden give his first industry interview since returning to the U.K., and Bryan Lourd, co-chair of Creative Artists Agency in conversation with Oscar and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson. The convention will also include conversations with Mike Fries, chief executive and vice chair, Liberty Global; Shay Segev, CEO, Dazn; Dana Strong, CEO, Sky; U.K. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer; BBC director general Tim Davie and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall.
Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4 and convention chair, said: “I’m thrilled to confirm an outstanding cast for this year’s convention, including some of the biggest names and most provocative figures in TV, globally esteemed and savvy CEOs, and a fresh contingent of visionary media innovators.
The program titled Too Much to Watch, will see Corden give his first industry interview since returning to the U.K., and Bryan Lourd, co-chair of Creative Artists Agency in conversation with Oscar and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson. The convention will also include conversations with Mike Fries, chief executive and vice chair, Liberty Global; Shay Segev, CEO, Dazn; Dana Strong, CEO, Sky; U.K. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer; BBC director general Tim Davie and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall.
Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4 and convention chair, said: “I’m thrilled to confirm an outstanding cast for this year’s convention, including some of the biggest names and most provocative figures in TV, globally esteemed and savvy CEOs, and a fresh contingent of visionary media innovators.
- 8/30/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
James Corden is to give his first industry interview since leaving the Late Late Show and returning to the UK at the Rts Cambridge Convention next month.
Corden will speak about future plans and around the theme of the annual Convention, which is Too Much to Watch.
The former Gavin and Stacey star made his name in the States in the Broadway play One Man, Two Guvnors before fronting The Late Late Show, as his star rose enormously. He left the CBS gig earlier this year after nearly a decade and almost 2,000 episodes and the show is not continuing.
Corden is the latest to join a buzzy lineup for the Channel 4-sponsored confab that includes the likes of CAA Co-Chairman Bryan Lourd, Piers Morgan, Warner Bros. Discovery international boss Gerhard Zeiler and the heads of all the major broadacsters and Sky. Lourd will speak to British star Emma Thompson.
Corden will speak about future plans and around the theme of the annual Convention, which is Too Much to Watch.
The former Gavin and Stacey star made his name in the States in the Broadway play One Man, Two Guvnors before fronting The Late Late Show, as his star rose enormously. He left the CBS gig earlier this year after nearly a decade and almost 2,000 episodes and the show is not continuing.
Corden is the latest to join a buzzy lineup for the Channel 4-sponsored confab that includes the likes of CAA Co-Chairman Bryan Lourd, Piers Morgan, Warner Bros. Discovery international boss Gerhard Zeiler and the heads of all the major broadacsters and Sky. Lourd will speak to British star Emma Thompson.
- 8/30/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 has “perhaps been a bit more honest” than its rivals about the recent commissioning slowdown, according to programs boss Ian Katz, who said there has been a “perception” that his network’s financial picture is “more dramatic than elsewhere.”
Katz was grilled at the Edinburgh TV Festival about its heavily-reported commissioning slowdown and the exec said Channel 4 has “perhaps been a bit more honest” about financial woes than other broadcasters, all of whom he claimed have been impacted.
He blamed the slowdown on the ad revenue slump, the U.S. strikes and “streamers pulling billions from their budgets” and said that much of the press around Channel 4 canceling shows due to its own financial picture is “not true” but was due to the natural cycle.
“The commissioning slowdown has hit the whole industry and every commercial broadcaster has been affected by the ad revenue slump,” he said. “Other...
Katz was grilled at the Edinburgh TV Festival about its heavily-reported commissioning slowdown and the exec said Channel 4 has “perhaps been a bit more honest” about financial woes than other broadcasters, all of whom he claimed have been impacted.
He blamed the slowdown on the ad revenue slump, the U.S. strikes and “streamers pulling billions from their budgets” and said that much of the press around Channel 4 canceling shows due to its own financial picture is “not true” but was due to the natural cycle.
“The commissioning slowdown has hit the whole industry and every commercial broadcaster has been affected by the ad revenue slump,” he said. “Other...
- 8/24/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Creative Diversity Network’s sixth annual report on inclusivity in the U.K. TV industry reveals a generally sorry state of affairs with some sparks of progress.
The report analyzes data collected through the Diamond diversity monitoring system, used by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount (which owns U.K. broadcaster Channel 5), UKTV and Sky to obtain consistent diversity data on programs they commission, revealing several areas of concern within the industry, particularly in off-screen and senior roles.
A significant finding is that women are making fewer contributions compared to four years ago, primarily due to a decline in senior roles. The number of female writers and directors remains alarmingly low, contributing to the overall decrease. Disabled individuals and individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Bame) backgrounds also continue to be underrepresented in senior positions, while craft roles remain largely segregated.
Except for the role of commissioning editor,...
The report analyzes data collected through the Diamond diversity monitoring system, used by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount (which owns U.K. broadcaster Channel 5), UKTV and Sky to obtain consistent diversity data on programs they commission, revealing several areas of concern within the industry, particularly in off-screen and senior roles.
A significant finding is that women are making fewer contributions compared to four years ago, primarily due to a decline in senior roles. The number of female writers and directors remains alarmingly low, contributing to the overall decrease. Disabled individuals and individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Bame) backgrounds also continue to be underrepresented in senior positions, while craft roles remain largely segregated.
Except for the role of commissioning editor,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. broadcasters ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 are financially backing the Creative U.K. and U.K. Time’s Up-led proposal for the creation of an Independent Standards Authority (Isa) to tackle bullying and harassment.
The proposals for the Isa are designed to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and investigation into complaints. The Isa is already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, Bectu, the Pma and the Casting Director’s Guild. In May, top stars Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris voiced their support for the Isa.
Following a consultation period, the next stage, which will be funded by the creative industries, is to design the remit, structure and funding arrangements for the Isa.
Heather Rabbatts, chair, Time’s Up U.K., said: “It is well known that concerns are often not raised until after film and TV productions...
The proposals for the Isa are designed to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and investigation into complaints. The Isa is already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, Bectu, the Pma and the Casting Director’s Guild. In May, top stars Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris voiced their support for the Isa.
Following a consultation period, the next stage, which will be funded by the creative industries, is to design the remit, structure and funding arrangements for the Isa.
Heather Rabbatts, chair, Time’s Up U.K., said: “It is well known that concerns are often not raised until after film and TV productions...
- 6/16/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
A war of words has broken out in the British media over the forthcoming plan to privatize Channel 4 – with the Secretary of State for Culture Nadine Dorries in one corner, and the broadcaster’s chief executive Alex Mahon in the other.
Following this week’s confirmation of the government’s plan to sell off the state-owned broadcaster which is funded by advertising, Dorries has penned a column in the Daily Mail to stress the “unique and important cultural role in British life” played by the channel that she says she watches herself, along with the rest of her family. She called criticism of the government plan “lazy, overwrought and ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob.”
She wrote too, though, of the vast sums spent by streamers on producing original content and said: “To suggest that Channel 4 isn’t already competing with new platforms for audience share, talent,...
Following this week’s confirmation of the government’s plan to sell off the state-owned broadcaster which is funded by advertising, Dorries has penned a column in the Daily Mail to stress the “unique and important cultural role in British life” played by the channel that she says she watches herself, along with the rest of her family. She called criticism of the government plan “lazy, overwrought and ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob.”
She wrote too, though, of the vast sums spent by streamers on producing original content and said: “To suggest that Channel 4 isn’t already competing with new platforms for audience share, talent,...
- 4/10/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has sharply criticized detractors of her plan to sell broadcaster Channel 4. The plan was decried by several leading media industry unions and filmmakers.
In a strongly worded column in The Mail on Sunday, Dorries wrote that the reaction to her plan was “as predictable as it was inflammatory.” “Let’s dump the lazy, overwrought and ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob and take a cool look at the facts,” Dorries wrote.
