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
The toolkit was produced after Equity received a substantial increase in members contacting the union for advice and support following an AI surge.
UK creative workers trade union Equity has today (June 8) launched an artificial intelligence (AI) toolkit to help protect performers from what it describes as a “surge in unregulated technology”.
The toolkit was produced after Equity received a substantial increase in members contacting the union for advice, support and legal representation in the wake of the growing use of AI, alongside the government introducing a voluntary code of practice on copyright and AI, as opposed to firm regulation.
UK creative workers trade union Equity has today (June 8) launched an artificial intelligence (AI) toolkit to help protect performers from what it describes as a “surge in unregulated technology”.
The toolkit was produced after Equity received a substantial increase in members contacting the union for advice, support and legal representation in the wake of the growing use of AI, alongside the government introducing a voluntary code of practice on copyright and AI, as opposed to firm regulation.
- 6/7/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
UK On Track To Double Film Stages By 2025 As Culture Secretary Unveils $62B Creative Sector Ambition
Updated with more quotes 1.30 a.m. Pt: The UK is on track to double its film stage space within two years, new Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has said, while unveiling a target to grow the creative sector by £50B ($62B) and create 1 million jobs.
Elsewhere, Frazer used one of her first public speaking appearances in the job to set out one of her guiding principles: “Protect our Public Service Broadcasters.”
Frazer keynoted the Deloitte & Enders Media and Telecoms 2023 & Beyond Conference this morning, setting out the lofty targets and laying down a marker for future growth in the likes of film and TV.
She revealed the UK is due to double its film stage space by 2025, coming in the wake of studios springing up in the likes of Birmingham, Scotland and Hertfordshire, as huge projects have moved to the UK. She hailed “world-over demand for high-end British productions.”
Lucy Frazer
With...
Elsewhere, Frazer used one of her first public speaking appearances in the job to set out one of her guiding principles: “Protect our Public Service Broadcasters.”
Frazer keynoted the Deloitte & Enders Media and Telecoms 2023 & Beyond Conference this morning, setting out the lofty targets and laying down a marker for future growth in the likes of film and TV.
She revealed the UK is due to double its film stage space by 2025, coming in the wake of studios springing up in the likes of Birmingham, Scotland and Hertfordshire, as huge projects have moved to the UK. She hailed “world-over demand for high-end British productions.”
Lucy Frazer
With...
- 5/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart penning the newsletter this week in what has been a hugely busy week in the world of international TV and film. We really should stop qualifying that. Read on. And sign up for our weekly Insider here.
Regulation Nation
Bill the Media: It’s been a long time coming but the UK government finally unveiled its draft Media Bill to revamp public broadcasting for the digital age Wednesday, which should come into law later this year barring any more swift changes of government (you never know). Most of the Bill is comprised of policies contained in a landmark White Paper from last year but they are eye-catching: regulation of streamers that could see Netflix et al fined £250,000 if they break harmful material rules or fail to subtitle their shows, prominence for the pubcasters on modern TVs and relaxed quotas for the likes of the BBC,...
Regulation Nation
Bill the Media: It’s been a long time coming but the UK government finally unveiled its draft Media Bill to revamp public broadcasting for the digital age Wednesday, which should come into law later this year barring any more swift changes of government (you never know). Most of the Bill is comprised of policies contained in a landmark White Paper from last year but they are eye-catching: regulation of streamers that could see Netflix et al fined £250,000 if they break harmful material rules or fail to subtitle their shows, prominence for the pubcasters on modern TVs and relaxed quotas for the likes of the BBC,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK government has published its long-awaited draft Media Bill to bring the U.S. streamers under its regulatory framework and help public broadcasters “embrace the digital age.”
The bill marks the next step in long-planned legislation that, once passed, could see the likes of Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video fined up to £250,000 or restricted in the UK entirely if they break rules around harmful material that have applied to the public broadcasters for decades.
The White Paper that laid out plans for the bill in April 2022 had initially floated the idea that these streamers either be fined the £250,000 maximum or 5% of their local revenues, whichever was higher, but the latter option has been removed from today’s draft bill.
Once passed, media regulator Ofcom will be given “more robust powers to investigate and take action to enforce standards if they consider it appropriate,” added the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
The bill marks the next step in long-planned legislation that, once passed, could see the likes of Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video fined up to £250,000 or restricted in the UK entirely if they break rules around harmful material that have applied to the public broadcasters for decades.
The White Paper that laid out plans for the bill in April 2022 had initially floated the idea that these streamers either be fined the £250,000 maximum or 5% of their local revenues, whichever was higher, but the latter option has been removed from today’s draft bill.
Once passed, media regulator Ofcom will be given “more robust powers to investigate and take action to enforce standards if they consider it appropriate,” added the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
- 3/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Frazer will head up a “re-focused” Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Lucy Frazer as the new culture secretary in today’s (February 7) cabinet reshuffle, with Frazer taking over from Liz Truss appointment Michelle Donelan.
She will head up a “re-focused” Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms). It was previously known as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Technology will now sit under the newly-created Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, which will be headed up by Donelan.
Donelan took over the post from Nadine Dorries in September of last year.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Lucy Frazer as the new culture secretary in today’s (February 7) cabinet reshuffle, with Frazer taking over from Liz Truss appointment Michelle Donelan.
She will head up a “re-focused” Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms). It was previously known as the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Technology will now sit under the newly-created Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, which will be headed up by Donelan.
Donelan took over the post from Nadine Dorries in September of last year.
- 2/7/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The UK has another new Culture Secretary.
Lucy Frazer, the Minister for Levelling Up, will replace Michelle Donelan, who has spent less than six months in the job. Frazer is the 12th Culture Secretary in 13 years.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also slimmed down the duties of the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (Dcms).
He has removed the department’s responsibility for technology and created the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
10 Downing Street said the Dcms will focus on the “importance of culture, media and sport to [the] economy and build on [the] UK’s position as a global leader in the creative arts.”
Donelan had a short but influential tenure and will be remembered for junking plans to sell Channel 4, the UK commercial broadcaster owned by the government.
Read: Deadline’s deep dive on the doomed Channel 4 sale.
Frazer has held ministerial posts since 2019, but Culture Secretary...
Lucy Frazer, the Minister for Levelling Up, will replace Michelle Donelan, who has spent less than six months in the job. Frazer is the 12th Culture Secretary in 13 years.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also slimmed down the duties of the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (Dcms).
