p h o t 06·04·10 Week 14 THE BBC NEWSPAPER explore.gateway.bbc.co.uk/ariel ograp h: mar h: k basse a tt
Conductor Ben Foster leads the BBC ◆Concert Orchestra in recording composer Richard Blair-Oliphant’s music for BBC coverage of the election campaign. All services are ready for a hectic six weeks Pages 8-9 poised for the election ◆ Huggers changes ◆ Third series of comedy ◆ Is the nation ready Future Media that’s got your family’s for digital radio organisation Page 2 number Page 7 switchover? Page 10
> NEWS 2-3 SALFORD 4-5 OPINION 10 MAIL 11 JOBS 14 GREEN ROOM 16 < 162 News aa 00·00·08 06·04·10 FM&T NEWS BITES a Somalia reporter Mohammed Olad Hassan has won the 2010 Press Newman leaves as Gallery’s Speaker Abbot award for his courageous reporting. Hassan, Room 2316, White City the BBC’s main English language 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS reporter in Mogadishu, has been 020 8008 4228 Huggers restructures injured by a mortar round, caught Editor up in a bombing and repeatedly Candida Watson 02-84222 by Candida Watson He’s replaced the Online board with an On- threatened by warring factions. Deputy editor line Direction Group, whose first task is to de- He says he wants ‘to inform the Future Media staff were shocked to learn of cide on the smaller number of online catego- world, and help bring peace and Cathy Loughran 02-27360 the immediate departure of journalism con- ries and products which were called for in the democracy to my own country’. Chief writer troller Nic Newman when director of FM&T strategy review. Sally Hillier 02-26877 Erik Huggers announced the restructuring of The new, flatter structure means manag- Political satire The Thick of It Features editor FM management last Wednesday. ers bringing together specialisms is to return for a fourth series, Clare Bolt 02-27445 Newman, who left the next day, in groups and taking on extra re- series creator Armando Iannucci Broadcast Journalists worked closely with the news divi- sponsibilities; for example Rahul has revealed. Iannucci made Claire Barrett 02-27368 sion on the ongoing development of Chakkara becomes general man- the announcement – which has Adam Bambury 02-27410 the hugely successful news website. ager children’s, sport and applica- since been confirmed by the Lisette Johnston 02-27630 That role now falls to Phil Fearnley, tions, adding the oversight of the BBC – via his Twitter feed. Eight Rumeana Jahangir 01 -43756 who becomes general manager, teams who design and build online episodes of the comedy have been AV Manager news and knowledge, in the new products for those divisions to his commissioned and will tx next year. structure. The World Service FM current responsibilities for televi- Peter Roach 02-24622 team will also become part of this sion platforms. The BBC’s election guidelines Art editor group, with the intention of unifying the on- There are also two wholly new posts, which are up to scratch, the BBC Trust Ken Sinyard 02-84229 line service around the world. will be advertised externally. The director, dig- has concluded after a two-week Digital Design Executive One other senior manager’s departure had ital media, will be responsible for all FM re- consultation that attracted just David Murray 02-27380 already been announced, with Antony Rose sources in FM&T, with responsibility for online, 15 responses. Concerns about going to Project Canvas. Huggers’s announce- iPlayer, mobile and Red Button services. Until aspects of representation during Guest contributors this week ment also revealed that Seetha Kumar, control- the post is filled Huggers will do it. the election period, raised by Plaid ler online, will move on once the three year on- The other role is general manager, on-de- Cymru, UKIP and the Green Party, line strategy has been decided. mand, leading a new group working on the were all covered adequately in James Cridland considers the In an email to staff Huggers said: ‘We are continuing development of the iPlayer and on the existing code, the trust said. lessons for the BBC in new ways strengthening our approach to BBC Online.’ demand services for output. of making radio around the world. BBC Local sites for Page 6 Cambridgeshire, Bristol, South East Wales and Wear have launched a Caren davies, head of Kevill quits after Global changes new feature to encourage external communications at Radio 1, on linking from their pages to local biscuits and rock stars. Page 15 Sian Kevill, direc- two new senior political programmes, from newspapers. The move to aggregate tor of BBC World roles created at which came This Week and The headline RSS feeds from the top News, has decided the same time. Politics Show. four local newspaper sites in each Team assistant to leave the BBC fol- Kevill has Horrocks said: ‘As direc- area will eventually be rolled out Graeme Allister 02-84228 lowing the recent re- been at the BBC tor, BBC World News, Sian has across all BBC Local websites. structure of global for 24 years, and charted the channel through Ariel mail news management in her current an exceptionally challenging by division director post since 2008. period.’ Kevill herself said: ‘It Candida. [email protected] Peter Horrocks. Starting in cur- has been an honour to work for aintree: Ariel online explore.gateway.bbc.uk/ariel Her post was closed in the rent affairs she rose to become the BBC – it remains one of the BBC Jobs 0370 333 1330 changes and Kevill has cho- Newsnight’s only female editor, most wonderful, creative places High definition Jobs textphone 028 9032 8478 sen not to seek either of the moving on to lead a review of to work in broadcasting.’ BBC Jobs John Clarke 02-27143 Horses Room 2120, White City, London W12 7TS Horses, riders and BBC tv and ra- Advertise in Ariel Call to reveal even more on pay dio are jockeying into position for Ten Alps Media 020 7878 2313 this weekend’s coverage of the Grand www.bbcarielads.com MPs have called on the BBC livered to enough people. Turning to the MPs com- National. Printing to be even more open about They also said: ‘We consid- ments about the value test, The world-famous steeplechase Garnett Dickinson Group staff and talent pay – saying the er that some of the claims re- the statement quotes the stra- from Liverpool will be the first horse Rotherham 01709 768000 reward packages of the direc- garding BBC Three made by tegic review: ‘BBC Three’s role race to be broadcast in high defini- tor general and senior manage- the trust and executive are as a test-bed for the talent and tion when it airs on BBC HD. Subscribe to Ariel ment are ‘out of step with the not fully supported by the formats of the future, and as Radio 5 live teams will also be trot- Six months: £26, £36, £40 current economic climate’. evidence. The BBC has been a means of engaging younger ting up to Merseyside for the three- Twelve months: £50, £60, £68 In a review of the 2008-09 an- more ready to highlight fa- audiences with content which day horse racing festival at Aintree (prices for UK, Europe, rest of world nual report, the Culture, Media vourable over unfavourable meets the BBC’s five priorities racecourse. respectively) and Sport select committee said information and its implica- will become even more impor- Richard Bacon, Mark Pougatch Cheques to: Garnett Dickinson Print, that – ‘at minimum’ – the BBC tions. In particular, we note tant in the years after switch- and Colin Murray will be presenting Brookfields Way, Manvers, should publish details of head- that the trust’s claim of ‘BBC over.’ And concludes: ‘Conse- their shows in front of live audiences Wath Upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 5DL count by salary band for all Three’s effectiveness in reach- quently there are no plans to at Liverpool John Moores University. Tel 01709 768199 staff, and lay out the number of ing young people’ is not sup- apply the test of value.’ ‘It’s not just about on-air events people in each payment band ported by its audience reach. A trust spokesperson though,’ says commissioning editor INFORMATION IN AN EMERGENCY for ‘talent’. They suggest bands We are also surprised that the said: ‘We thank the commit- Jonathan Wall. ‘We want to get out Telephone 0800 0688 159 ranging from those earning test of the value of BBC 6 Mu- tee for its report and its rec- and about as a station and this is a £250,000-500,000 to those earn- sic and the Asian Network in ommendations. As a public- great opportunity without spending ing £1m-5m, adding that they the latest strategy review ap- ly funded organisation, the a lot of extra resources since we’ll don’t expect to see any entries pears not to have been applied BBC takes openness and trans- already be covering the races.’ in a £5m plus category. to BBC Three.’ parency in its operations very Members of the public will have The committee also scruti- In a statement BBC Three seriously. The trust works the chance to meet racing reporters nised audience reach, saying said: ‘Audience data from Barb closely with the executive and Claire Balding and John Hunt. For tv, PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR COPY OF ARIEL the figures for people who don’t shows clearly that BBC Three liaises with Parliament to en- two new high-speed cameras will be consume any BBC output for at reaches more 16-34 year olds sure that the information we used to capture the chase over the fa- least 15 minutes a week, as well than any other digital chan- provide enables licence fee mous fences The Chair and Becher’s as the services used by only a nel during the hours it broad- payers to hold us to account, Brook. Fans can also get extra news minority of their target audi- casts. This year alone it already and to help us deliver the qual- and colour from Aintree via Twitter ences, suggest that the value of means a reach of 75 percent to ity programmes that audienc- for the first time by following racing the licence fee is not being de- the 16-34 age group.’ es want.’ commentator Cornelius Lysaght.