U.K. independent companies are flourishing and only 7 of the industry’s revenue comes from Channel 4, Dorries wrote. As a publisher-broadcaster, Channel 4 does not produce its own programs but commissions them from more than 300 independent production companies across the U.K. every year. It is publicly owned and funded by advertising.
Dorries wrote that because of the way Channel 4 is owned, it cannot build a back catalogue to export, or...
In a strongly worded column in The Mail on Sunday, Dorries wrote that the reaction to her plan was “as predictable as it was inflammatory.” “Let’s dump the lazy, overwrought and ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob and take a cool look at the facts,” Dorries wrote.
U.K. independent companies are flourishing and only 7 of the industry’s revenue comes from Channel 4, Dorries wrote. As a publisher-broadcaster, Channel 4 does not produce its own programs but commissions them from more than 300 independent production companies across the U.K. every year. It is publicly owned and funded by advertising.
Dorries wrote that because of the way Channel 4 is owned, it cannot build a back catalogue to export, or...
- 4/10/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Happy Friday readers. Tom Grater here looking back on the week’s top international headlines.
Mip TV Comes To An End
We got there eventually: The first Cannes-based Mip TV for three years took place earlier this week and, after some initial travel chaos that had the entire UK contingent scrabbling to reach Nice airport by Sunday night, things settled into a familiar pattern. In a sense, Mip TV felt like an extension of the previous fortnight’s Series Mania in that streamers and European talent were top of everyone’s talking-point lists. Delivering a keynote, HBO Max Global Boss Johannes Larcher talked up his streamer’s position in Europe, declaring “it’s not always best to be first.” Meanwhile, Candle Media Co-Founder Kevin Mayer, one of the founding fathers of Disney+, gave attendees a window into his strategy and Sony International Production Boss Wayne Garvie detailed grand ambitions to...
Mip TV Comes To An End
We got there eventually: The first Cannes-based Mip TV for three years took place earlier this week and, after some initial travel chaos that had the entire UK contingent scrabbling to reach Nice airport by Sunday night, things settled into a familiar pattern. In a sense, Mip TV felt like an extension of the previous fortnight’s Series Mania in that streamers and European talent were top of everyone’s talking-point lists. Delivering a keynote, HBO Max Global Boss Johannes Larcher talked up his streamer’s position in Europe, declaring “it’s not always best to be first.” Meanwhile, Candle Media Co-Founder Kevin Mayer, one of the founding fathers of Disney+, gave attendees a window into his strategy and Sony International Production Boss Wayne Garvie detailed grand ambitions to...
- 4/8/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV, Comcast, Discovery and Paramount have been tipped as potential Channel 4 buyers, along with outside bets such as European giant Vivendi, as the UK government’s two-year-long process to privatize and sell the broadcaster begins.
Sources indicated each potential bidder will be scrutinizing the process in minute detail to see how Channel 4’s all-important remit will change. If given the opportunity to own the rights to its shows for the first since its 1982 foundation, the network becomes quite a prospect.
Deadline has spoken to several within and outside of Channel 4 to get a feel for who may be interested in acquiring when it hits the sales block, with the government valuing at £1Bn (1.3Bn) when news of the controversial privatization was leaked earlier this week. Some sources have questioned the value, pointing to a lack of cost benefit analysis from the government.
The UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, ITV,...
Sources indicated each potential bidder will be scrutinizing the process in minute detail to see how Channel 4’s all-important remit will change. If given the opportunity to own the rights to its shows for the first since its 1982 foundation, the network becomes quite a prospect.
Deadline has spoken to several within and outside of Channel 4 to get a feel for who may be interested in acquiring when it hits the sales block, with the government valuing at £1Bn (1.3Bn) when news of the controversial privatization was leaked earlier this week. Some sources have questioned the value, pointing to a lack of cost benefit analysis from the government.
The UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, ITV,...
- 4/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Creative Diversity Network’s fifth annual report on inclusivity in the U.K. TV industry shows a marginal improvement in diversity representation, but not in senior roles, while disability representation remains poor.
Diamond is a single online system used by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, ViacomCBS, UKTV and Sky to obtain consistent diversity data on programs they commission. The Diamond report notes that “despite well-meaning initiatives across the industry and improvements in some areas, there is still a lack of real progress in terms of increasing representation by previously (and currently) under-represented groups.”
Of particular concern is disability, with representation by disabled people both on and off-screen remaining consistently lower across all genres, all broadcasters, and all job roles than the 18% of the U.K. population who declare a disability. Disabled people are making fewer than 6% of contributions across most senior roles and over the past three years, there...
Diamond is a single online system used by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, ViacomCBS, UKTV and Sky to obtain consistent diversity data on programs they commission. The Diamond report notes that “despite well-meaning initiatives across the industry and improvements in some areas, there is still a lack of real progress in terms of increasing representation by previously (and currently) under-represented groups.”
Of particular concern is disability, with representation by disabled people both on and off-screen remaining consistently lower across all genres, all broadcasters, and all job roles than the 18% of the U.K. population who declare a disability. Disabled people are making fewer than 6% of contributions across most senior roles and over the past three years, there...
- 3/14/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Hi! And welcome to International Insider. I’m Jake Kanter, here to guide you through a lorry load of news from the international film and television sector. My inbox is at your mercy if you have news or views — message me on jkanter@deadline.com. And to get this delivered every Friday, sign up here.
Channel 4 Privatization & Producer Problems
Channel 4 changes: The big news this week was the UK government firing the starting gun on a process that could end with Channel 4 being privatized. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said an “alternative ownership model” could be better for the broadcaster behind hits including The Great British Bake Off and It’s A Sin. That will be put to the test in a weeks-long consultation, during which the industry is likely to fiercely resist the sale of a prized piece of UK television real estate. Our story.
Why it matters: Channel...
Channel 4 Privatization & Producer Problems
Channel 4 changes: The big news this week was the UK government firing the starting gun on a process that could end with Channel 4 being privatized. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said an “alternative ownership model” could be better for the broadcaster behind hits including The Great British Bake Off and It’s A Sin. That will be put to the test in a weeks-long consultation, during which the industry is likely to fiercely resist the sale of a prized piece of UK television real estate. Our story.
Why it matters: Channel...
- 6/25/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Hours after the UK government fired the starting gun on a process that could end with Channel 4 being privatized, the backlash has begun, with the likes of Veep creator Armando Iannucci railing against the proposals.
Ministers have launched a consultation on Channel 4’s future and culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said an “alternative ownership model” could be better for the broadcaster, which is behind hits including The Great British Bake Off. The government thinks this will help it prosper amid the streaming revolution.
Channel 4 has been government-owned since its inception in 1982, but is commercially funded and entirely self-sufficient, ploughing all of its profits into the UK’s world-leading independent production sector. A change of ownership structure could see it placed in the hands of new owners, with ministers pointing to the model of Channel 5, which is backed by ViacomCBS.
But Channel 4’s success is close to the heart...
Ministers have launched a consultation on Channel 4’s future and culture secretary Oliver Dowden has said an “alternative ownership model” could be better for the broadcaster, which is behind hits including The Great British Bake Off. The government thinks this will help it prosper amid the streaming revolution.
Channel 4 has been government-owned since its inception in 1982, but is commercially funded and entirely self-sufficient, ploughing all of its profits into the UK’s world-leading independent production sector. A change of ownership structure could see it placed in the hands of new owners, with ministers pointing to the model of Channel 5, which is backed by ViacomCBS.
But Channel 4’s success is close to the heart...
- 6/23/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
UK Government Sets Out Upsides Of Selling Channel 4 As It Fires Starting Gun On Privatization Review
The UK government has put to bed months of speculation by announcing that it will launch a review to establish whether it should sell Channel 4, the British broadcaster behind hits like It’s a Sin.