He has removed the department’s responsibility for technology and created the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
10 Downing Street said the Dcms will focus on the “importance of culture, media and sport to [the] economy and build on [the] UK’s position as a global leader in the creative arts.”
Donelan had a short but influential tenure and will be remembered for junking plans to sell Channel 4, the UK commercial broadcaster owned by the government.
Read: Deadline’s deep dive on the doomed Channel 4 sale.
Frazer has held ministerial posts since 2019, but Culture Secretary...
- 2/7/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Details of King Charles III’s coronation in May were revealed Saturday by Buckingham Palace. Three days of celebrations are planned, including a concert featuring “global music icons and contemporary stars,” none of whom were named.
The concert will take place on Sunday, May 7 at Windsor Castle’s East Lawn on the day after the coronation, the latter a solemn religious affair. The music show will be part of celebrations across the UK, part of the so-called “Coronation Big Lunch.”
The concert attendees will be drawn from an audience composed of volunteers from the King and Queen Consort’s charity affiliations and those public members selected through a national ballot held by the BBC.
While specific performers were not noted, the Palace said the program will consist of a “world-class orchestra playing interpretations of musical favorites fronted by some of the world’s biggest entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance…...
The concert will take place on Sunday, May 7 at Windsor Castle’s East Lawn on the day after the coronation, the latter a solemn religious affair. The music show will be part of celebrations across the UK, part of the so-called “Coronation Big Lunch.”
The concert attendees will be drawn from an audience composed of volunteers from the King and Queen Consort’s charity affiliations and those public members selected through a national ballot held by the BBC.
While specific performers were not noted, the Palace said the program will consist of a “world-class orchestra playing interpretations of musical favorites fronted by some of the world’s biggest entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance…...
- 1/22/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is “not proactively putting a date on a digital switchover or anything stupid like that,” Director General Tim Davie has said, but rather sparking a “broader conversation across the UK for when we do move across.”
Davie rowed back on the notion that linear TV channels will be snatched away from older viewers, stating that he was “being provocative” in a recent landmark speech when he forecast an internet-only TV future.
“We should have an aggressive plan but that is not a plan to remove things used by lots of people too soon,” he added, speaking to the UK government’s Public Accounts Committee.
“We’ve got a fantastic record of not leaving people behind and that is not part of the proposal.”
But while older viewers are more likely to watch linear, Davie said research shows when people over the age 65 move across to digital, “they don’t come back.
Davie rowed back on the notion that linear TV channels will be snatched away from older viewers, stating that he was “being provocative” in a recent landmark speech when he forecast an internet-only TV future.
“We should have an aggressive plan but that is not a plan to remove things used by lots of people too soon,” he added, speaking to the UK government’s Public Accounts Committee.
“We’ve got a fantastic record of not leaving people behind and that is not part of the proposal.”
But while older viewers are more likely to watch linear, Davie said research shows when people over the age 65 move across to digital, “they don’t come back.
- 1/12/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan defended Jeremy Clarkson’s right to free speech when asked about the presenter’s much-criticised comments regarding Meghan Markle.
After the release of Prince Harry and Markle’s six-part Netflix docuseries in December last year, Clarkson wrote that he loathes the Duchess of Sussex “on a cellular level” and wants people to “throw lumps of excrement” at her, in an op-ed for The Sun.
The Sun eventually removed the op-ed from its website after Clarkson addressed the backlash, saying he was “horrified to have caused so much hurt”.
“I defend his right to be able to say what he wants,” the Culture Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show on Wednesday (11 January).
“I believe in freedom of speech very, very strongly. Obviously, we all have to be mindful of what we say and the ramifications of that, but I am a believer of freedom of speech.
After the release of Prince Harry and Markle’s six-part Netflix docuseries in December last year, Clarkson wrote that he loathes the Duchess of Sussex “on a cellular level” and wants people to “throw lumps of excrement” at her, in an op-ed for The Sun.
The Sun eventually removed the op-ed from its website after Clarkson addressed the backlash, saying he was “horrified to have caused so much hurt”.
“I defend his right to be able to say what he wants,” the Culture Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show on Wednesday (11 January).
“I believe in freedom of speech very, very strongly. Obviously, we all have to be mindful of what we say and the ramifications of that, but I am a believer of freedom of speech.
- 1/11/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Jeremy Clarkson’s controversial comments about Meghan Markle have been deemed “outrageous” but not “illegal” by U.K. Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan.
Donelan is doing a round of media interviews around the U.K.’s much-delayed Online Safety Bill, which looks to keep websites free of illegal and harmful material while defending freedom of expression. The culture secretary, who was appointed to the role in September, has discussed Clarkson’s December column in British tabloid The Sun, in which the “Clarkson’s Farm” star wrote that he “hates” Markle on a “cellular level” and suggested she be made to “parade naked” through Britain while people “throw lumps of excrement at her.”
Donelan told Global-owned podcast “The Newsagents” on Wednesday that “we shouldn’t be gagging commentators or journalists.”
“But what we can do,” she continued, “is people can air their opinions against views. They can challenge them. They can force apologies. They can make them think again.
Donelan is doing a round of media interviews around the U.K.’s much-delayed Online Safety Bill, which looks to keep websites free of illegal and harmful material while defending freedom of expression. The culture secretary, who was appointed to the role in September, has discussed Clarkson’s December column in British tabloid The Sun, in which the “Clarkson’s Farm” star wrote that he “hates” Markle on a “cellular level” and suggested she be made to “parade naked” through Britain while people “throw lumps of excrement at her.”
Donelan told Global-owned podcast “The Newsagents” on Wednesday that “we shouldn’t be gagging commentators or journalists.”
“But what we can do,” she continued, “is people can air their opinions against views. They can challenge them. They can force apologies. They can make them think again.
- 1/11/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome back Insiders. Hope you’re feeling sufficiently rested and re-energized as the world of TV and film kicks back into gear. Jesse Whittock with you for the first edition of 2023, and we have plenty for you.
Channel (Not) 4 Sale
Channel 4’s London headquarters
“Better ways to secure sustainability”: Max Goldbart here reporting on a phenomenal week for the UK’s Channel 4, which is officially remaining in public hands after the government u-turned on a sale plan. Although we all knew it was coming, Channel 4 execs were simply delighted following first a leaked letter from Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan indicating she would prefer the Gogglebox network to remain public and then the official confirmation from 10 Downing Street the following day, in which Donelan said “there are better ways to secure sustainability.” The abrupt u-turn ends a difficult 18 months for Britain’s alternative broadcaster and puts to bed for...
