Monday 16 December 2013, PM
Radio Today - Reaction to DAB Switchover announcement
A number of commercial radio groups are welcoming news from Ed Vaizey that no switch-over date has been set during todays landmark announcement. A coalition of 81 national, regional and local commercial radio stations operated by 14 separate commercial radio operators has welcomed the lack of commitment to a digital switchover date. We want all our local stations, that are part of the Capital and Heart networks, to enjoy good coverage on DAB, and this will soon be a reality as a result of this agreement. - radiotoday.co.uk
radiotoday.co.uk
Radio Today - No switchover date for DAB, Vaizey says
Ed Vaizey has confirmed the Governments vision of a digital future for radio but said he wanted to continue to improve the service, and reach coverage and listening criteria before a radio switchover. This means the radio industry has no deadline to work towards, but will continue as it has been doing for over a decade in trying to build a better digital radio experience for listeners. He said that funding was in place for Ofcom to develop a route to digital for small local stations. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukMonday 16 December 2013, AM
Showdown: will on-demand kill the big TV get-together? - Television radio - The Guardian
For the TV industry, the ghost of viewing past in the form of extended families slumped in front of the telly returns onChristmas Day, as it's oneof the rare times nowadays that millions watch the same show at the same time. However, if you believe some people, this year's seasonal schedules may be fatally stalked by theghost of viewing future. Produced by Netflix andstarring Kevin Spacey, it can be watched by the site's subscribers however and whenever they chose. - theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com
Radio Today - Go Digital Day live conference updates
07.35 So were on our way to London. 07.34 But the points made on various occasions about sound quality and low power do need to be addressed. Im not sure those issues will be covered today but we can hope. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukBBC payoffs damaged its international reputation, say MPs - Media - The Guardian
Current BBC Trust chairman Chris Patten took part in committee hearings with four other current and former executives. Among the payouts given to senior staff were 470,000 to former director general George Entwistle after only 54 days in the job and 680,000 to former chief operating officer Caroline Thomson. Deputy director general Mark Byford departed from the BBC with a total payout of 949,000. - gu.com
gu.comSunday 15 December 2013, PM
Media Monkey's diary: The Times, the Pope, and Cathy Newman - Media - theguardian.com
You could be forgiven for imagining that recent chastening events might have made playing hardball less appealing at News UK, Rupert Murdoch's rebranded press empire. Let go in the summer amidst rumours of friction with newish editor John Witherow, Wagner was unveiled last week as one of the 2014 Booker prize judges a feather in the cap for her, and arguably for the paper too. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comDavid Frost remembered by Greg Dyke - Media - The Observer
Presenter, interviewer, talent spotter, producer, great ideas man David Frost in 1964. What was remarkable about David Frost was that despite being famous from his early 20s right through until his mid 70s he was never the typical star. David was always happy in his own skin, generous about others and widely liked in the television industry. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comSaturday 14 December 2013, PM
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What's on BBC Red Button - 14-20 December
There are special festive treats and highlights from a great year of music and sport on the Red Button this week. Plus, dont miss red carpet coverage and the big reveal from Sports Personality of the Year 2013. Press red after Casualty to find out or watch the special episode again on Friday. - bbc.co.uk
www.bbc.co.ukFreeview coming to your tablet in time for the World Cup - CNET UK
Freeview is coming to your tablet in the new year, potentially allowing you to watch and record your favourite broadcast telly wherever you roam. That sees your tablet connect wirelessly to a T-Pod dongle, beaming tellywaves to the screen over Wi-Fi so you don't actually have to plug the dongle into the tablet. Meanwhile the Freeview dongle is planned for a release date in mid-2014. - crave.cnet.co.uk
crave.cnet.co.ukIs it time for justice for Monkey? Police probe OnDigital 'hack by Newscorp' - About UK Free TV - ukfree.tv - 11 years