Channel 4 has been under government ownership since its 1982 launch, but ministers argue that disruption from streaming giants has significantly altered the broadcasting landscape to the point where Channel 4 might benefit from private ownership.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will oversee the review and consider whether “moving Channel 4 into private ownership and changing its remit could help secure its future as a successful and sustainable public service broadcaster.”
Noting the potential upsides of a sale, the Dcms said it would allow Channel 4 to access new capital, forge news partnerships and expand overseas. Ministers added that the broadcaster could “diversify its income streams” and invest in new technology and programming.
In an op-ed for the Times of London,...
Channel 4 has been under government ownership since its 1982 launch, but ministers argue that disruption from streaming giants has significantly altered the broadcasting landscape to the point where Channel 4 might benefit from private ownership.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will oversee the review and consider whether “moving Channel 4 into private ownership and changing its remit could help secure its future as a successful and sustainable public service broadcaster.”
Noting the potential upsides of a sale, the Dcms said it would allow Channel 4 to access new capital, forge news partnerships and expand overseas. Ministers added that the broadcaster could “diversify its income streams” and invest in new technology and programming.
In an op-ed for the Times of London,...
- 6/22/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A raft of British celebrities from Black, Asian and other mixed heritage backgrounds are encouraging ethnic minorities to take up the Covid-19 vaccine in a video campaign.
The campaign, which is led by “Citizen Khan” co-creator and actor Adil Ray, was first revealed by the actor online in January. It dispels myths about the vaccine as it has emerged in recent days that those from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds are more sceptical of the jab and aren’t getting vaccinated at the same levels.
The video features historian and presenter David Olusoga, Olympian Denise Lewis, “Yesterday” actors Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, singer Beverley Knight, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and cricketer Moeen Ali, among others.
At 9:56pm on Thursday, U.K. public service broadcasters ITV, Channel 4, Stv, Channel 5 and pay TV operator Sky, will air the video simultaneously. The BBC, which is prohibited from participating in campaigns...
The campaign, which is led by “Citizen Khan” co-creator and actor Adil Ray, was first revealed by the actor online in January. It dispels myths about the vaccine as it has emerged in recent days that those from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds are more sceptical of the jab and aren’t getting vaccinated at the same levels.
The video features historian and presenter David Olusoga, Olympian Denise Lewis, “Yesterday” actors Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, singer Beverley Knight, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and cricketer Moeen Ali, among others.
At 9:56pm on Thursday, U.K. public service broadcasters ITV, Channel 4, Stv, Channel 5 and pay TV operator Sky, will air the video simultaneously. The BBC, which is prohibited from participating in campaigns...
- 2/18/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. public broadcaster Channel 4 has rung in management structure changes as the organization prepares for its Future4 strategy that was revealed in November.
In commissioning, all of Channel 4’s creative and editorial decision making across linear, streaming and social will be brought together under director of programs Ian Katz, who is now chief content officer.
The org’s features commissioning responsibilities will be moved to the U.K. nations and regions, boosting the content spend and commissioning power outside London. With this move, head of features and format, Sarah Lazenby, who commissioned hit show “The Great British Bake Off,” is leaving Channel 4 after nearly six years. The existing formats and features slate will be distributed across other departments, including factual entertainment, entertainment and features and daytime — including responsibility for More4 commissioning — which will be led by Jo Street.
The vacant role of head of specialist factual will not be filled,...
In commissioning, all of Channel 4’s creative and editorial decision making across linear, streaming and social will be brought together under director of programs Ian Katz, who is now chief content officer.
The org’s features commissioning responsibilities will be moved to the U.K. nations and regions, boosting the content spend and commissioning power outside London. With this move, head of features and format, Sarah Lazenby, who commissioned hit show “The Great British Bake Off,” is leaving Channel 4 after nearly six years. The existing formats and features slate will be distributed across other departments, including factual entertainment, entertainment and features and daytime — including responsibility for More4 commissioning — which will be led by Jo Street.
The vacant role of head of specialist factual will not be filled,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has announced a Global Format Fund that will invest in new British-created and produced formats with global potential that will initially be worth £30 million ($40 million) over two years.
Channel 4 will guarantee minimum runs and recommissioning triggers up front for projects greenlit under this approach. The Fund will focus on genres with the greatest potential for global format success, including daytime, factual entertainment, features and entertainment.
The Fund is part of Channel 4’s new Future4 strategy that was outlined on Thursday. The strategy has a clear remit of doubling viewing to the broadcaster’s All 4 catch-up service over the next five years.
There will also be an increased focus on investing more in content that performs strongly on All 4, like youth-skewing factual entertainment, “box-settable” and noisy documentaries, reality, comedy entertainment, scripted comedy and youth-skewing “bingeable” drama.
In addition, Channel 4 will scale up 4Studio, the new digital content studio based in Leeds,...
Channel 4 will guarantee minimum runs and recommissioning triggers up front for projects greenlit under this approach. The Fund will focus on genres with the greatest potential for global format success, including daytime, factual entertainment, features and entertainment.
The Fund is part of Channel 4’s new Future4 strategy that was outlined on Thursday. The strategy has a clear remit of doubling viewing to the broadcaster’s All 4 catch-up service over the next five years.
There will also be an increased focus on investing more in content that performs strongly on All 4, like youth-skewing factual entertainment, “box-settable” and noisy documentaries, reality, comedy entertainment, scripted comedy and youth-skewing “bingeable” drama.
In addition, Channel 4 will scale up 4Studio, the new digital content studio based in Leeds,...
- 11/26/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
British broadcaster Channel 4 has unveiled plans to launch a £30M ($40M) Global Format Fund to secure a bigger cut of international content sales as it bids to generate 40% of its revenue from non-tv advertising sources.
The Format Fund, detailed today as part of Channel 4’s so-called Future4 strategy, will involve the broadcaster investing early in the development of non-scripted shows with international potential. Think Gogglebox or Come Dine With Me, which started life in the UK on Channel 4 and have gone on to have success on the world stage.
Channel 4 will partner with producers at an early stage and back ideas with guaranteed minimum series runs and recommissioning triggers upfront. It will also commit to certain levels of marketing support for the shows selected under the two-year scheme and provide audience intelligence to bolster global sales materials. Producers will retain control of international rights, but in return for its upfront commitment,...
The Format Fund, detailed today as part of Channel 4’s so-called Future4 strategy, will involve the broadcaster investing early in the development of non-scripted shows with international potential. Think Gogglebox or Come Dine With Me, which started life in the UK on Channel 4 and have gone on to have success on the world stage.
Channel 4 will partner with producers at an early stage and back ideas with guaranteed minimum series runs and recommissioning triggers upfront. It will also commit to certain levels of marketing support for the shows selected under the two-year scheme and provide audience intelligence to bolster global sales materials. Producers will retain control of international rights, but in return for its upfront commitment,...
- 11/26/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Studios CEO Tim Davie is increasingly being talked about as the candidate to beat in the race to replace Tony Hall as director general of the BBC.
Deadline has spoken to several sources familiar with the recruitment process and a consensus is emerging around Davie as the frontrunner, even though the BBC is some way off crowning a successor to Hall.
Deadline hears that BBC chairman Sir David Clementi is yet to begin formal interviews for the role, but sources say the field of candidates has narrowed further in recent days and Davie is confident in his credentials.
Three other...
Deadline has spoken to several sources familiar with the recruitment process and a consensus is emerging around Davie as the frontrunner, even though the BBC is some way off crowning a successor to Hall.
Deadline hears that BBC chairman Sir David Clementi is yet to begin formal interviews for the role, but sources say the field of candidates has narrowed further in recent days and Davie is confident in his credentials.
Three other...
- 4/9/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 is to slash its content budget by £150 million ($185 million) and make £95 million ($118 million) of operational savings in a bid to navigate the economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The broadcaster said today that the cuts come against a backdrop of a plunging advertising market, for which it relies on for most of its revenue. C4 said the ad market is set to be down in excess of 50% over April and May.