Channel (Not) 4 Sale
Channel 4’s London headquarters
“Better ways to secure sustainability”: Max Goldbart here reporting on a phenomenal week for the UK’s Channel 4, which is officially remaining in public hands after the government u-turned on a sale plan. Although we all knew it was coming, Channel 4 execs were simply delighted following first a leaked letter from Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan indicating she would prefer the Gogglebox network to remain public and then the official confirmation from 10 Downing Street the following day, in which Donelan said “there are better ways to secure sustainability.” The abrupt u-turn ends a difficult 18 months for Britain’s alternative broadcaster and puts to bed for...
- 1/6/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has praised the “smart and sensible” UK Culture Secretary for leading the charge against privatization and revealed plans to allow the network to produce shows in-house are the brainchild of the government.
Speaking to Deadline just hours after Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives confirmed Channel 4 will remain in public hands, Mahon said the government “felt it was important to legislate for” the in-house proposal, which could see Channel 4 producing and owning the rights to its shows for the first time.
The plan has already proved controversial, with UK indie trade body Pact saying it is “disappointed” by a move that will take rights and therefore money away from its member base of hundreds of UK producers.
Mahon stressed that Channel 4’s alternative privatization proposal – unveiled last year with claims that a sale would lose the UK economy £3Bn (3.6Bn) over a decade – did not contain what...
Speaking to Deadline just hours after Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives confirmed Channel 4 will remain in public hands, Mahon said the government “felt it was important to legislate for” the in-house proposal, which could see Channel 4 producing and owning the rights to its shows for the first time.
The plan has already proved controversial, with UK indie trade body Pact saying it is “disappointed” by a move that will take rights and therefore money away from its member base of hundreds of UK producers.
Mahon stressed that Channel 4’s alternative privatization proposal – unveiled last year with claims that a sale would lose the UK economy £3Bn (3.6Bn) over a decade – did not contain what...
- 1/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan dubbed the broadcaster a “linchpin of Britain’s booming creative industries”.
UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan has formally confirmed that Channel 4 will not be sold as she dubbed the broadcaster a “linchpin of Britain’s booming creative industries”.
The culture secretary finally called time on the drawn-out debate about the future ownership of the Public Broadcasting Service that she inherited from her predecessors Oliver Dowden and Nadine Dorries.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries. After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I...
UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan has formally confirmed that Channel 4 will not be sold as she dubbed the broadcaster a “linchpin of Britain’s booming creative industries”.
The culture secretary finally called time on the drawn-out debate about the future ownership of the Public Broadcasting Service that she inherited from her predecessors Oliver Dowden and Nadine Dorries.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries. After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I...
- 1/5/2023
- by Alex Farber Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
It’s official: the controversial plan to privatize U.K. network Channel 4 has been canceled.
The news was announced by the British culture secretary Michelle Donelan on Thursday, just a day after a letter of hers to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in which she recommended against going ahead with the sale, was leaked.
The decision represents a dramatic U-turn by Sunak’s Conservative government to that of Boris Johnson, which was forging ahead with privatization proposals last year under then culture secretary Nadine Dorries.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan, who has been in the post since September. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the broadcaster will remain in public ownership “but with greater commercial flexibility,...
The news was announced by the British culture secretary Michelle Donelan on Thursday, just a day after a letter of hers to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in which she recommended against going ahead with the sale, was leaked.
The decision represents a dramatic U-turn by Sunak’s Conservative government to that of Boris Johnson, which was forging ahead with privatization proposals last year under then culture secretary Nadine Dorries.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan, who has been in the post since September. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the broadcaster will remain in public ownership “but with greater commercial flexibility,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The UK government has confirmed that Channel 4 will not be sold.
The decision represents a dramatic u-turn from Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, who had previously been pushing for privatization against the advice of 96 of respondents to a government consultation on the matter when Nadine Dorries was Culture Secretary.
Dorries’ successor Michelle Donelan has since examined the business case for Channel 4 remaining in public hands and recommended a sale not be taken forward, which was rubberstamped by 10 Downing Street.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
In news that was leaked yesterday and obtained by The News Agents journalist Lewis Goodall, Donelan has instead issued a “sustainability package” containing an “ambitious package of measures” that will see Channel 4 able to produce...
The decision represents a dramatic u-turn from Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, who had previously been pushing for privatization against the advice of 96 of respondents to a government consultation on the matter when Nadine Dorries was Culture Secretary.
Dorries’ successor Michelle Donelan has since examined the business case for Channel 4 remaining in public hands and recommended a sale not be taken forward, which was rubberstamped by 10 Downing Street.
“Channel 4 is a British success story and a linchpin of our booming creative industries” said Donelan. “After reviewing the business case and engaging with the relevant sectors I have decided that Channel 4 should not be sold.”
In news that was leaked yesterday and obtained by The News Agents journalist Lewis Goodall, Donelan has instead issued a “sustainability package” containing an “ambitious package of measures” that will see Channel 4 able to produce...
- 1/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The British film and TV industry breathed a collective sigh of relief today after the government signalled its intention to scrap a planned 1.2B sale of Channel 4, one of the crown jewels of UK broadcasting.
Deadline understands that UK ministers could formally announce a U-turn over Channel 4 privatization as soon as tomorrow, with the decision all-but rubber-stamped by Rishi Sunak, the prime minister.
Related Story Channel 4 Sale Off The Table After Culture Sec Tells Prime Minister: "There Are Better Ways To Secure Sustainability" Related Story Kelly Monteith Dies: Comedian & TV Host Known For Self-Titled BBC Series Was 80 Related Story 'Wednesday' Notches Second Week Atop Nielsen U.S. Streaming Chart With Record Viewership
In a letter leaked to The News Agents, a daily podcast hosted by Emily Maitlis, UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure Channel 4’s sustainability.
Deadline understands that UK ministers could formally announce a U-turn over Channel 4 privatization as soon as tomorrow, with the decision all-but rubber-stamped by Rishi Sunak, the prime minister.
Related Story Channel 4 Sale Off The Table After Culture Sec Tells Prime Minister: "There Are Better Ways To Secure Sustainability" Related Story Kelly Monteith Dies: Comedian & TV Host Known For Self-Titled BBC Series Was 80 Related Story 'Wednesday' Notches Second Week Atop Nielsen U.S. Streaming Chart With Record Viewership
In a letter leaked to The News Agents, a daily podcast hosted by Emily Maitlis, UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure Channel 4’s sustainability.