> ARIEL ONLINE: BBC NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – EXPLORE.GATEWAY.BBC.CO.UK/ARIEL< a 06·04·10 News 3 photograph: JEFF O JEFF photograph: Benbow Play will
will lead VE R
S/BBC sign CBeebies up new North audience
Kay Benbow has been appointed controller of by Claire Barrett CBeebies. Currently head of production at the chan- A Radio 4 afternoon play nel, Benbow has worked in has been signed, filmed children’s television for 20 and will be made availa- years on shows including ble to view online by a deaf Get Your Own Back and Bodg- audience. er and Badger. A Small Piece of Silence, She has also which was written espe- worked in chil- cially for its deaf star David dren’s presen- Bower, is the first radio play tation, and at to have a sign language indie Tell Tale interpretation. as producer on As well as the signthe- the Tweenies. atre version of the play – Her appoint- signtheatre language is a ment coin- mix of Sign Supported Eng- cides with Chil- Breakfast with a lish, British Sign Language dren’s becoming part of smile: Paul Ross, and international sign – the BBC North. Director of chil- Gaby Roslyn and script will also be available dren’s Joe Godwin said Ben- John Torode online to allow hearing im- bow would ‘lead CBeebies paired people to access the on its journey to Salford’. play more fully. He described her as a ‘great The play came about fol- programme maker and cre- lowing Bower’s ‘striking’ ative leader’ who is ‘well performance as Quasimodo known and highly respect- Sausages and salmon in Spitalfields in Radio 4’s production of ed on the global stage, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, where so much of CBeebies BBC London 94.9 Breakfast Show hosts Paul Ross and Gaby Roslyn held an election campaign breakfast challenge explains Sue Roberts, the business takes place’. at Spitalfields’ Luxe restaurant, inviting members of the public to pick their favourite from food cooked by four play’s producer. ‘I suggest- Director of vision Jana Ben- London MPs. Masterchef host John Torode helped the MPs’ culinary efforts, which ranged from the full English to ed a contemporary play be nett also congratulated smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagels. Ross said: ‘It was a fantastic morning. John Torode was a good sport and written for him. And after Benbow on her new role. a great chief. May the best MP win. My vote is on the sausage sandwich.’ Roslyn added: ‘I can’t say who I voted for many conversations with but, needless to say, the salmon stayed in my teeth.’ David, Katie Hims’s story began to emerge.’ Described as ‘a love sto- ry and detective story’, A Johnston sorry Small Piece of Silence tells the story of council worker Joe (Bower). He makes the for salary same journey to work each day by bus, seeing the same people, until one day, a suggestion young girl signs her name to him – ANGEL. by Cathy Loughran Back in the office, new recruit Shelly (Maxine BBC Reward director Robert Johnston Peake) is falling for Joe, but has issued an apology after a Freedom he discovers she is already of Information request revealed that he involved with the leader of had proposed altering salary bands to the council. make it appear that fewer BBC staff were When he learns that AN- in the £100,000-plus bracket. GEL is one of the victims The change would have result- of a huge fire in a nearby ed in people earning between block of flats – just a week £80,000-£100,000 being grouped togeth- after Shelly’s arrival – Joe er, but his emailed idea – to ‘deliberately begins a quest to find out disguise the number in the over £100k what really happened. band’ – fell at the first hurdle. The play examines the ‘This proposal was raised at BDG (BBC issues around how socie- direction group) but was immediately ty deals with deafness, and rejected,’ a BBC spokesman said. uses sound to convey how ‘The BBC will continue to publish sal- someone who can’t hear aries in the already established bands as experiences the world. ruled upon by the information commis- ‘Liran Donin provides spe- sioner’s office. cially composed music and ‘In fact the BDG has taken a series a soundscape that under- of decisions that has led to the BBC dis- scores Joe’s condition – he Guess who we’re meeting? closing more executive salaries than any suffers from tinnitus – in other public body.’ sound,’ says Roberts. More than 200 excited school children crowded North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh. Formerly the BBC’s head of shared into Salford’s Lowry theatre for a preview of the Margaret Burgin, BBC Outreach manager in the services, Johnston admitted: ‘With hind- A Small Piece of Silence, first episode of the new series of Doctor Who. As north, said: ‘It was such a nice thing to ring up sight, I realise this suggestion was wrong Radio 4, April 9 part of a tour arranged by BBC Outreach, new Who local schools and invite them to the screening. and I apologise if it called into question View the signed film at www. stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillen met the children To see the faces of the kids when Matt and Karen the BBC’s commitment to openness and bbc.co.uk/radio4/afternoon- and answered questions in a session hosted by stepped off the bus was just wonderful.’ transparency.’ play