Channel 4’s executive board and non-exec board are to take a voluntary 20% pay cut and suspend 2020 bonuses for executive directors. This includes chief executive Alex Mahon and director of programs Ian Katz.
It is also to access the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and will furlough around 10% of staff.
C4 said the reduction of its content budget in 2020 – down from the £662 million ($820 million) spent in 2018 – reflected both the difficulties of producing programs and films in the current environment,...
The broadcaster said today that the cuts come against a backdrop of a plunging advertising market, for which it relies on for most of its revenue. C4 said the ad market is set to be down in excess of 50% over April and May.
Channel 4’s executive board and non-exec board are to take a voluntary 20% pay cut and suspend 2020 bonuses for executive directors. This includes chief executive Alex Mahon and director of programs Ian Katz.
It is also to access the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and will furlough around 10% of staff.
C4 said the reduction of its content budget in 2020 – down from the £662 million ($820 million) spent in 2018 – reflected both the difficulties of producing programs and films in the current environment,...
- 4/8/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
British commercial broadcaster Channel 4 has outlined an emergency cost-cutting plan in its bid to weather the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.
In an all-staff conference call on Wednesday afternoon, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon outlined measures to slash the broadcaster’s 2020 content budget by £150M ($185M) and find £95M of operational savings, including reviewing investments and cutting marketing spend.
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Channel 4 added that it will furlough around 10% of staff (around 100 people) across all areas of the business, and draw down on its £75M emergency credit facility for the first time since it was set up in 2018. As reported earlier this week, senior managers...
In an all-staff conference call on Wednesday afternoon, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon outlined measures to slash the broadcaster’s 2020 content budget by £150M ($185M) and find £95M of operational savings, including reviewing investments and cutting marketing spend.
More from DeadlineBET Sets 'Saving Our Selves' Covid-19 Relief Fund Special With Kelly Rowland, Terrence J, Regina Hall And MoreNew York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Skeptical Of Broadway's June 7 Return: "I Wouldn't Use What Broadway Thinks As A Barometer Of Anything"YouTube Originals Offers Some Library Titles For Free During Lockdown
Channel 4 added that it will furlough around 10% of staff (around 100 people) across all areas of the business, and draw down on its £75M emergency credit facility for the first time since it was set up in 2018. As reported earlier this week, senior managers...
- 4/8/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4’s top executives, including CEO Alex Mahon, are set to join other entertainment industry chiefs in taking a coronavirus pay cut as the advertising downturn begins to bite.
The Gogglebox and Great British Bake Off broadcaster, which is almost entirely funded by the ad market, is preparing to announce a range of cost-cutting measures this week, which will include salary reductions for senior managers and the company’s board.
It follows ITV slashing executive pay last week and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch donating nine months of his 2020 salary to coronavirus relief charities — although Channel 4 is said to have agreed salary cuts prior...
The Gogglebox and Great British Bake Off broadcaster, which is almost entirely funded by the ad market, is preparing to announce a range of cost-cutting measures this week, which will include salary reductions for senior managers and the company’s board.
It follows ITV slashing executive pay last week and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch donating nine months of his 2020 salary to coronavirus relief charities — although Channel 4 is said to have agreed salary cuts prior...
- 4/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 is understood to be preparing to announce a range of cost-cutting measures this week as it wrestles with a major slump in advertising revenues due to the coronavirus crisis.
Channel 4 is examining a range of options, which include a 20% voluntary reduction in the salaries of its executive board — which includes chief executive Alex Mahon and director of programs Ian Katz — as well as furloughing some staff during the crisis.
Channel 4’s £1.1 billion ($1.35 billion) in annual revenues have been particularly hard hit in the second quarter of 2020 as it is almost entirely dependent on advertising revenue, which has fallen dramatically as brands have slashed marketing spend during the coronavirus crisis.
As a not-for-profit publisher-broadcaster, Channel 4 has not been able to diversify into production like rival U.K. broadcaster ITV which now derives a large portion of its revenues from program-making arm ITV Studios.
Last week, ITV...
Channel 4 is examining a range of options, which include a 20% voluntary reduction in the salaries of its executive board — which includes chief executive Alex Mahon and director of programs Ian Katz — as well as furloughing some staff during the crisis.
Channel 4’s £1.1 billion ($1.35 billion) in annual revenues have been particularly hard hit in the second quarter of 2020 as it is almost entirely dependent on advertising revenue, which has fallen dramatically as brands have slashed marketing spend during the coronavirus crisis.
As a not-for-profit publisher-broadcaster, Channel 4 has not been able to diversify into production like rival U.K. broadcaster ITV which now derives a large portion of its revenues from program-making arm ITV Studios.
Last week, ITV...
- 4/6/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
In a joint letter, the UK’s major broadcasters ITV, BBC, Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5 owner Viacom and union Pact have called on the government to ensure it will support television industry freelancers during the coronavirus crisis.
The UK government unveiled measures last week to support the nation’s freelance workers, claiming that 95% would be covered, following a similar move to cover the wages of furloughed employees during the crisis so that there won’t be widespread lay-offs. The news was largely met with a positive response, but there have been vocal concerns that some workers might slip through the support net.
Today, the broadcasters are calling on Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to make sure this doesn’t happen.
The UK government unveiled measures last week to support the nation’s freelance workers, claiming that 95% would be covered, following a similar move to cover the wages of furloughed employees during the crisis so that there won’t be widespread lay-offs. The news was largely met with a positive response, but there have been vocal concerns that some workers might slip through the support net.
Today, the broadcasters are calling on Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to make sure this doesn’t happen.
- 4/3/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Jack Thorne, the prolific British writer behind HBO and BBC drama His Dark Materials, has said that he is receiving treatment for what he believes to be coronavirus.
The writer, whose other credits include Channel 4’s The Virtues and feature film The Aeronauts, said he has suffered from a high temperature, cough and exhaustion, which has aggravated his asthma. Thorne has been given a course of steroids and said his health is improving, but he remains out of sorts.
“Seem to have Covid, which is not reacting great with my asthma. Amazing treatment from my Gp over the phone, taking the time to give me...
The writer, whose other credits include Channel 4’s The Virtues and feature film The Aeronauts, said he has suffered from a high temperature, cough and exhaustion, which has aggravated his asthma. Thorne has been given a course of steroids and said his health is improving, but he remains out of sorts.
“Seem to have Covid, which is not reacting great with my asthma. Amazing treatment from my Gp over the phone, taking the time to give me...
- 4/1/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Regardless of whom you ask in the U.K. television industry, the astronomical feat of expanding public service broadcaster Channel 4 outside the safety of its edgy, central London home and across three new locations in various corners of the country could only have been carried out by Alex Mahon — a would-be astronaut turned supersonic television executive.
Mahon, chief executive of the “Leaving Neverland” and “The Circle” broadcaster across the pond, discusses high-energy physics as if she’s delivering a Starbucks order. She’s attended space camps in Russia, South Korea and Japan; worked at the European Organization for Nuclear Research; and has a doctorate in medical physics. If anything has brought her down to Earth, it’s television.
“You could say it took me quite a long time to work out what I like doing, or you could say I know a lot about physics,” says the London-born Scot,...
Mahon, chief executive of the “Leaving Neverland” and “The Circle” broadcaster across the pond, discusses high-energy physics as if she’s delivering a Starbucks order. She’s attended space camps in Russia, South Korea and Japan; worked at the European Organization for Nuclear Research; and has a doctorate in medical physics. If anything has brought her down to Earth, it’s television.
“You could say it took me quite a long time to work out what I like doing, or you could say I know a lot about physics,” says the London-born Scot,...
- 3/30/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The leaders of broadcasters BBC, Channel 4 and ITV have united to apply pressure on the U.K. government for expansive economic measures for the self-employed — a highly anticipated directive due Thursday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed during his daily press briefing Wednesday that Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer would reveal these measures on Thursday, saying a package for the self-employed has been “put together at incredible speed,” given the complexity of the situation.