- 1/4/2023
- by Jake Kanter and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The privatization of the U.K.’s Channel 4, which had become one of the most contentious issues in the British media over the last year with much of the creative industries fighting against the proposed sale, appears to have been scrapped.
In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak — dated Jan. 3 and leaked by the The News Agents podcast on Jan. 4 — culture secretary Michelle Donelan said the sale would be disruptive to the Channel 4 Corporation’s role in “supporting growth” in the independent TV sector, with a package of reforms suggested instead to support its sustainability.
“Last year’s consultation on C4C’s future ownership model identified risks to the corporation’s long-term sustainability. The view of my predecessor, and the government of the time, was that selling C4C was the right solution to meet these challenges. However, after reviewing the business case, I have concluded that...
In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak — dated Jan. 3 and leaked by the The News Agents podcast on Jan. 4 — culture secretary Michelle Donelan said the sale would be disruptive to the Channel 4 Corporation’s role in “supporting growth” in the independent TV sector, with a package of reforms suggested instead to support its sustainability.
“Last year’s consultation on C4C’s future ownership model identified risks to the corporation’s long-term sustainability. The view of my predecessor, and the government of the time, was that selling C4C was the right solution to meet these challenges. However, after reviewing the business case, I have concluded that...
- 1/4/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The proposed privatization of U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has been scrapped, according to a letter from the country’s Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The letter, dated Jan. 3 and leaked by The News Agents podcast on Jan. 4, instead proposes a package of reforms to support Channel 4’s long-term sustainability.
“Last year’s consultation on C4C’s future ownership model identified risks to the corporation’s long-term sustainability. The view of my predecessor, and the government of the time, was that selling C4C was the right solution to meet these challenges. However, after reviewing the business case, I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure C4C’s sustainability and that of the U.K. independent production sector,” Donelan wrote in the letter.
“Indeed, C4C’s role in supporting...
The letter, dated Jan. 3 and leaked by The News Agents podcast on Jan. 4, instead proposes a package of reforms to support Channel 4’s long-term sustainability.
“Last year’s consultation on C4C’s future ownership model identified risks to the corporation’s long-term sustainability. The view of my predecessor, and the government of the time, was that selling C4C was the right solution to meet these challenges. However, after reviewing the business case, I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure C4C’s sustainability and that of the U.K. independent production sector,” Donelan wrote in the letter.
“Indeed, C4C’s role in supporting...
- 1/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Culture secretary Michelle Donelan wrote to Rishi Sunak yesterday setting out her decision.
The sale of UK broadcaster Channel 4 has been called off and instead a package of measures to safeguard its sustainability will be introduced – including the potential for it to produce shows in-house.
Culture secretary Michelle Donelan wrote to Rishi Sunak yesterday setting out her decision, in a letter tweeted by The News Agents podcast.
“After reviewing the business case I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure C4’s sustainability and that...
The sale of UK broadcaster Channel 4 has been called off and instead a package of measures to safeguard its sustainability will be introduced – including the potential for it to produce shows in-house.
Culture secretary Michelle Donelan wrote to Rishi Sunak yesterday setting out her decision, in a letter tweeted by The News Agents podcast.
“After reviewing the business case I have concluded that pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure C4’s sustainability and that...
- 1/4/2023
- by ¬Broadcast Staff
- ScreenDaily
Channel 4 privatization is off the table.
UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to a leaked letter published by The News Agents journalist Lewis Goodall on Twitter, which says “pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure Channel 4’s sustainability.”
Related Story Channel 4's Scrapped Sale Sparks Widespread Relief, But Producers Fear Sting In Tail Related Story UK TV Ratings Bonanza: The Most-Watched Shows Of 2022 Related Story "A Chance To Change The Way We Think About The World": AI Robot To Deliver Channel 4 'Alternative Christmas Message'
Donelan wrote the letter yesterday to “seek clearance from the Domestic and Economic Affairs Committee” for a sustainability package, with Sunak expected to greenlight the proposals as a formality.
Donelan, who has been in post since September, had been examining the business case for the sale,...
UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, according to a leaked letter published by The News Agents journalist Lewis Goodall on Twitter, which says “pursuing a sale at this point is not the right decision and there are better ways to secure Channel 4’s sustainability.”
Related Story Channel 4's Scrapped Sale Sparks Widespread Relief, But Producers Fear Sting In Tail Related Story UK TV Ratings Bonanza: The Most-Watched Shows Of 2022 Related Story "A Chance To Change The Way We Think About The World": AI Robot To Deliver Channel 4 'Alternative Christmas Message'
Donelan wrote the letter yesterday to “seek clearance from the Domestic and Economic Affairs Committee” for a sustainability package, with Sunak expected to greenlight the proposals as a formality.
Donelan, who has been in post since September, had been examining the business case for the sale,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC News Boss Deborah Turness is preparing to address thousands of her staff tomorrow to “share her new strategy for taking BBC News and Current Affairs into the future” amidst across-the-board cuts and tricky questions.
According to an internal email, seen by Deadline, the circa-3,500 BBC News staff are being urged to attend the strategy meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. GMT (2.30 a.m. Pst) as it will “very much shape the way we all work going forward.”
“You will have received your invitation to an All News call next Thursday 15 December at 1030 GMT, where our CEO Deborah Turness will share her new strategy for taking BBC News and Current Affairs into the future,” said the email.
The address will be the second major strategy talk delivered by former NBC International President Turness since joining in September – having used her first to call for transparency in “turbulent and divisive times...
According to an internal email, seen by Deadline, the circa-3,500 BBC News staff are being urged to attend the strategy meet tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. GMT (2.30 a.m. Pst) as it will “very much shape the way we all work going forward.”
“You will have received your invitation to an All News call next Thursday 15 December at 1030 GMT, where our CEO Deborah Turness will share her new strategy for taking BBC News and Current Affairs into the future,” said the email.
The address will be the second major strategy talk delivered by former NBC International President Turness since joining in September – having used her first to call for transparency in “turbulent and divisive times...
- 12/14/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is to have “fewer linear broadcast services” in the next decade as it “consolidates activity under one simple, single brand,” Director General Tim Davie has revealed, as he unveiled a blueprint for a digitally-led Public Service Broadcaster.
Davie didn’t elaborate during an Rts talk this morning but Deadline understands it could be several years until the move is enacted. The speech signalled the start of a shift to taking linear-channels online only that will start over the next decade, as Davie prepares for a digital future.
“The BBC will focus its effort on the digital world and over time this will mean fewer linear broadcast services and a more tailored joined up online offer,” said the Dg. He stressed “live linear is here for the long term.”