4 Features a 06·04·10 a 06·04·10 Features 5 SALFORD As BBC North becomes a group in its own right, Cathy Loughran and Rumeana Jahangir report on the challenge of the year ahead THE NEXT CHAPTER A year from now, the three BBC colleagues from Manchester’s Ox- cently when people in 5 live learned buildings at Salford Quays will be fit- ford Road (comedy, entertainment, they could be moving later than ex- ted out, the technology will be going religion & ethics, local and region- pected, although Salmon insists the through final tests, the first wave of al programming, current affairs, undertaking was always that the sta- staff will be weeks away from moving network radio and the BBC Philhar- tion would be broadcasting from Me- in and hundreds of new people will monic Orchestra) have only been giv- diaCityUK by the end of 2011. have been hired. en ‘broad brush indications’ of like- As a green field site, BBC North Already ensconced in Peel Media’s ly moving dates, says the director of won’t just be in the vanguard of the new studio block, the musicians of BBC North. BBC’s DMI roll-out but, because of its the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra ‘We take planning very seriously scale, will be one of the end-to-end may be contemplating outdoor per- because people are changing their digital technology project’s biggest or dry runs of hot-desking and the The group currently lays claim to between the two teams – opening up Pilots are also planned this year to for Radio 5 live has been established. dents across the region develop mul- formances in the waterfront piazza lives, but we reserve the right to shuf- milestones and challenges. kind of bold collaboration that Sal- a daunting 22kms of storage space new career paths for English regions’ road test Salmon’s ‘3-2-1’ career struc- Partnerships with indies was part tiplatform skills, as potential contrib- and Blue Peter will be eyeing its own fle the pack,’ he adds, as happened re- The final moving timetable will be ford was designed to allow. which will have to reduce by 65 per- multiplatform news journalists and ture – where people spend three por- of the BBC North blueprint. In gen- utors to what Mark Thompson calls al fresco options for breaking out of confirmed in September, with light ‘New operating models are already cent in Salford, so people in Sport are children’s tv production staff. tions of their time on their own pro- eral, the partnership approach is to ‘a world class pool of media talent’, the studio to broadcast from around technology users in the first wave being built in each department, with- already sacrificing office cabinets, to gramme, two on department-wide ‘do a few things, but do them well, so into which BBC North will tap. the MediaCityUK site. and broadcast units with more com- in the overall BBC North model – and get used to how that feels, she says. activity and one on BBC North. sustainable relationships are built’, In typically exuberant mood, in To get from here to there, says a plicated requirements later. within the BBC North ethos of no si- ‘Desk to headcount ratio at the ‘We’ll build a It is still early days on the com- says Richard Deverell, BBC North’s the week BBC North became an enti- candid Peter Salmon, is like plan- Meanwhile, plenty of foundations los, no duplication, sharing of as- new HQ will be 10-15, and we’re re- missioning front, but the £500,000 chief operating officer. ty in its own right, Salmon looks to ning D-Day: ‘It’s just as well we’re not will continue to be laid, to help Salm- sets,’ says Alice Webb, BBC North pro- hearsing that now at Children’s in North Bank @North project to find online pro- ‘We want access to talent, ideas May 2011 as only ‘the starting line’. all landing on the beach at the same on’s newly constituted BBC group hit gramme director. ‘Where we can, TV Centre’s East Tower.’ duction talent for Children’s, across and originality which is why, for in- His ambition to help make MediaC- time.’ The complexity of the move the ground running, whether it’s we’re getting a head start.’ With Manchester’s regional and the whole North region, hopes to an- stance, we’re forging ties with uni- ityUK – together with neighbours is why people relocating with Chil- Hot Shoes North placements, DMI tri- local programmes, Children’s is also to London’s nounce its first commissions in Sep- versities across the North of Eng- like the Imperial War Museum – ‘the dren’s, Learning, Sport, Radio 5 live alling, the development of the phe- Peter Salmon: ‘like planning D-Day’ stealing a lead with an experimental tember, and now a new £40,000 fund land.’ The recently announced Step North Bank to London’s South Bank’, and parts of FM&T from London and Artist’s impression of Salford interior nomenally busy BBC North jobs site tie-up that could see daily cross-over South Bank’ to bring in new indie commissions Up training scheme aims to help stu- is ‘a decade away’. 8000 apply in weeks A tram to Manchester Northern exposure: early movers tell it like it is to Jobs North website centre every six minutes Forty people have opted to environment. It’s also good be- ful – because moving house move to Manchester early, for cause we’re more focused on always is. a variety of personal reasons new technology here. ‘My husband is an analyst Out of more than 500 people to suitable vacancies. Details ly as possible. Nine out of ten Owned and operated by multi-storey car park behind rial War Museum North. and where operationally pos- ’The familiarisation tour but he has managed to nego- from the migrating depart- of those roles will then be sent jobs moving to Salford will be Peel Media, the MediaCityUK the studio block and 280 free There are plans for can- sible. opened my eyes about what tiate with his boss to work al- ments who have decided not to candidates who may wish to recruited through the Jobs site will be unrecognisable by cycle bays will be available teens on the top floors of all The rest of the 580 reloca- Manchester was like when ternate weeks in London and to make the move north, 17 be put forward for interview. North website, Wright says. May 2011. across the site. three buildings but final de- ing won’t have to choose their I had previously been quite Manchester. We had to strike a have now been redeployed. The process has been de- People who have already Improved public transport The BBC buildings will sur- cisions will be made later this relocation packages until Sep- negative [about the move]. compromise but we have been Due to the number of roles signed to allow managers to submitted CVs but may gain will see tram services every round a five-acre public area year on the basis of whether tember and a programme of We’ve bought a home which very lucky that his employer that have to be filled, applica- recruit more easily and so significant new experience six minutes to Manchester city down to the waterside – about they’d be commercially viable. briefings – on anything from we would never have been able has been understanding.’ tions from everyone interested that people who are interest- over the coming months can centre. The two-mile journey twice the size of Trafalgar No space will be provided for house prices to school admis- to afford in London. I’m further in working at Salford are be- ed in a number of roles need email updated resumes to ca- into Piccadilly railway station Square. A piazza that can hold BBC Club, but there will be ca- sions – will continue in Lon- Andrew Evans, principal away from my family in the Isle ter but spent 12 years working Simon Lumb, senior soft- I don’t know what everyone ing handled through the BBC only apply once, explains Fio- [email protected] will take 15 minutes. Regular 5000 people for public events fes, restaurants and bars in the don, led by former North West software engineer, FM&T, moved of Wight but other than that it’s in London so I was always very ware engineer, FM&T, moved in in London has been moaning Jobs North website. Launched na Wright, senior resourcing Specific roles will also be buses linking Salford Crescent will be overlooked by a large studio block and fronting onto estate agent Hayley Hadfield. to Oxford Road in Septem- worked well. I wouldn’t go back keen on moving back because September as part of the first about. I understand it can be in February, the site has more manager. advertised on the Ariel jobs station to MediaCityUK will screen at the front of the stu- the piazza. Booths supermar- ‘The combined emotions of ber with wife Gemma, a senior to London.’ my family are here and be- wave of FM&T relocation. difficult [moving north] if you than 8000 applications – 86 ‘Highlighting key skills is page and Jobs North appli- also start in 2011. dio block, and the adjoining ket will also open a branch. moving house, arranging fi- software engineer in the same cause of my children. I asked ‘The moving process has have family or property in the percent external and the rest very important. If you have cants can still express interest For car drivers, a new link landscaped park will contain Joining existing tenants nance, accommodating family department. Gill Farrington, assist- to move early because it was been very good. The familiari- capital but if you have no ties, I from internal candidates. live gallery experience, then for particular posts by contact- road with the M602 will of- the new tram stop. like The Pie Factory studios needs and changing workplace ‘On a personal level, it’s ant editor for the Tony Livesey more convenient