BBC director general Tony Hall, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall, Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon, ViacomCBS president for U.K. and Australia Maria Kyriacou and S4C chief executive Owen Evans sent a letter to Sunak on Wednesday asking him to “support the critically important freelance community of the U.K. creatives industries.”
The industry heavyweights reminded Sunak that the creative industries now contribute more than £100 billion ($118 billion) to the U.K. economy and that 50% of...
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed during his daily press briefing Wednesday that Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer would reveal these measures on Thursday, saying a package for the self-employed has been “put together at incredible speed,” given the complexity of the situation.
BBC director general Tony Hall, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall, Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon, ViacomCBS president for U.K. and Australia Maria Kyriacou and S4C chief executive Owen Evans sent a letter to Sunak on Wednesday asking him to “support the critically important freelance community of the U.K. creatives industries.”
The industry heavyweights reminded Sunak that the creative industries now contribute more than £100 billion ($118 billion) to the U.K. economy and that 50% of...
- 3/25/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Updated 09.40Am with broadcaster letter: British chancellor Rishi Sunak is preparing a coronavirus rescue package for 5M self-employed people in the UK — a move that will throw a life-line to thousands of freelancers in the entertainment industries.
Sunak is expected to outline the measures at a press briefing on Thursday after saying this week that he is “determined to find a way to support” Britain’s freelance community.
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According to reports in British newspapers, the measures introduced in the UK could be similar to those put in place in Scandanavia, where freelancers are being handed 80% of their average monthly income, calculated using past tax returns.
The freelance financial stimulus...
Sunak is expected to outline the measures at a press briefing on Thursday after saying this week that he is “determined to find a way to support” Britain’s freelance community.
More from DeadlineBill Cosby Seeks Early Prison Release Over Coronavirus Fears; "Exploring All Options," Rep Says Of Once "America's Dad"AMC Theatres Furloughs 600 Employees In Leawood, Kansas HQ Amid Coronavirus CrisisVince McMahon Sells 15% Of His WWE Stock In A 'Forward Contract'
According to reports in British newspapers, the measures introduced in the UK could be similar to those put in place in Scandanavia, where freelancers are being handed 80% of their average monthly income, calculated using past tax returns.
The freelance financial stimulus...
- 3/25/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
While the U.K. continues to be in coronavirus lockdown, broadcaster Channel 4 has announced several new shows designed to keep the country entertained and informed during isolation, under the banner “Lockdown Academy.”
In “Wedding in Lockdown,” produced by Multistory Media North, one bride and groom will be given a live online wedding with some famous faces involved. Presented by Steph McGovern, “The Steph Show,” to be produced by Can Can Productions, will broadcast live from the host’s living room in Yorkshire as she celebrates key workers who are keeping the country moving.
In Swan Films’ “Grayson’s Arts Club,” artist Grayson Perry will teach the audience how to sculpt and draw, while Jamie Oliver Productions’ “Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On” finds celebrity chef Jamie Oliver demonstrating food creation with whatever is available in the pantry.
There are also a number of coronavirus specific shows, including ITN’s “Coronavirus: Can You Avoid It,...
In “Wedding in Lockdown,” produced by Multistory Media North, one bride and groom will be given a live online wedding with some famous faces involved. Presented by Steph McGovern, “The Steph Show,” to be produced by Can Can Productions, will broadcast live from the host’s living room in Yorkshire as she celebrates key workers who are keeping the country moving.
In Swan Films’ “Grayson’s Arts Club,” artist Grayson Perry will teach the audience how to sculpt and draw, while Jamie Oliver Productions’ “Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On” finds celebrity chef Jamie Oliver demonstrating food creation with whatever is available in the pantry.
There are also a number of coronavirus specific shows, including ITN’s “Coronavirus: Can You Avoid It,...
- 3/25/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Britain’s Channel 4 has set out a plan of action to keep British viewers entertained during three weeks of coronavirus lockdown, including hosting an internet wedding.
The broadcaster detailed 12 shows that will form the backbone of its “creative response to the crisis.” They include a mix of newly-commissioned titles, as well as adaptations to existing shows.
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Among the new commissions is Wedding In Lockdown, in which ITV Studios-owned MultiStory Media will help a self-isolating couple celebrate their nuptials over the internet. The proceedings will be overseen by First Dates star Fred Sirieix, while other celebrities will also be part of the unusual festivities.
Other highlights include renowned artist...
The broadcaster detailed 12 shows that will form the backbone of its “creative response to the crisis.” They include a mix of newly-commissioned titles, as well as adaptations to existing shows.
More from DeadlineBroadway's 'Caroline, Or Change' And Debra Messing-Starrer 'Birthday Candles' Postponed Until FallChina Moving To Spark Moviegoing With 'Avengers' Pics, 'Inception' & More As Cinemas Slowly OpenTed Koppel, In a Return To 'Nightline', Warns Of Misinformation During Coronavirus Crisis
Among the new commissions is Wedding In Lockdown, in which ITV Studios-owned MultiStory Media will help a self-isolating couple celebrate their nuptials over the internet. The proceedings will be overseen by First Dates star Fred Sirieix, while other celebrities will also be part of the unusual festivities.
Other highlights include renowned artist...
- 3/25/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television has invested in U.K. sports-focused production outfit Whisper Group.
Effective immediately, the business will replace Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund as a minority stakeholder in Whisper, which has become a leading voice in sports entertainment.
Founded by BAFTA-winning CEO Sunil Patel, broadcaster Jake Humphrey and F1 commentator David Coulthard, Whispers covers NFL, the Paralympics, Formula One, SailGP, Women’s Super League, and the International Cricket and W Series with a range of programming that mixes coverage and commentary. The firm also holds the Formula One rights for the U.K.’s Channel 4.
“Whisper have become one of the most talked-about production companies in the U.K.,” says Wayne Garvie, president of international production at Sony Pictures Television.
“Very quickly, they have established themselves as an innovative leader in sports content. We are thrilled to be joining Sunil, David, Jake and the team in helping to...
Effective immediately, the business will replace Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund as a minority stakeholder in Whisper, which has become a leading voice in sports entertainment.
Founded by BAFTA-winning CEO Sunil Patel, broadcaster Jake Humphrey and F1 commentator David Coulthard, Whispers covers NFL, the Paralympics, Formula One, SailGP, Women’s Super League, and the International Cricket and W Series with a range of programming that mixes coverage and commentary. The firm also holds the Formula One rights for the U.K.’s Channel 4.
“Whisper have become one of the most talked-about production companies in the U.K.,” says Wayne Garvie, president of international production at Sony Pictures Television.
“Very quickly, they have established themselves as an innovative leader in sports content. We are thrilled to be joining Sunil, David, Jake and the team in helping to...
- 2/18/2020
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Powered by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus, among others, the subscription video on demand market is booming. But in five years from now, it will have contracted with no single service fully dominating the landscape, according to the 7th Nostradamus Report, which forecasts trends in film and TV.
The thorough study was presented by its author, Johanna Koljonen, during the Nordic Film Market at the Göteborg Film Festival on Friday.
Entitled “A Creative Explosion,” the report highlights key trends for the next three-to-five years with six chapters dedicated to “Diversity Beyond 50/50,” “After The Streaming Wars,” “The Pain And Glory of Feature Film,” “The Irishman In the Window,” “Boom Year Problems” and “Insight As Leverage.”
The report is based on collected data and media analysis and built around a wide range of interviews with industry experts, including Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4; Lars Blomgren, Endemol Shine Group...
The thorough study was presented by its author, Johanna Koljonen, during the Nordic Film Market at the Göteborg Film Festival on Friday.
Entitled “A Creative Explosion,” the report highlights key trends for the next three-to-five years with six chapters dedicated to “Diversity Beyond 50/50,” “After The Streaming Wars,” “The Pain And Glory of Feature Film,” “The Irishman In the Window,” “Boom Year Problems” and “Insight As Leverage.”