Renamed ITV Digital three years later, it was plagued by widespread piracy and folded in 2002. News Corporation is due to be split into one entity for newspaper and book publishing, and another for television and movie companies. The allegations of industrial espionage were made last year by a self-confessed hacker, Lee Gibling, who claimed that he had been paid to publicise codes that enabled viewers to bypass encryption technology and watch On Digital for free. - ukfree.tvwww.ukfree.tvBroadcasters criticise Ofcom over TV 'white spaces' disruption to Freeview - Media - theguardian.com
Freeview published research suggesting nearly three-quarters of consumers who pay for a package of TV, broadband and phone are confused about what they signed up to. Ofcom intends to use the so-called gaps in the spectrum used to broadcast digital terrestrial TV service Freeview to 19m homes across the UK for a range of potential wireless services. However, the broadcasters are also concerned that Ofcom doesn't offer adequate assurances of protection from interference to Freeview households that use indoor or set top aerials estimated to be about a quarter of the 19m homes that get the service via a main or secondary TV set. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comFriday 13 December 2013, PM
Feedback: Coverage of Nelson Mandela's death: 13 Dec 13
downloads.bbc.co.uk
Aereo CEO to Broadcasters: Go Ahead, Make My Day - TIME.com
Aereo has asked the high court to grant the broadcasterspetition for a writ of certoriari, arguing that its time to settle the legality of its streaming video service once and for all. Aereos message to the broadcasters Bring it on. If the high court agrees to take the case which is far from certain it would set the stage for landmark test of copyright law that could have major implications for the entertainment industry. - business.time.com
business.time.comResponse to Ofcom Consultation ‘TV white spaces: approach to coexistence.’ 13 December 2013
Digital UK welcomes the opportunity to respond to Ofcom’s “TV white spaces: approach to coexistence†consultation. We recognise the need to ensure that valuable spectrum must be used in the most efficient way possible and are keen to support Ofcom’s exploration of ways that may achieve this to the benefit of viewers.www.digitaluk.co.ukBT complaints shoot up following sports TV launch - Money - theguardian.com
BT paid 738m to broadcast 38 Premier League football games a season, but customer service levels have since suffered. Half the complaints were about its BT Sport channels which launched amid much fanfare on 1 August 2013, in time for the start football season. The company paid 738m for the rights to broadcast 38 Premier League football games a season, and has since splashed out 897m on the right to show Champions League games from 2015 onwards. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
BBC News - BT apologises for poor service at sports channel launch
It followed figures that showed complaints about BT's television service more than doubled in the July-to-September period. Telecoms regulator Ofcom said complaints peaked in August, when the new channel went on air. As a result, BT had a far higher ratio of complaints than its rivals. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk
Ariel - BBC best for laughs and entertainment
It was named best comedy panel show, with team captain Lee Mack voted best male tv comic. Funny women 'Brilliant to see female comedy talent scoop the big sitcom prize,' said Shane Allen, controller, comedy commissioning, 'and also delighted for Harry Paul with their richly deserved sketch show award. 'BBC comedy/entertainment really is at the top of its game and these awards prove that.' - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukFriday 13 December 2013, AM
The BBC must declare the interests of its contributors, or lose our trust - George Monbiot - Comment is free - theguardi
I didn't expect this flat refusal to uphold its own editorial guidelines. Two weeks ago, I wrote an article explaining how the BBC routinely flouts its professed commitment to impartiality and transparency, by allowing people who appear to be little more than corporate lobbyists to pose as independent pundits. What we were not told is that the institute, which calls itself a thinktank, has for many years been funded by the tobacco industry. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.com
BBC News - Graham Norton warned over World Aids Day ribbon
The presenter and his guests all sported the charity emblem on his BBC One chat show broadcast on 29 November. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukDTG :: News :: Elemental demonstrates full frame rate live 4K HEVC video processing
At a special event in London, the company showed an end-to-end workflow in which live 4Kp60 HEVC content was encoded for display in real-time. Elemental first announced support for the H.265 codec in January of 2013. Video processing solutions from Elemental offer support for the new codec via a seamless software upgrade. - dtg.org.ukdtg.org.uk
Radio Today - Will Arqiva be bidding for Digital Two ?