Tim Davie
Some of this has already started happening, added Davie, who pointed to the controversial move to combine the...
Davie didn’t elaborate during an Rts talk this morning but Deadline understands it could be several years until the move is enacted. The speech signalled the start of a shift to taking linear-channels online only that will start over the next decade, as Davie prepares for a digital future.
“The BBC will focus its effort on the digital world and over time this will mean fewer linear broadcast services and a more tailored joined up online offer,” said the Dg. He stressed “live linear is here for the long term.”
Tim Davie
Some of this has already started happening, added Davie, who pointed to the controversial move to combine the...
- 12/7/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
New UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has indicated she will take up the mantle of firebrand predecessor Nadine Dorries by insisting it is “impossible” to sustain the BBC license fee after 2027, while distancing herself from the former I’m a Celebrity… contestant’s views on impartiality.
Appearing for the first time in front of the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc), Donelan stressed that she will push on and seek alternatives to the fee that emerge from a review into the £159.50 (195) annual charge – the BBC’s funding model for the past century.
Questioned on what she would do if the review recommends no change to the funding model, Donelan said this would be “impossible” due to the fact that “increasing the license fee will further drive down” the number of people who pay the fee. It is currently frozen but will return to rising with inflation in two years’ time.
Appearing for the first time in front of the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc), Donelan stressed that she will push on and seek alternatives to the fee that emerge from a review into the £159.50 (195) annual charge – the BBC’s funding model for the past century.
Questioned on what she would do if the review recommends no change to the funding model, Donelan said this would be “impossible” due to the fact that “increasing the license fee will further drive down” the number of people who pay the fee. It is currently frozen but will return to rising with inflation in two years’ time.
- 12/6/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
New U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could drop plans to privatize public service broadcaster Channel 4, according to a report in the Financial Times.
“The decision to drop the sale of Channel 4 from the media bill has been signalled by Downing Street to industry and Whitehall,” the report said. The privatization plan had been floated during the tenure of Sunak’s predecessor Boris Johnson and carried forward by then Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
Sunak had “privately been sceptical of the case for prioritizing the Channel 4 privatization while he was chancellor,” the report said. However, during Sunak’s summer leadership campaign after the ouster of Johnson, after which Liz Truss briefly became Prime Minister, Sunak had supported privatization.
“Privatization will help Channel 4 to thrive in an age where they are also competing with Netflix, Amazon, Apple and many more — standing still is not an option,” Sunak’s spokesperson had said at the time.
“The decision to drop the sale of Channel 4 from the media bill has been signalled by Downing Street to industry and Whitehall,” the report said. The privatization plan had been floated during the tenure of Sunak’s predecessor Boris Johnson and carried forward by then Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
Sunak had “privately been sceptical of the case for prioritizing the Channel 4 privatization while he was chancellor,” the report said. However, during Sunak’s summer leadership campaign after the ouster of Johnson, after which Liz Truss briefly became Prime Minister, Sunak had supported privatization.
“Privatization will help Channel 4 to thrive in an age where they are also competing with Netflix, Amazon, Apple and many more — standing still is not an option,” Sunak’s spokesperson had said at the time.
- 11/4/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Controversial plans to privatize Channel 4 are set to be dropped as British Pm Rishi Sunak reassesses campaign and policy pledges made by his past two predecessors and gears up to set his own legislative agenda, according to new reports.
Sunak’s office has signaled his decision to scrap the sale of Channel 4 to industry heads and throughout Whitehall, the Ft reported Friday morning. The sale is expected to be dropped from the upcoming media bill.
The plans to sell Channel 4 were initially drawn up under Boris Johnson. The public service broadcaster is owned by the state but self-funded through advertising.
Rishi Sunak had previously backed the decision during his failed campaign to become Conservative party leader earlier this summer, arguing that the channel needed a commercial owner to help it compete with streamers like Netflix. However, The Ft reports that Sunak had been privately skeptical of the case for selling Channel 4.
Last month,...
Sunak’s office has signaled his decision to scrap the sale of Channel 4 to industry heads and throughout Whitehall, the Ft reported Friday morning. The sale is expected to be dropped from the upcoming media bill.
The plans to sell Channel 4 were initially drawn up under Boris Johnson. The public service broadcaster is owned by the state but self-funded through advertising.
Rishi Sunak had previously backed the decision during his failed campaign to become Conservative party leader earlier this summer, arguing that the channel needed a commercial owner to help it compete with streamers like Netflix. However, The Ft reports that Sunak had been privately skeptical of the case for selling Channel 4.
Last month,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
New prime mininister reappoints culture secretary after she backed his leadership bid
Culture secretary Michelle Donelan has retained her job following newly-appointed UK prime minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle.
BBC licence-fee sceptic Donelan was appointed by short-lived leader Liz Truss on 6 September, with some speculation that she may have been ousted following the departure of the former prime minister.
However Sunak, who became prime minister yesterday, has opted to keep her in post after she was among the MPs to endorse him during his second leadership bid.
Other potential candidates reportedly under consideration for the post according to The Times...
Culture secretary Michelle Donelan has retained her job following newly-appointed UK prime minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle.
BBC licence-fee sceptic Donelan was appointed by short-lived leader Liz Truss on 6 September, with some speculation that she may have been ousted following the departure of the former prime minister.
However Sunak, who became prime minister yesterday, has opted to keep her in post after she was among the MPs to endorse him during his second leadership bid.
Other potential candidates reportedly under consideration for the post according to The Times...
- 10/26/2022
- by Ellie Kahn Broadcast¬Alex Farber Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Former WWE marketing manager Michelle Donelan has been reappointed UK Culture Secretary, with responsibility for the future of the BBC and Channel 4.
Donelan has in the past few minutes headed into new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s 10 Downing Street home, where she was quickly re-given the job she has held for the past few weeks under Liz Truss’ leadership. Truss resigned in disgrace last week and was officially replaced by Sunak today, who promised he will “unite the country with actions not words.”
Related Story "Mistakes Were Made" By Liz Truss Government, Says New British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Who Promises To Unite The Country "Not With Words But With Actions" Related Story 'Doctor Who' Moves To Disney+ Outside UK And Ireland Via BBC-Disney Branded Television Partnership Related Story "Am I Allowed To Be This Gleeful?": BBC News Presenter Taken Off Air & Corporation Investigating Following Boris Johnson...