The report is based on collected data and media analysis and built around a wide range of interviews with industry experts, including Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4; Lars Blomgren, Endemol Shine Group...
- 2/2/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 chief operating officer Keith Underwood is to leave the U.K. broadcaster at the end of this month, and will be replaced by current chief commercial officer Jonathan Allan.
C4 is restructuring its leadership team, bringing together key operational functions into a newly expanded COO’s office.
Allan will oversee departments including streaming platform All 4, communications and corporate affairs, consumer and strategy, content management, finance, Hr, nations & regions and technology.
Finance director Vince Russell, who joined Channel 4 from Sky in 2018, will take on additional responsibilities and will report directly to Allan.
Chief consumer and strategy officer Sarah Rose will also leave Channel 4 after the summer. For the next few months she will continue to work with the executive team to oversee key strategic partnerships.
Matt Salmon, currently head of agency and client sales, will step up to the executive team as interim director of sales during the recruitment process for the role.
C4 is restructuring its leadership team, bringing together key operational functions into a newly expanded COO’s office.
Allan will oversee departments including streaming platform All 4, communications and corporate affairs, consumer and strategy, content management, finance, Hr, nations & regions and technology.
Finance director Vince Russell, who joined Channel 4 from Sky in 2018, will take on additional responsibilities and will report directly to Allan.
Chief consumer and strategy officer Sarah Rose will also leave Channel 4 after the summer. For the next few months she will continue to work with the executive team to oversee key strategic partnerships.
Matt Salmon, currently head of agency and client sales, will step up to the executive team as interim director of sales during the recruitment process for the role.
- 1/28/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
BBC director general Tony Hall has been appointed chair of the board of trustees of the National Gallery.
The executive, who has served on the Gallery’s board since November, takes over as chair from Sir John Kingman, who has been interim chair since Hannah Rothschild stood down from the role in September.
Hall said: “The National Gallery houses the greatest collection of paintings – not just in the UK – but the world. It is a hugely important cultural asset for the country and for the many people who visit from across the globe.
“I am proud to take on the role of its chair. The National Gallery isn’t just about serving those who already love art, but reaching a wider audience and future generations.
“The National Gallery is one of our finest institutions and I look forward to working with Gabriele Finaldi, the Trustees, and the wider team, to ensure its continued success.
The executive, who has served on the Gallery’s board since November, takes over as chair from Sir John Kingman, who has been interim chair since Hannah Rothschild stood down from the role in September.
Hall said: “The National Gallery houses the greatest collection of paintings – not just in the UK – but the world. It is a hugely important cultural asset for the country and for the many people who visit from across the globe.
“I am proud to take on the role of its chair. The National Gallery isn’t just about serving those who already love art, but reaching a wider audience and future generations.
“The National Gallery is one of our finest institutions and I look forward to working with Gabriele Finaldi, the Trustees, and the wider team, to ensure its continued success.
- 1/20/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Tony Hall announced his shock decision to stand down as BBC director general on Monday, sparking what is likely to be a six-month race to be his successor. A job advert is already being prepared by the BBC board and prospective candidates will likely be dusting off their resumes for one of the most prestigious roles in British media.
Whoever prospers will walk into the BBC’s headquarters in central London to a bulging in-tray of priorities. Hall’s successor will have to negotiate the BBC’s future funding and operating agreement with, what appears to be, a hostile government, emboldened by Boris Johnson’s thumping election win last year.
Other priorities include building on Hall’s legacy of launching BBC Studios as a commercial entity, developing radio, music and podcast app BBC Sounds, and cleaning up a messy equal pay dispute that has become a protracted and toxic problem under the current director general.
Whoever prospers will walk into the BBC’s headquarters in central London to a bulging in-tray of priorities. Hall’s successor will have to negotiate the BBC’s future funding and operating agreement with, what appears to be, a hostile government, emboldened by Boris Johnson’s thumping election win last year.
Other priorities include building on Hall’s legacy of launching BBC Studios as a commercial entity, developing radio, music and podcast app BBC Sounds, and cleaning up a messy equal pay dispute that has become a protracted and toxic problem under the current director general.
- 1/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
As the U.K. industry reacts to news of Tony Hall’s intention to depart the BBC this July, top-level executives including Charlotte Moore and Tim Davie as well as external contenders such as Channel 4’s Alex Mahon are beginning to emerge.
Variety understands that Lord Hall, who has headed the BBC for seven years as director general, has been intending to leave the corporation for some time with a 2020 date in his sights since last year, though most in the industry expected him to depart following the BBC’s centenary in 2022. He is understood to be leaving for another role that is outside the broadcasting world.
Industry insiders tell Variety that with Hall’s departure, the “time is right for a woman” to lead the BBC. Moore, who currently serves as director of content for the corporation, is emerging as the primary frontrunner for the top job.
If given the role,...
Variety understands that Lord Hall, who has headed the BBC for seven years as director general, has been intending to leave the corporation for some time with a 2020 date in his sights since last year, though most in the industry expected him to depart following the BBC’s centenary in 2022. He is understood to be leaving for another role that is outside the broadcasting world.
Industry insiders tell Variety that with Hall’s departure, the “time is right for a woman” to lead the BBC. Moore, who currently serves as director of content for the corporation, is emerging as the primary frontrunner for the top job.
If given the role,...
- 1/20/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
At the BBC’s Christmas drinks earlier this month, I gatecrashed an animated conversation between two senior figures from the UK production sector. After a sheepish glance at each other, they revealed that the subject of their discussion was a certain Ian Katz, the director of programs at Channel 4. They are far from alone. Sit down with producers, commissioners, or current and former Channel 4 employees and you can play a game I call the Katz countdown: how long does it take before his name is mentioned?
There are two reasons for this phenomenon. The first, and more routine reason, is a matter of history. Channel 4 was the clever creation of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in 1982. It was established with a remit to take unparalleled creative risks and foster growth in the UK production sector by only commissioning independent producers. This means Channel 4 has a unique place in...
There are two reasons for this phenomenon. The first, and more routine reason, is a matter of history. Channel 4 was the clever creation of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in 1982. It was established with a remit to take unparalleled creative risks and foster growth in the UK production sector by only commissioning independent producers. This means Channel 4 has a unique place in...
- 12/17/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios’ CEO Tim Davie has become the latest high-powered British television executive to sound the alarm about audiences being oversupplied with content.
Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry conference in London on Monday, Davie talked about the changes to the TV industry in the context of technological advances and the streaming wars.
“The jeopardy’s gone up and the opportunity’s gone up,” he told an audience of business leaders, referring to the likes of Apple and Netflix as “wonderful clients” but also rivals for creative talent.
Unusually for the boss of a £1.4Bn content business, however, Davie was not effusive about it being boom time for producers, with tens of billions of dollars swirling around the market for TV shows. Instead, he echoed others in noting the overwhelming choice for consumers.
“It’s hyper-competitive, everyone’s got too much television to watch, even if you’re not a television fan.
Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry conference in London on Monday, Davie talked about the changes to the TV industry in the context of technological advances and the streaming wars.
“The jeopardy’s gone up and the opportunity’s gone up,” he told an audience of business leaders, referring to the likes of Apple and Netflix as “wonderful clients” but also rivals for creative talent.
Unusually for the boss of a £1.4Bn content business, however, Davie was not effusive about it being boom time for producers, with tens of billions of dollars swirling around the market for TV shows. Instead, he echoed others in noting the overwhelming choice for consumers.
“It’s hyper-competitive, everyone’s got too much television to watch, even if you’re not a television fan.
- 11/18/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s full stream ahead for BritBox in the U.K. The ITV-and-BBC-run Svod service launched on home turf Thursday after having been available for nearly three years already in the U.S. The platform is also set to feature film and TV content from Britain’s Channel 4 as the result of a new agreement for the broadcaster to participate.
