The Media Club · 12 November 2021 · 48 min
Dacre's OFCOM, ITV's bounceback & BBC vs Stonewall
- Paul Dacre and the Ofcom chairmanship
- ITV's financial results and hybrid model
- BBC ends Stonewall partnership
- Channel 4 privatisation debate
- BBC audio development fund
- TV ratings data overhaul (Origin)
- Emily Sheffield leaves Evening Standard
In this episode of The Media Club, host Matt Deegan is joined by Faraz Osman (MD of TV indie Gold Wala) and Jack Davison (EVP of 3Vision) to discuss the week's media news. The main topics include the possibility of Paul Dacre becoming the chair of Ofcom, ITV's strong financial results and its hybrid broadcaster-studio model, the BBC's decision to end its partnership with Stonewall, and the potential privatisation of Channel 4. The conversation also covers the BBC's new development fund for audio, the overhaul of TV ratings data, and the departure of Emily Sheffield as editor of the Evening Standard. The episode concludes with a media quiz.
Key takeaways
- Paul Dacre is reportedly the government's top choice for Ofcom chair, despite failing the interview earlier this year, with leaks suggesting a rigged process.
- ITV reported revenues above pre-COVID levels, driven by ad sales and ITV Studios, but Jack Davison argued its digital strategy lags behind other broadcasters.
- The BBC ended its partnership with Stonewall, prompting concerns about a chilling effect on LGBTQ+ staff and the wider culture war.
- Channel 4 is reportedly close to a new multi-million pound deal for The Great British Bake Off, but Faraz Osman argued the broadcaster should focus more on supporting small indies.
- The BBC announced a £250,000 development fund for audio ideas, which was welcomed as a step to de-risk creativity in the sector.
In this episode
- Intro and guest introductions
- Paul Dacre and Ofcom
- ITV's results and hybrid model
- Channel 4 and Bake Off
- BBC audio development fund
- Media news in brief
- Media quiz
Notable quotes
“A hugely significant force, not just in our newsroom, but in the very fabric of British politics and broadcasting. An absolute titan. We will miss you.”
“The use of the term pornographer when applied to our client is factually wrong.”
“Daisy, can you or your agent pick up the phone? We can't keep communicating through Carol Baskin.”
“Pay Daisy her money. What's the matter with you guys? Pay her what you owe her for crying out loud. Daisy is not going to be talking to you guys anymore. She's going to go through Carol Baskin and bring the message through me to you because you guys are asking for a Baskin by not paying Daisy what she's owed. What were you thinking?”
Discussed
Paul Dacre · Ofcom · BBC · ITV · Channel 4
Mentioned or recommended
- The Great British Bake Off
- What's On Your Head
- Japan Prize
- Radio Academy Festival
- Origin
- It'll Be Alright on the Night