Donelan has in the past few minutes headed into new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s 10 Downing Street home, where she was quickly re-given the job she has held for the past few weeks under Liz Truss’ leadership. Truss resigned in disgrace last week and was officially replaced by Sunak today, who promised he will “unite the country with actions not words.”
Related Story "Mistakes Were Made" By Liz Truss Government, Says New British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Who Promises To Unite The Country "Not With Words But With Actions" Related Story 'Doctor Who' Moves To Disney+ Outside UK And Ireland Via BBC-Disney Branded Television Partnership Related Story "Am I Allowed To Be This Gleeful?": BBC News Presenter Taken Off Air & Corporation Investigating Following Boris Johnson...
- 10/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC turns 100 today and it appears the centenary is helping to build bridges between the UK public and the Conservative government — at least in the short term.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan struck a conciliatory tone in a statement released in the past hour noting the anniversary, pointing to several achievements from the BBC’s history and its outsized impact on the world beyond the UK.
“Since the first BBC broadcast hit the airwaves 100 years ago, few could have imagined that BBC broadcasting history would become British history,” she wrote, while also pointing to shows such as Doctor Who and classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses as cultural milestones in the UK.
Donelan said the BBC “became a crucial method for keeping up morale” during World War II, adding: “Now, as Russia targets the media in Ukraine, the BBC has once again stepped up to serve war-torn Europe.
She referenced...
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan struck a conciliatory tone in a statement released in the past hour noting the anniversary, pointing to several achievements from the BBC’s history and its outsized impact on the world beyond the UK.
“Since the first BBC broadcast hit the airwaves 100 years ago, few could have imagined that BBC broadcasting history would become British history,” she wrote, while also pointing to shows such as Doctor Who and classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses as cultural milestones in the UK.
Donelan said the BBC “became a crucial method for keeping up morale” during World War II, adding: “Now, as Russia targets the media in Ukraine, the BBC has once again stepped up to serve war-torn Europe.
She referenced...
- 10/18/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has said there “hasn’t been much change” in terms of the biggest formats in the UK over the past eight-to-nine years.
Delivering the UK keynote at Rts London, she pushed back on criticism that Channel 4 has failed to commission a big format for several years since The Great British Bake Off and Gogglebox by pointing out that the biggest formats on other channels such as BBC One remain stalwarts such as Strictly Come Dancing.
“In terms of large formats in the UK, I haven’t seen much change,” she added. “Getting big formats is really hard and you have to keep trying and nurturing those shows for longer. Keeping them alive is hard work.”
“Complex choices”
Mahon stressed “complex choices” had to be made for the UK’s irreverent broadcaster following the death of Queen Elizabeth II two weeks ago.
The network chose to...
Delivering the UK keynote at Rts London, she pushed back on criticism that Channel 4 has failed to commission a big format for several years since The Great British Bake Off and Gogglebox by pointing out that the biggest formats on other channels such as BBC One remain stalwarts such as Strictly Come Dancing.
“In terms of large formats in the UK, I haven’t seen much change,” she added. “Getting big formats is really hard and you have to keep trying and nurturing those shows for longer. Keeping them alive is hard work.”
“Complex choices”
Mahon stressed “complex choices” had to be made for the UK’s irreverent broadcaster following the death of Queen Elizabeth II two weeks ago.
The network chose to...
- 9/27/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Channel 4 is in discussions with the U.K. government about its future, Alex Mahon, the CEO of the U.K. broadcaster, said at a Royal Television Society (Rts) event on Tuesday.
She expressed hope that the government of Prime Minister Liz Truss would focus on “facts, data and evidence,” she told the Rts London Convention 2022. “We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks and months.”
Channel 4 may be “best” when “in a crisis” and with its back to the wall, Mahon said, but added that having clarity for the future would be great.
Asked about the advertising market trends, Mahon predicted a “pretty tricky” fourth quarter of 2022 amid a “pretty volatile market.” She suggested that while some sectors are doing fine, others are facing more challenges, and some companies may push ad spending into 2023. What is missing in the current environment is “decent predictability,...
Channel 4 is in discussions with the U.K. government about its future, Alex Mahon, the CEO of the U.K. broadcaster, said at a Royal Television Society (Rts) event on Tuesday.
She expressed hope that the government of Prime Minister Liz Truss would focus on “facts, data and evidence,” she told the Rts London Convention 2022. “We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks and months.”
Channel 4 may be “best” when “in a crisis” and with its back to the wall, Mahon said, but added that having clarity for the future would be great.
Asked about the advertising market trends, Mahon predicted a “pretty tricky” fourth quarter of 2022 amid a “pretty volatile market.” She suggested that while some sectors are doing fine, others are facing more challenges, and some companies may push ad spending into 2023. What is missing in the current environment is “decent predictability,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Come in quickly, Insiders. It’s getting colder out there. Jesse Whittock here with a rundown of this week’s top news and analysis, coming to you from across Europe.
Queen Elizabeth Laid To Rest
The world says goodbye: Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, the mourning period that came after and the thousands of stories about to the never-ending queue to see her laying in state in central London, the monarch’s funeral was held on Monday. The likes of Joe Biden, Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh and even Bear Grylls joined the Royal Family to pay respect to the UK’s longest-serving monarch. Caroline Frost was on hand to keep you informed. Following the religious service at Westminster Abbey, the funeral procession stretched more than a mile long. When the Queen was finally laid to rest at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, the world saw...
Queen Elizabeth Laid To Rest
The world says goodbye: Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, the mourning period that came after and the thousands of stories about to the never-ending queue to see her laying in state in central London, the monarch’s funeral was held on Monday. The likes of Joe Biden, Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh and even Bear Grylls joined the Royal Family to pay respect to the UK’s longest-serving monarch. Caroline Frost was on hand to keep you informed. Following the religious service at Westminster Abbey, the funeral procession stretched more than a mile long. When the Queen was finally laid to rest at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, the world saw...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The British Film Institute (BFI), the U.K.’s lead organization for film and the moving image, has set out a new, wide-ranging 10-year strategy along with a funding plan that covers the period’s first three years.
The Screen Culture 2033 strategy, which will see the BFI through to its centenary in 2033, has six major ambitions. As part of this, the BFI aims to transform its relationship with U.K. audiences and become known as an open house for the discovery of screen storytelling; advocate for the full breadth of screen culture, including video games and interactive work; and create a cutting-edge screen archive of the future.
In addition, the BFI aims to be digital-first in delivering cultural programming through streamer BFI+; champion screen culture in school curricula, and build a skilled and sustainable workforce that reflects the U.K. population; and support the sector in delivering national lottery funding,...