The service, priced at £5.99 ($7.50) per month, will offer classic and contemporary British shows, such as “The Office” and “Downton Abbey,” as well as BritBox-only originals. There will be the the now-customary one-month free trial for consumers. Unlike BritBox in the U.S., which is an equal joint venture between ITV and BBC Studios, the U.K. version has a different ownership structure, with the BBC taking only a 10% stake. BBC senior management has told Variety that the pubcaster is comfortable with the arrangement given that its budget is under pressure.
The service, priced at £5.99 ($7.50) per month, will offer classic and contemporary British shows, such as “The Office” and “Downton Abbey,” as well as BritBox-only originals. There will be the the now-customary one-month free trial for consumers. Unlike BritBox in the U.S., which is an equal joint venture between ITV and BBC Studios, the U.K. version has a different ownership structure, with the BBC taking only a 10% stake. BBC senior management has told Variety that the pubcaster is comfortable with the arrangement given that its budget is under pressure.
- 11/7/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
BritBox has officially opened for business in the UK, launching on Thursday after striking a big new partnership with British broadcaster Channel 4.
BritBox, a joint venture subscription streaming service between the BBC and ITV, will eventually feature content from all the major UK public service broadcasters after signing up Channel 4 for three years.
It is the UK broadcasters’ plan to tackle the invasion of U.S. streaming services, with the likes of Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV+ chipping away at their audience, particularly among younger demographics.
Channel 4 will hand over more than 1,000 hours of shows to BritBox from 2020, as well as an exclusive Film4 curated service featuring iconic British films. New Channel 4 shows will be available on BritBox 31 days after they have aired on television.
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon said: “The opportunity to collaborate as PSBs on BritBox extends our track record of partnership and will ensure there is...
BritBox, a joint venture subscription streaming service between the BBC and ITV, will eventually feature content from all the major UK public service broadcasters after signing up Channel 4 for three years.
It is the UK broadcasters’ plan to tackle the invasion of U.S. streaming services, with the likes of Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV+ chipping away at their audience, particularly among younger demographics.
Channel 4 will hand over more than 1,000 hours of shows to BritBox from 2020, as well as an exclusive Film4 curated service featuring iconic British films. New Channel 4 shows will be available on BritBox 31 days after they have aired on television.
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon said: “The opportunity to collaborate as PSBs on BritBox extends our track record of partnership and will ensure there is...
- 11/7/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has said it is vital that the UK broadcaster gets proper credit for its shows from U.S. streamers to help preserve its place in the minds of British viewers.
Channel 4 is in engaged in an ever-complicated dance with the streamers: they are hoovering up its audience, but the British broadcaster also leans on online players to top-up funding for some of its biggest new shows.
This results in Netflix having improved rights to and more ownership over brands like The End of the F***ing World, meaning audiences potentially associate the show with Netflix rather than Channel 4.
Mahon’s argument is simple: give Channel 4 the credit it deserves for originating these shows. Channel 4 branding does appear on The End of the F***ing World and Derry Girls on Netflix in the UK, but the fact Mahon raised attribution at a conference in London shows...
Channel 4 is in engaged in an ever-complicated dance with the streamers: they are hoovering up its audience, but the British broadcaster also leans on online players to top-up funding for some of its biggest new shows.
This results in Netflix having improved rights to and more ownership over brands like The End of the F***ing World, meaning audiences potentially associate the show with Netflix rather than Channel 4.
Mahon’s argument is simple: give Channel 4 the credit it deserves for originating these shows. Channel 4 branding does appear on The End of the F***ing World and Derry Girls on Netflix in the UK, but the fact Mahon raised attribution at a conference in London shows...
- 11/5/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Susanna Dinnage, Global President of Animal Planet, is to leave Discovery. Deadline understands the Brit, who has been with the factual giant for over ten years, is leaving as part of a restructure that will see Animal Planet brought under Nancy Daniels’ purview.
Dinnage took charge of the animal-focused cable network in September 2017 when it became the first Discovery network to be managed globally. The network will now revert to the company’s factual division, which is managed by Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual, where she runs Discovery Channel and Science Channel, as well as overseeing the content strategy of Discovery’s upcoming factual streaming service.
Fulham Fc fan Dinnage, who will leave at the end of the year, has overseen the growth of the Pit Bulls and Parolees and Alaska Law channel, apart a brief flirtation with taking the top job at the English Premier League in...
Dinnage took charge of the animal-focused cable network in September 2017 when it became the first Discovery network to be managed globally. The network will now revert to the company’s factual division, which is managed by Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual, where she runs Discovery Channel and Science Channel, as well as overseeing the content strategy of Discovery’s upcoming factual streaming service.
Fulham Fc fan Dinnage, who will leave at the end of the year, has overseen the growth of the Pit Bulls and Parolees and Alaska Law channel, apart a brief flirtation with taking the top job at the English Premier League in...
- 10/31/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The new Leeds hub will be spread over a number of sites.
The UK’s National Film and Television School (Nfts) is to open a hub in northern English city of Leeds next year, its third outside of Nfts Scotland in Glasgow and its main school in Beaconsfield, just outside London.
Nfts director Jon Wardle said the school recognises “the direction of travel is more out of London production”, which will require more skilled talent in the regions.
The opening follows Nfts sponsor Channel 4’s relocation of its national headquarters to the Yorkshire city. The Leeds hub will be...
The UK’s National Film and Television School (Nfts) is to open a hub in northern English city of Leeds next year, its third outside of Nfts Scotland in Glasgow and its main school in Beaconsfield, just outside London.
Nfts director Jon Wardle said the school recognises “the direction of travel is more out of London production”, which will require more skilled talent in the regions.
The opening follows Nfts sponsor Channel 4’s relocation of its national headquarters to the Yorkshire city. The Leeds hub will be...
- 7/22/2019
- by Desiree Ibekwe Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Jody Madden has been upped to CEO at U.K.-based VFX outfit Foundry. She steps up fromchief product officer and replaces Craig Rodgerson, who joined the company in late 2017.
Foundry was bought by U.S. tech firm Roper Technologies earlier this year in a £410 million ($509 million) deal. The London-based business provides software and technology used in VFX. Previous bosses include Alex Mahon, who now runs British pubcaster Channel 4.
Prior to joining Foundry in 2013, Madden was at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm. “During a time of rapid change in creative industries, Foundry is committed to delivering innovations in workforce and future-looking research,” she said. “As the company continues to grow, delivering further improvements in speed, quality and user experience remains a core focus to enable our customers to meet the demands of their markets.”
Outgoing CEO Rodgerson said of Madden: “Jody is well-equipped to lead Foundry’s ongoing...
Foundry was bought by U.S. tech firm Roper Technologies earlier this year in a £410 million ($509 million) deal. The London-based business provides software and technology used in VFX. Previous bosses include Alex Mahon, who now runs British pubcaster Channel 4.
Prior to joining Foundry in 2013, Madden was at Industrial Light & Magic and Lucasfilm. “During a time of rapid change in creative industries, Foundry is committed to delivering innovations in workforce and future-looking research,” she said. “As the company continues to grow, delivering further improvements in speed, quality and user experience remains a core focus to enable our customers to meet the demands of their markets.”
Outgoing CEO Rodgerson said of Madden: “Jody is well-equipped to lead Foundry’s ongoing...
- 7/17/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 has said that will be a “continual investor” in British content in light of competition from the likes of Netflix and Amazon and has defended airing risky formats that highlight public service issues.
Chief executive Alex Mahon, speaking in front of a Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport committee, was grilled about its non-scripted strategy. However, Mahon defended airing innovative formats such as Gobstopper TV’s forthcoming plastic surgery series The Surjury, Generation Porn and 100 Vaginas to politicians by saying they highlight topical issues in an entertaining way.
The broadcaster is still in negotiations with BBC and ITV for forthcoming streaming service BritBox. “I can’t say too much about it because we are obviously in commercial negotiations, but we continue to be in discussions with ITV and with BBC about it and I’m very supportive of us as public service broadcasters working together”.