to get my sation tour was especially use- think the city is awesome. People supply details of say that. If you want to be a ing the HR team or relevant fer better access to the site A pedestrian bridge from and North West Vision and mean the process is never go- worked really well. We were and Stephen Nolan programmes daughter into a school. ful. I had great support from It’s great fun and it’s miles their skills and experience and broadcast assistant, put it at departmental managers. They and put Manchester Airport a behind BBC building C will Media, will be a Holiday Inn ing to be stress-free. So the ex- looking for a new start anyway on Radio 5 live, is the mother of ‘We were lucky in that our management but the general cheaper than London. I now upload a CV. Applicants then the top of your CV.’ will also receive regular up- 20-minute drive away. A total span the Manchester Ship Ca- and the University of Salford. perience of the early movers is but with this we can work in two pre-school children. She house sold very quickly. I knew system for finding a home to live in a flat in the city centre complete online assessments She urges applicants to sub- dates about vacancies. of 800 parking spaces will be nal, linking Salford Quays to ITV remain in discussions a valuable insight,’ the reloca- the same department, in the moved in November. where I wanted to live but rent could have been smoother. which I wouldn’t have been to help recruiters match them mit an up-to-date CV as ear- Visit bbc.co.uk/jobs/north/ allocated to BBC users in the Trafford Wharf, home to Impe- with Peel. tion manager said. same role, but in a different ‘I’m originally from Manches- moving was relatively stress- ‘Manchester’s excellent. able to do before.’
April 1: BBC North now a June: Hot September: January: Mid May: group in its APRIL: Fit Shoes North Site services SeptEMBER: DECEMBER: 2011 Studio Block Mid January: staff migration TIMELINE > own right out starts of phase three agreed, eg Moving dates Workplace fit out January: User operational BBC Philhar- starts from DECEMBER: BBC North buildings A catering confirmed of buildings A,B testing begins monic move London and fully operational and B and C complete Oxford Road 6 Features a 06·04·10 A world of ideas for future radio When he left the BBC last year, former head of FM&T for Audio & Music James Cridland set off on a tour of radio stations around the world. Here, he asks what can the BBC learn from them
Radio is a bit different to television. Yes, I the robots at Google: resulting in much better know you’re shocked. results in Google searches. You’ll be familiar with Who Wants to be a Mil- NPR also has a proper API – a way for com- lionaire. It’s shown in over 100 countries; tellingly, puters to access the content from their web- in China it’s called Who Deserves to be a Millionaire, site. It enables anyone to build things with NPR while in Ghana it’s simply Who Wants to be Rich. content, subject to a few terms and conditions. But, in over 100 countries, it’s the same format, A fireman who codes ‘for fun’ in the evenings with the same set, the same graphics, the same used this API to build an unofficial iPhone app scoring system, and the same cheesy local version – so good, it was actually better than the of- James Cridland on air of Chris Tarrant. ficial NPR app. So NPR raised their game and Compare that to UK radio, and the difference is the official NPR iPhone app now accounts for a stark. By and large, UK radio is made in the UK, by huge 33 percent of all of the traffic to their web- erators have to rebroadcast state-con- The joy of radio UK people, for UK audiences. There are a few import- site. By comparison, the best API that BBC News trolled news programmes during peak ed programmes: but in a country with hundreds can offer is an unformatted RSS feed containing breakfast hours, I ended up in Austral- of radio stations, those exceptions can be counted just one sentence. ia, a country that not only has the best on the fingers of one hand. After a gruesome farm- The public service broadcaster in Canada, weather in the world but probably the ing accident. And not using your thumb. CBC, runs a new-music station on digital plat- most positive radio culture. When I left the BBC, I was aware that I’d been forms. The only thing CBC Radio 3 plays is new All radio in Australia comes with in something of a cocoon. There’s precious little Canadian music, uploaded by the artists them- pictures on new DAB+ units; and Aus- mention of commercial radio when you work at selves. On their website are over 20,000 artists, tralian advertisers now provide imag- the BBC, let alone international radio. And for and 90,000 tracks; and these tracks are available es and URLs along with their audio someone like me, who looks at the by podcast, on-demand or on the live radio sta- copy. areas where tion. It broadcasts live from Vancouver, while the The recession didn’t really bite rest of CBC’s networks come from Toronto here. When DAB+ launched in June or Montréal; and as a result, it’s been last year, ABC launched ‘pop-up’ ra- able to act as a kind of mini pirate ra- dio stations on DAB+ – stations which