Weve heard speculation that radio groups and non-radio organisations will be bidding for the chance to control the overdue digital platform, although one company already has the network to expand upon. Arqiva is hugely supportive of the industry-wide transition to digital, which is making great progress this year. We have already led the way in improving coverage over the past year and with a positive decision on the Digital Radio Switchover at the end of this year, we would welcome an additional national commercial multiplex. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukFreeview – Loss of BBC HD channels - BBC - FAQs - Home
The BBC has been made are aware that a small number of set top boxes have problems accessing both HD multiplexes at the same time. However, until the manufacturer has resolved the issue you will not be able to access both at the same time. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk
Local television: Small-town views - The Economist
With a new nameEstuary TVand a prominent spot on Freeview, a free digital television platform, their news and discussion shows now reach 350,000 homes around the Humber. Estuary TV is the first of 19 television stations launching in Britains towns and cities over the next yearthe fruits of a plan laid out in 2010 by Jeremy Hunt, then the culture secretary, to revitalise local media. Ministers hope they will help promote small businesses, train new creative talent and generally make people more civic-minded. - economist.com
www.economist.comThursday 12 December 2013, PM
Radio Today - Surrey DAB radio multiplex switched on
Three new digital radio transmitters have been switched on in Surrey, giving local coverage to almost 800,000 people. Four radio stations will be on the new multiplex, including a third Eagle-branded service. Sir Paul Beresford Surrey is way ahead on digital radio, with over half of us having a digital radio at home. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukBBC - BBC Trust - BBC publishes conclusions of governance review
The review was launched in September 2013 following a year of difficult events at the BBC which highlighted a need to clarify roles and responsibilities and improve the working culture between the two parts of the Corporation. The key conclusion of the review is that, while much of the current governance system works well, there is confusion about who is responsible for what in certain key operational areas and this has undermined confidence in the governance and operation of the BBC. Sir Howard was previously President of the CBS network and will bring his extensive broadcasting and commercial experience to this role. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukThursday 12 December 2013, AM
Media Talk podcast: digital radio switchover special
download.guardian.co.ukBritons paying more for premium pay-TV packages than other countries - Media - The Guardian
An Ofcom study found that Britons pay 66 a month for the 'best offer' premium pay-TV subscription. - gu.comgu.comWednesday 11 December 2013, PM
Tuesday 10 December 2013, PM
Ariel - BBC launches five new HD channels
We will have managed to launch five channels in five months. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukMonday 09 December 2013, PM
Fox News Paid Fired Executive $8 Million to Keep Quiet
A Fox News executive with knowledge of the negotiations told Gawker that Lewis was paid approximately 8 million in hush money. The big talk at work, especially today, is the settlement number, the executive said on Friday, explaining that the exact figure had been filtering through the channels rank-and-file since early November. The settlement came after an extraordinary, months-long confrontation during which Fox News accused Ailes former right-hand man of vague financial irregularities, and Lewis attorney angrily responded that Ailes had a lot to lose if Lewis ever spilled the beans on their 17-year-long partnership at the right-wing network. - gawker.com
gawker.comAudio description on Freeview HD programmes - BBC - FAQs - Home
Returning to the channel you wish to watch with the audio described programme. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukFreeview - Unable to access all BBC HD Multiplexes - BBC - FAQs - Home
However, please check that you are in coverage of the new commercial HD multiplex COM 7. Please check the Digital UK coverage predictor and select the detailed view indicating COM7 availability. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukinformitv - Local television launches
The first of a number of new local television stations has gone on air in the United Kingdom. Estuary TV in Grimsby will be available in the channel 8 slot on Freeview digital terrestrial television. It represents a modest start to a range of channels that could provide another tier of broadcasting in Britain, but may already be missing the opportunities of the next generation of digital networks. - informitv.com
informitv.com
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - Connected Studio: Unlocking the BBC's News Archive
We are holding a Connected Studio event in January to explore the best ways to unlock, and allow our audiences to explore, what is often seen as the BBCs greatest untapped resource, its vast archives. The event will focus specifically on the News archive. The News archive is a unique video, audio and scripted account of howthe BBC has reportedthe world since 1924. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukBBC - Media Centre - BBC to launch five new subscription-free HD channels on Tuesday 10 December
Viewers will also be able to catch-up on HD programmes from these channels on BBC iPlayer. The channels will be launching in time for Christmas, so viewers will be able to access more of their favourite festive treats in the highest quality from the comfort of their sofas or on-the-go via BBC iPlayer. This year, people will be able to watch even more of our programmes in brilliant quality. All five new HD channels will broadcast the same programmes as their standard definition equivalents in HD. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukMonday 09 December 2013, AM
BBC - Blogs - About the BBC - CBBC HD, CBeebies HD, BBC Three HD, BBC Four HD BBC News HD launch Tuesday 10 Dece
We have announced todaythat our five new HD channels will launch on Tuesday 10 December 2013 on all main TV platforms. This brings the total number of subscription-free HD channels from the BBC to seven. This is predicted to grow to 80 by 2016 and 90 by 2019. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukSunday 08 December 2013, PM