The Screen Culture 2033 strategy, which will see the BFI through to its centenary in 2033, has six major ambitions. As part of this, the BFI aims to transform its relationship with U.K. audiences and become known as an open house for the discovery of screen storytelling; advocate for the full breadth of screen culture, including video games and interactive work; and create a cutting-edge screen archive of the future.
In addition, the BFI aims to be digital-first in delivering cultural programming through streamer BFI+; champion screen culture in school curricula, and build a skilled and sustainable workforce that reflects the U.K. population; and support the sector in delivering national lottery funding,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
With a new British government, specifically a new culture secretary, in place, the decisions to privatize Channel 4 and to scrap the BBC license fee are being reviewed.
The new culture secretary, Michelle Donelan – who replaced Nadine Dorries after Liz Truss replaced Boris Johnson as prime minister – told the BBC yesterday that she was looking again at both decisions announced by her predecessor.
On the matter of the BBC’s license fee being scrapped, she told Radio 4’s Today program that she was “re-examining the business case” saying:
“It is no secret that I have been a long-term sceptic of the license fee and that we need to make sure that the BBC is sustainable in the long term. So I’m looking at this in the round.
“I’m somebody that listens, I’m somebody that decides policy based on evidence and that’s what I will be doing over the coming weeks.
The new culture secretary, Michelle Donelan – who replaced Nadine Dorries after Liz Truss replaced Boris Johnson as prime minister – told the BBC yesterday that she was looking again at both decisions announced by her predecessor.
On the matter of the BBC’s license fee being scrapped, she told Radio 4’s Today program that she was “re-examining the business case” saying:
“It is no secret that I have been a long-term sceptic of the license fee and that we need to make sure that the BBC is sustainable in the long term. So I’m looking at this in the round.
“I’m somebody that listens, I’m somebody that decides policy based on evidence and that’s what I will be doing over the coming weeks.
- 9/21/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC says it achieved UK audience highs of 28 million watching its coverage of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday (19 September).
The broadcaster said the overall viewership of its funeral coverage accounted for “the majority of the UK public”.
Meanwhile, live footage of the Queen lying-in-state was streamed 25 million times across BBC online, it said.
“Yesterday was BBC One’s biggest viewing day since the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony,” a spokesperson said.
“At peak, 22.4 million people were watching across all BBC channels.”
The broadcaster added that the viewing figures it provided did not include live streaming on mobile devices or those watching on catch-up, so the final consolidated figures are likely to be higher.
The BBC’s announcement comes shortly after the new culture secretary, Michelle Donelan, suggested that the state funeral was taxpayer money “well spent” amid the cost of living crisis.
Tuesday (20 September) marked the start...
The broadcaster said the overall viewership of its funeral coverage accounted for “the majority of the UK public”.
Meanwhile, live footage of the Queen lying-in-state was streamed 25 million times across BBC online, it said.
“Yesterday was BBC One’s biggest viewing day since the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony,” a spokesperson said.
“At peak, 22.4 million people were watching across all BBC channels.”
The broadcaster added that the viewing figures it provided did not include live streaming on mobile devices or those watching on catch-up, so the final consolidated figures are likely to be higher.
The BBC’s announcement comes shortly after the new culture secretary, Michelle Donelan, suggested that the state funeral was taxpayer money “well spent” amid the cost of living crisis.
Tuesday (20 September) marked the start...
- 9/20/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Donelan described herself as “somebody that listens” and decides policy “based on evidence”.
Newly appointed UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan is to re-examine the privatisation of Channel 4 as she re-iterated her position as a BBC licence fee sceptic.
Appearing on morning programmes including Radio 4’s Today programme and Sky News’ Kay Burley, Donelan described herself as “somebody that listens” and decides policy “based on evidence”.
She told the Today programme that she would re-examine the business case for selling C4, following a suggestion from prime minister Liz Truss, to “make sure we still agree with that decision”.
“I’m...
Newly appointed UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan is to re-examine the privatisation of Channel 4 as she re-iterated her position as a BBC licence fee sceptic.
Appearing on morning programmes including Radio 4’s Today programme and Sky News’ Kay Burley, Donelan described herself as “somebody that listens” and decides policy “based on evidence”.
She told the Today programme that she would re-examine the business case for selling C4, following a suggestion from prime minister Liz Truss, to “make sure we still agree with that decision”.
“I’m...
- 9/20/2022
- by Ellie Kahn Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
The U.K.’s new culture secretary, Michelle Donelan, has made her first public statements about the potential sale of public broadcaster Channel 4 and the future of the BBC license fee.
“We’re looking at the business case for the sale of Channel 4 and making sure we still agree with that decision and that’s what I’m doing,” she said of selling the advertising-funded Psb.
Of the BBC, Donelan said: “It’s no secret that I have been a sceptic for a long time of the license fee but as I said before, the approach I take on all policies is one to base my decisions on evidence and to also listen. So I’m only two weeks in the job, I’m not going to make policy on the hoof, I’m going to look at this properly.”
Donelan was appointed secretary of state for the Department of Digital,...
“We’re looking at the business case for the sale of Channel 4 and making sure we still agree with that decision and that’s what I’m doing,” she said of selling the advertising-funded Psb.
Of the BBC, Donelan said: “It’s no secret that I have been a sceptic for a long time of the license fee but as I said before, the approach I take on all policies is one to base my decisions on evidence and to also listen. So I’m only two weeks in the job, I’m not going to make policy on the hoof, I’m going to look at this properly.”
Donelan was appointed secretary of state for the Department of Digital,...
- 9/20/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Queen Elizabeth II attending the 2015 Colour Ceremony. Pic credit: ©ImageCollect/StarMaxWorldwide
Following the recent news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death at age 96, the former monarch’s funeral service is set to take place next Monday, September 19, in Westminster Abbey.
According to BBC News, the Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall until next week’s funeral service, with mourners having 24/7 access, should they want to offer their condolences. Soldiers will also be stationed there day and night to guard the area.
After the monarch’s death last Thursday, September 8, many news outlets in the United Kingdom began to ditch their original programming for up-to-date coverage on the Royal Family. Meanwhile, U.S.-based reporters were making plans to visit England for their own reporting on the big news.
The BBC is currently streaming as the Queen’s coffin lies in state, offering those who can’t make it...
Following the recent news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death at age 96, the former monarch’s funeral service is set to take place next Monday, September 19, in Westminster Abbey.