Norwegian radio
radio and new platforms col- lide, I felt there was a lot that UK radio could learn from other countries. This was the excuse I needed to go on a round the world trip: to vis- In the studio in Ghana it radio stations, drink beer, and otherwise have Slideshow on Dab+ a bit of a rest: a rest that my accountant assured me would probably be tax-deductable, if only I’d dio station inside the organisation: not forced to Listening to radio in Starbucks keep the receipts and bother to answer his emails work the same way and carry the same ‘it’s always last weeks or even days. A 24-hour, non-stop talk every now and again. been this way’ baggage of the larger networks. If radio station for the Melbourne Arts Festival was of our radio simply isn’t. From CBC’s Spark to I visited over 20 different radio stations and the BBC Trust rejects the proposed closure of 6 aired for only two weeks by the ABC: and run with NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and Kyle and Jack- companies, across North America, Australia and Music, surely this is how the BBC should refash- a staffing level of two people. Yes, just two. ie O on 2day FM, I’ve been lucky enough to hear the Far East. I learnt lots. ion the radio station: give it a building of its own Australian radio is edgy, fun to listen to, and some great radio. It’s a mystery why radio doesn’t NPR, the public radio organisation based in in Bristol, remove any traditional radio program- full of content. No ‘ten great songs in a row’ here: act more like television, and share great program- Washington DC, was fascinating. Unlike BBC Ra- mers, and give it the licence to reinvent itself as a it’s the kind of radio we used to broadcast: while ming worldwide. dio, they produce transcripts of their interviews social, new-music network: something that genu- we now judge good radio by a zero complaint tal- Radio might be different to television, but per- and programmes: mostly automatically, by using inely adds to British musical culture, and breaks ly at Ofcom, Australian radio judges it by its enter- haps television might be able to teach radio some- speech-to-text computer programs then an editor the rules as often as John Peel would have done. tainment value. thing after all. to tidy the transcripts up. This makes their con- Via Japan, where global broadcast standards Touching back down in the UK, I’m struck by James Cridland is a radio futurologist. For more informa- tent available to many more people, including mean little, and Thailand, where commercial op- how television is now a global market, but most tion on his trip, see his blog at james.cridland.net/blog/ a 06·04·10 Features 7
As it starts its third series, Claire Barrett speaks to the creators and stars of the Hat Trick comedy that holds a our mirror to family life and refuses to distort it for the cameras place or yours Projects are a cruel joke played by pri- learn their lines too well’, and often have to mary school teachers on middle class complete domestic chores while taking on parents. After the ballet classes, clari- the kids in verbal combat. ‘You have your net practice and angst over their child’s objective in a scene – cook a meal or wash move from red table to blue (colours are up – and your focus is so split,’ says Skinner. no mask for the fact this is a retrograde ‘That’s why it feels accurate as a parent.’ step) are dealt with, fraught parents Improvisation is a small but crucial part have to stay up half the night fashioning of the package, say the creators. Roche is of- words and pictures into an informative, ten armed with fact books to fuel his tan- but somehow childlike, presentation. gents, while Marquez’s imagination visits The writers, directors and producers some ‘subterranean places’. ‘She can hold an of BBC One’s Outnumbered, Andy Hamil- argument in her head,’ says Skinner. ‘She’s ton and Guy Jenkin, have clearly fallen very fluent and logical.’ victim to the prank. In the last series, we Her inquisitorial spirit sometimes spills saw a bleary-eyed Claire Skinner (Sue) off set. ‘When someone says, shall we do an- pleading with daughter Karen (Ramona other take, Ramona will say, why? Can I have Marquez) to add her name to the animal a biscuit? What’s for lunch? – which is what project her mother had crafted until the everyone else is really thinking,’ confesses early hours. ‘You do it,’ returns the six Dennis. year-old breezily, before skipping off to Despite a ‘crazily fast’ filming schedule – play. one series in seven weeks – a relaxed atmos- School projects return to haunt the phere prevails. The writers strip the set of ele- Brockman family in the new series ments of filming disliked by children – make