The BBC needs a global news strategy - and Harding's approach seems dated - Media - The Guardian
Full house in lingo bingo James Harding told staff the BBC is 'the best news organisation in the world'. James Harding, the recently anointed director of BBC News, and former editor of the Times, achieved a full house in the lingo bingo card for his first sermon last week. The cluttered domain of global news leadership is one of huge risk and turbulence, and far from dominating it, the BBC would appear to be withdrawing from it. - theguardian.comwww.theguardian.comHow Intel TV failed -- pay attention, Google and Apple - Internet Media - CNET News
In fact, Erik Huggers, the head of Intel Media, said in February that this would be the year Intel shakes things up. After all, he had a small army of 300 at work and more than 2,000 Intel employees testing OnCue, a new box and service that would allow users to watch live TV, on-demand video, and other Internet-based offerings like video apps in one package. Now, with 2013 in its final weeks, Intel's goal for OnCue has morphed into securing the best payday it can from somebody who will take the venture off its hands. - news.cnet.com
news.cnet.comSunday 08 December 2013, AM
Indian Television Dot Com News Headline Zee Lamhe launches on Freeview in UK
Estimates put the reach of the channel at 1.2 million and increasing the reach of Zee Lamhe to 13 million homes in UK. Lamhe was launched earlier this year to showcase good quality south Asian entertainment such as drama, classics and Bollywood, lifestyle, cookery and travel. The FTA channel is also available on Sky Digital. - indiantelevision.com
www.indiantelevision.comSaturday 07 December 2013, AM
Behind the FCC s Intervention in a $985 Million Local TV Deal - Corporate Intelligence - WSJ
The TV business has been on a furious consolidation drive this year, with billions of dollars worth of mergers and acquisitions snapping up the companies that bring broadcast TV to local markets across the country. Sinclairs general counsel Barry Faber said the company was confident that we will be able to work out the issues raised in the FCCs letter and complete the transaction without any material impact. So what are the issues Opponents of these kind of arrangements say that not only can they be used to get around the spirit of rules designed to encourage diversity in the local TV market, but they can also harm the quality and variety of news available on local television. - blogs.wsj.com
blogs.wsj.com
Google could launch 'Nexus TV' Android set-top next year, says report - The Verge
Google isn't giving up its living room ambitions. The rumor comes fromThe Information's Amir Efrati, who cites an anonymous Google employee. The device is said to be ready for launch as soon as the first half of next year, according to the report. - theverge.com
www.theverge.com
BBC - Blogs - Internet blog - What’s on BBC Red Button – 7 – 13 December
Highlights include this years best Radio 1 Live Lounge sessions as well as outstanding musical moments from the Asian Network. Also dont miss pop legend Gary Barlow as he performs live in concert for Radio 2. Watch the show live on Wednesday 11th December, but dont worry if you miss it, you can also catch it again from Thursday 12th. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukFriday 06 December 2013, PM
Friday 06 December 2013, AM
Radio Today - Herefordshire and Worcestershire gets DAB
Local TV and press also attended to cover the switch-on live. Its an important step for this area and an exciting day for local radio. The three new transmitters cover 530,000 people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.ukThursday 05 December 2013, PM
NBC shuts Style Network in UK - News - Broadcast
NBC Universal is to close The Style Network in the UK following a US channel rebrand. The entertainment channel, which airs on Sky and Virgin Media, will close on 9 December. The Style Network was rebranded as Esquire Network in September in the US, as NBC began to consider the future of the channel internationally - broadcastnow.co.uk
www.broadcastnow.co.uk
Radio Today - Jazz FM leaves national DAB digital radio
The station will move from D1 to Switch Digital in Greater London in addition to online platforms from January 1st 2014. RadioToday can also reveal the station entered into profit last month for the first time since its relaunch. There is absolutely no reason why if you listen to Jazz FM now, you wont be able to still. - radiotoday.co.ukradiotoday.co.uk
Ariel - The team behind Twenty Twelve takes on BBC for new show
'To clarify, define or redefine the core purpose of the BBC across all its functions and to position it confidently for the future'. The post is, apparently, one in which he is meant to be thinking 'Big Thoughts' in the run-up to the licence fee renegotiation in 2016. He adds 'If it is satirical then it's satirical about an environment, an ethos, and the absurdities of modern corporate life itself. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk
Ratings slide puts C4 in spotlight - Comment - Broadcast
However you cut the numbers, it’s hard to escape the conclusion that Channel 4 has had a very tough year when it comes to ratings. The all-hours decline of 11.4% for the main channel is worrying for management, advertisers, programme-makers and even Ofcom, which flagged concerns about audience share back in June. - broadcastnow.co.ukwww.broadcastnow.co.uk
BBC - Blogs - About the BBC - BBC News - Our Stories: Video montage from James Harding's speech
The video showcases facilities available to news staff at New Broadcasting House, and spotlights some aspects of its output across multiple TV channels and radio networks both locally, nationally and internationally. James' biography is available on the Inside the BBC website. - bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.ukDTG :: News :: Report: Global study confirms public service broadcasting has positive effect on commercial broadcasting
Public service broadcasting promotes a 'race to the top' with the commercial sector, according to a new report published by the BBC. The key findings of the research show A strong relationship between public funding and commercial revenues. Territories with higher levels of public funding per head correspond with high levels of commercial revenue advertising and subscription-based per head. - dtg.org.ukdtg.org.ukpick a page