According to BBC News, the Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall until next week’s funeral service, with mourners having 24/7 access, should they want to offer their condolences. Soldiers will also be stationed there day and night to guard the area.
After the monarch’s death last Thursday, September 8, many news outlets in the United Kingdom began to ditch their original programming for up-to-date coverage on the Royal Family. Meanwhile, U.S.-based reporters were making plans to visit England for their own reporting on the big news.
The BBC is currently streaming as the Queen’s coffin lies in state, offering those who can’t make it...
- 9/17/2022
- by Jada Ojii
- Monsters and Critics
The UK’s longest-reigning monarch died aged 96 on September 8.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has led tributes from the industry to Queen Elizabeth II, who has died today (September 8) at the age of 96.
In a joint statement from interim CEO Kevin Price and chair Krishnendu Majumdar, the organisation said: ”We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen, whose close association with the Academy spanned 50 years.
“Through her various patronages, the Queen was renowned for her support of the UK’s creative industries, having been patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts,...
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has led tributes from the industry to Queen Elizabeth II, who has died today (September 8) at the age of 96.
In a joint statement from interim CEO Kevin Price and chair Krishnendu Majumdar, the organisation said: ”We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen, whose close association with the Academy spanned 50 years.
“Through her various patronages, the Queen was renowned for her support of the UK’s creative industries, having been patron of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts,...
- 9/9/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: A prominent Scottish MP is attempting to block former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries’ path to the House of Lords over her controversial claim that Channel 4 used actors in Love Productions’ reality format Tower Block of Commons.
John Nicolson, who sits on the influential Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc) and famously grilled Dorries over Tower Block of Commons in May, has written to House of Lords Appointments Commission Chair Lord Bew and referred the matter to the UK’s Commons Committee of Privileges. Deadline has seen the letter.
Nicolson argues that Dorries’ knowingly misled a parliamentary committee with her “seemingly entirely false” claim and therefore should not be allowed to enter the House of Lords. The former I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! contestant stepped down as Culture Secretary earlier this week and is expected to be given a peerage.
In July, Channel 4 and Tower...
John Nicolson, who sits on the influential Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc) and famously grilled Dorries over Tower Block of Commons in May, has written to House of Lords Appointments Commission Chair Lord Bew and referred the matter to the UK’s Commons Committee of Privileges. Deadline has seen the letter.
Nicolson argues that Dorries’ knowingly misled a parliamentary committee with her “seemingly entirely false” claim and therefore should not be allowed to enter the House of Lords. The former I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! contestant stepped down as Culture Secretary earlier this week and is expected to be given a peerage.
In July, Channel 4 and Tower...
- 9/8/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Donelan is a former A&e Networks UK marketing exec.
Michelle Donelan, the newly-appointed UK culture secretary, is a former A&e Networks UK marketing exec who has previously dubbed the licence fee an “unfair tax” which she believes should be abolished.
Chippenham MP Donelan, who was appointed as Nadine Dorries’ successor yesterday (September 6), wrote in local newspaper the Melksham Independent News in 2019 that she was against the annual charge in principle.
“Personally I think the licence fee is an unfair tax and should be scrapped all together,” she said.
Her comments were made as part of a petition she...
Michelle Donelan, the newly-appointed UK culture secretary, is a former A&e Networks UK marketing exec who has previously dubbed the licence fee an “unfair tax” which she believes should be abolished.
Chippenham MP Donelan, who was appointed as Nadine Dorries’ successor yesterday (September 6), wrote in local newspaper the Melksham Independent News in 2019 that she was against the annual charge in principle.
“Personally I think the licence fee is an unfair tax and should be scrapped all together,” she said.
Her comments were made as part of a petition she...
- 9/7/2022
- by Alex Farber Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss Names Former WWE Marketing Manager Michelle Donelan As Culture Secretary
Michelle Donelan, a former WWE marketing manager who was Boris Johnson’s Education Secretary for just 48 hours, is to replace Nadine Dorries as Culture Secretary in UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ first cabinet.
Donelan, who has previously called for the “unfair” BBC license fee to be scrapped, has been named in the past hour as Truss assembles her top team.
She has been an MP since 2015 and was an Education Minister before being briefly promoted to Education Secretary by Johnson amidst a wave of resignations in July, resigning just two days later to make her the shortest serving cabinet member in British history.
The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP @MichelleDonelan has been appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport @Dcms#Reshuffle pic.twitter.com/VnnBpOMGbL
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) September 6, 2022
Donelan used to work in marketing and had a stint in the U.S. with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Donelan, who has previously called for the “unfair” BBC license fee to be scrapped, has been named in the past hour as Truss assembles her top team.
She has been an MP since 2015 and was an Education Minister before being briefly promoted to Education Secretary by Johnson amidst a wave of resignations in July, resigning just two days later to make her the shortest serving cabinet member in British history.
The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP @MichelleDonelan has been appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport @Dcms#Reshuffle pic.twitter.com/VnnBpOMGbL
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) September 6, 2022
Donelan used to work in marketing and had a stint in the U.S. with World Wrestling Entertainment.
- 9/6/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Boris Johnson has finally agreed to step down as UK Prime Minister following more than 50 resignations from his government in response to multiple scandals.
According to the BBC, Johnson has said he will carry on until the fall when a new Conservative Party leader will be chosen. A Number 10 spokesman confirmed that the Pm will make a more detailed statement to the country later Thursday.
Boris Johnson Resigns: Timetable For Appointment Of New UK Prime Minister To Be Unveiled Next Week, As UK Pm Says: “In Politics, No One Is Indispensable”
There is now a debate raging as to whether Johnson should remain until the fall and how the country will be run given ongoing disagreement, uncertainty and chaos within the government.
The embattled UK leader’s grip on power began slipping last month following a narrow victory in a no-confidence vote. On Tuesday, two top cabinet ministers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak...
According to the BBC, Johnson has said he will carry on until the fall when a new Conservative Party leader will be chosen. A Number 10 spokesman confirmed that the Pm will make a more detailed statement to the country later Thursday.
Boris Johnson Resigns: Timetable For Appointment Of New UK Prime Minister To Be Unveiled Next Week, As UK Pm Says: “In Politics, No One Is Indispensable”
There is now a debate raging as to whether Johnson should remain until the fall and how the country will be run given ongoing disagreement, uncertainty and chaos within the government.
The embattled UK leader’s grip on power began slipping last month following a narrow victory in a no-confidence vote. On Tuesday, two top cabinet ministers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak...
- 7/7/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.