“I...
Chief executive Alex Mahon, speaking in front of a Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport committee, was grilled about its non-scripted strategy. However, Mahon defended airing innovative formats such as Gobstopper TV’s forthcoming plastic surgery series The Surjury, Generation Porn and 100 Vaginas to politicians by saying they highlight topical issues in an entertaining way.
The broadcaster is still in negotiations with BBC and ITV for forthcoming streaming service BritBox. “I can’t say too much about it because we are obviously in commercial negotiations, but we continue to be in discussions with ITV and with BBC about it and I’m very supportive of us as public service broadcasters working together”.
“I...
- 7/9/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
As many as nine out of 10 staff members at Channel 4 who are being asked to move to the British broadcaster’s new national headquarters and other satellite offices outside London are expected to quit rather than relocate this fall, chief executive Alex Mahon said Tuesday. That would mean the loss of about 270 employees – whose jobs the channel has already begun trying to fill – out of an overall payroll of 800.
The broadcaster is moving several of its operations from London in October, predominantly to a new national headquarters in Leeds, in northern England, but also to new hubs opening in Bristol in the west and Glasgow in Scotland. Channel 4 has committed to spending half of its programming budget outside of London, the traditional base for U.K. producers.
“There are about 300 Channel 4 jobs moving outside London – and about 3,000 jobs we expect to support in the wider creative community,” Mahon told a British parliamentary committee Tuesday.
The broadcaster is moving several of its operations from London in October, predominantly to a new national headquarters in Leeds, in northern England, but also to new hubs opening in Bristol in the west and Glasgow in Scotland. Channel 4 has committed to spending half of its programming budget outside of London, the traditional base for U.K. producers.
“There are about 300 Channel 4 jobs moving outside London – and about 3,000 jobs we expect to support in the wider creative community,” Mahon told a British parliamentary committee Tuesday.
- 7/9/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
U.K.-based film and TV firms still have a way to go to close the gender pay gaps in their ranks, the latest statistics show. Most companies have reported some progress in shrinking the disparity, but a handful saw the numbers heading in the wrong direction, with Viacom’s Channel 5 and Turner Broadcasting among the backsliders.
The BBC, Cineworld, ITV Studios, Sky, and Vue managed to keep the difference in average hourly pay for men and women down to single-digit percentages in 2018. At the British Film Institute, the gap was just 0.4% in favor of male employees, while TV production and distribution giant Endemol Shine and news network CNN, which reports separately from Turner, actually recorded higher pay for their female staff.
But all these companies were outliers. Overall, the numbers show that film and TV firms largely remain a long way from achieving earnings equality.
Under British law,...
The BBC, Cineworld, ITV Studios, Sky, and Vue managed to keep the difference in average hourly pay for men and women down to single-digit percentages in 2018. At the British Film Institute, the gap was just 0.4% in favor of male employees, while TV production and distribution giant Endemol Shine and news network CNN, which reports separately from Turner, actually recorded higher pay for their female staff.
But all these companies were outliers. Overall, the numbers show that film and TV firms largely remain a long way from achieving earnings equality.
Under British law,...
- 4/5/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 is keen to join the BBC and ITV’s forthcoming digital streaming service BritBox and is also pooling its reach with a raft of European broadcasters as it eyes new partnerships.
The British broadcaster was not part of the original launch announcement for UK service BritBox but CEO Alex Mahon used her speech at the Deloitte & Enders Media and Telecoms Conference 2019 to register its interest.
“Of course, we are having positive and constructive discussions with ITV and the BBC about how Channel 4 could partner with them to build the scale of Brit Box. Internationally we are pooling our reach with ProSieben, TF1 and Mediaset in the European Broadcasting Exchange to sell across borders,” she said.
The broadcaster recently unveiled its plans to move a large portion of its staff outside of London and increasing its spending in the nations and regions. It will open a new HQ in...
The British broadcaster was not part of the original launch announcement for UK service BritBox but CEO Alex Mahon used her speech at the Deloitte & Enders Media and Telecoms Conference 2019 to register its interest.
“Of course, we are having positive and constructive discussions with ITV and the BBC about how Channel 4 could partner with them to build the scale of Brit Box. Internationally we are pooling our reach with ProSieben, TF1 and Mediaset in the European Broadcasting Exchange to sell across borders,” she said.
The broadcaster recently unveiled its plans to move a large portion of its staff outside of London and increasing its spending in the nations and regions. It will open a new HQ in...
- 3/7/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon’s European originals chief Georgia Brown and Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio are among the A-list names added to Keshet’s Intv conference.
Ari Greenburg, President of Wme, Steve Golin, founder and CEO of Anonymous Content and COO Matthew Velkes, Erin Keating, Senior Development Manager of Snap Originals, Liza Chasin, Founder of 3dot Productions, Jonathan Baruch, Founding Partner, Rain Management and Sally Riley, Head of Scripted, Australian Broadcasting Corporation have also been added to the line-up.
The event, which is hosted and curated by Keshet Media Group and co-produced by Deadline, takes place March 11-12 in Jerusalem.
There will be a CBS panel – From the Good Wife to Star Trek – CBS Executives Discuss the Power of Programming in a Multi-Platform Universe – where David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios, Julie McNamar, Evp, Original Content, CBS All Access and Deborah Barak, President, Business Operations, CBS Entertainment, CBS Television Studios and CBS News...
Ari Greenburg, President of Wme, Steve Golin, founder and CEO of Anonymous Content and COO Matthew Velkes, Erin Keating, Senior Development Manager of Snap Originals, Liza Chasin, Founder of 3dot Productions, Jonathan Baruch, Founding Partner, Rain Management and Sally Riley, Head of Scripted, Australian Broadcasting Corporation have also been added to the line-up.
The event, which is hosted and curated by Keshet Media Group and co-produced by Deadline, takes place March 11-12 in Jerusalem.
There will be a CBS panel – From the Good Wife to Star Trek – CBS Executives Discuss the Power of Programming in a Multi-Platform Universe – where David Stapf, President, CBS Television Studios, Julie McNamar, Evp, Original Content, CBS All Access and Deborah Barak, President, Business Operations, CBS Entertainment, CBS Television Studios and CBS News...
- 2/13/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Rbg director Julie Cohen, eOne’s Chief Strategy Officer Peter Micelli, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon and HBO’s former entertainment chief Sue Naegle, who is now Annapurna Pictures’ Head of TV, are among the latest tranche of A-list names speaking at Keshet’s Intv conference.
The event, which is hosted and curated by Keshet Media Group and co-produced by Deadline, takes place March 11-12 in Jerusalem.
The foursome will be joined by Channel 4’s Drama Commissioning Editor, Lee Mason, Lauren Anderson, Chief Content Officer Lauren Anderson of NBC/Snapchat joint venture Indigo Development and Entertainment Arts, who previously oversaw scripted hits including Parks and Recreation and The Office, lawyer Victoria S. Cook, partner at Frankfurt Kurnit and a member of the Entertainment Group, Gil Goldschein, Chairman and CEO of Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real World producer Bunim/Murray Productions, ITV Entertainment’s Commissioner Joe Mace, and Storied Media Group...
The event, which is hosted and curated by Keshet Media Group and co-produced by Deadline, takes place March 11-12 in Jerusalem.
The foursome will be joined by Channel 4’s Drama Commissioning Editor, Lee Mason, Lauren Anderson, Chief Content Officer Lauren Anderson of NBC/Snapchat joint venture Indigo Development and Entertainment Arts, who previously oversaw scripted hits including Parks and Recreation and The Office, lawyer Victoria S. Cook, partner at Frankfurt Kurnit and a member of the Entertainment Group, Gil Goldschein, Chairman and CEO of Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real World producer Bunim/Murray Productions, ITV Entertainment’s Commissioner Joe Mace, and Storied Media Group...
- 1/17/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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