More viewers watched BBC’s Happy Valley than Prince Harry’s bombshell ITV interview January 9, 2023 More viewers watched BBC’s Happy Valley than tuned into the much-anticipated interview with the Duke of Sussex on ITV, according to overnight figures. Harry: The Interview drew an average TV audience of 4.1 million, based on overnight figures released by ITV. The broadcaster said the 90-minute programme, in which Harry was interviewed by Tom Bradby [...]
The Apprentice review: A recap of the new series of Lord Sugar’s show January 5, 2023 There is something unbearably heavy about the prospect of a new series of The Apprentice. Tuning in to see this nightmare unfold yet again is like watching a battered old walrus drag itself back up the same beach year after year, ungraceful, wheezing, a shadow of its former self, the light in its eyes dimming [...]
BBC 3, ITV 1: Beeb pulls in three times as many viewers as rival for World Cup final December 19, 2022 The World Cup final may have been a close run contest but the same can’t be said of the competition for UK audience between the BBC and ITV, according to viewing figures. Both terrestrial channels broadcast the final, which Argentina won on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw with defending champions France. The BBC’s peak [...]
BBC must boost digital to stand up to Netflix December 14, 2022 The BBC must boost its digital leadership if it’s going to keep up with US streaming giants, says a new report. The National Audit Office said that although the broadcaster had made strides in establishing its online presence with the iPlayer, the tech was lagging behind the likes of Netflix. While Netflix has a budget of [...]
BBC calls for more funds to battle Netflix December 7, 2022 The BBC have called for “serious public service investment” if it is to stand a chance against the likes of Netflix and Disney Plus. BBC Director-General Tim Davie said that the broadcaster needs more dosh to “avoid further cuts” and to survive what he called a “period of real jeopardy” for the media landscape. Speaking [...]
BBC’s local radio cuts slammed as ‘unwarranted’ and ‘misguided’ November 1, 2022 Leading journalist trade body has slammed the BBC’s ambitions to invest more into its local digital news. Chief exec of The News Media Association Owen Meredith criticised the broadcaster’s plans to cut back its late-night local radio, which will see 139 audio roles axed. All local shows after 10pm are set to be replaced with [...]
BBC slashes nearly 400 jobs as licence fee squeeze continues September 29, 2022 The BBC has slashed nearly 400 jobs from its world service division as the broadcaster feels the increasing pressure of the licence fee freeze. The Beeb said it would be moving towards a “digital-first” strategy for the BBC World Service, cutting 382 posts in the process. “Changing audience needs around the world – with more [...]
Peak of 22.4m watched BBC One coverage of Queen’s funeral in biggest viewing day since London 2012 September 20, 2022 A peak of 22.4m Brits watched BBC coverage of Her Majesty the Queen’s funeral on Monday with a majority of the UK tuning in at some point. 32.5m people tuned into the national broadcaster’s all-encompassing coverage of the late monarch’s laying to rest, representing BBC One’s biggest viewing day since the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony. [...]
Govt looks at ‘business case’ for Channel 4 privatisation and scrapping BBC licence fee September 20, 2022 The UK Government is currently reconsidering its plan to privatise Channel 4 as well as scrapping the BBC licence fee. Culture secretary Michelle Donelan said she was currently “looking at the business case” for the sale of the state-owned broadcaster. “I’m the type of politician that bases their decisions on evidence, that bases their decisions [...]
BBC urged to cancel Bain & Co contract following UK government ban September 12, 2022 The BBC has said it will “consider” calls for it to cancel its contract with Bain & Co, following the UK’s government’s decision to ban the consultancy from competing for government contracts. The broadcaster said it will consider calls from veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Lord Hain for the BBC to cancel its contract with Bain over allegations [...]