opener. Karen’s World War Two assign- up ladies fiddling with their faces or shout- ment sparks a historical day out in Lon- ing – and provide them with easy sanctuary don. While history teacher Pete (Hugh in the giant green room of a house next door. Dennis) regards each landmark as an ‘It’s where they are tutored, where they play educational opportunity, his offspring computer games... it’s as informal as you can are either fishing coins from Trafalgar get,’ judges Hamilton. Square fountains (‘only idiots would If the pressure’s been turned up on the throw money in some water to make a writers, who’ve garnered a host of awards, wish’), scaling HMS Belfast’s mast (‘die, an earlier timeslot and even an American Nazi scum, die’) or passing judgement pilot, it’s yet to have an impact. ‘We were on modern art (‘it was rubbish – bits of writing this before any of that happened. carpet stuck to walls’). ‘I hope she comes Maybe it will affect series four.’ last with her bloody project,’ rants an Meantime, what message can its devotees exasperated Dad. Day trippers: Hugh Dennis, take from Outnumbered? It doesn’t have one, ‘It’s about family days out,’ Hamil- Daniel Roche, Tyger of course, ‘but if it did,’ confides Hamilton, Drew-Honey, Romana ‘it would be, don’t worry; there aren’t any Marquez and Claire Skinner perfect parents, just loving ones.’ Outnumbered, BBC One, April 8
ton tells Ariel. ‘It captures the hopeless, Jenkin, whose partner first spotted the futile experience of trying to show your ‘Many are best British Comedy newcomer, who’s children something that is interesting.’ at school with the couple’s twin sons. If that strikes a chord with viewers, universal ‘She commented that this girl was very it’s no accident. The series is steeped in confident in herself, very much her own the chaos, unpredictability and disap- experiences. person. The most interesting children pointment of family existence. ‘Many are we saw during casting tended to be the universal experiences,’ confirms Ham- None are ones who did the least acting.’ ilton. ‘None are exotic. It’s the grist of Daniel Roche, who plays energy ball everyday life.’ exotic. It’s (putting it kindly) Ben, took the unfa- ‘We write the plot and it seems to hap- miliar casting experience in his stride. pen to us,’ interjects Jenkin. ‘We must the grist of Hamilton recalls an improvisation write about winning the lottery...’ session during which Roche, ab- Life is changing for the Brock- everyday sentmindedly, began peering out mans in series three. Their house is the window. ‘If not a defining mo- up for sale and their eldest son Jake life’ ment, it showed a level of relaxa- (Tyger Drew-Honey) is a proper teen- tion that we remarked on.’ ager, with the concomitant strains ANDY The naturalistic performances that brings. ‘He’s a bit more of a hand- HAMILTON are key to the show’s success. The ful,’ agrees the writer, ‘and the prob- child actors don’t rehearse and lems are a bit more complex.’ are fed their lines minutes be- But it’s Karen who poses the greater fore a scene, requiring them parental challenge. ‘Her barrister-like to approximate and use qualities have got stronger – she won’t their own language. The let them get away with anything,’ says adult stars are told ‘not to 8 9 ELECTION COVERAGE RADIO COVERAGE Some of them might need a lie down
Radio 4 ‘For many people, general election night is more than who’s in and who’s out. It is late night guilty pleasure.’ So says Rupert Allman, election editor for Radio 4. ‘Our audience is the best informed in the country and over- whelmingly engaged in politics. It demands detail and intelligent debate.’ And that is what they will get, courtesy of ‘a cast of the most gifted radio broadcasters’. They include Jim Naugh- tie and Carolyn Quinn, who will present the results pro- gramme, with John Simpson, Ed Stourton, Libby Purves, Jenni Murray, Kate Adie and Andrew Marr reporting from around the UK. Ahead of May 6, much airtime will be devoted to FOR THE VOTE the month-long campaign. Schedule changes in- clude extending The World at One to an hour, dur- er Julie Tritton. ing which listeners will be able to question Gor- When the country goes to the polls, the BBC goes too. She and her team – a handful of don Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. people with decades of experience be- Part of the extra time will be used for broad- With the final countdown to the big day under way, tween them – have spent the last ten er political discussions, with Martha Kearney in- months working on Election 2010. The viting guests to chat on red benches brought in Sally Hillier talks to some of the key players behind aim, she says, was to come up with so- specially. ‘With so many MPs standing down, we phisticated, eye-catching images with- hope the benches will provide a suitable perch for the effort to cover this huge and complex story out them being too whiz-bang clev- lively debate,’ says Allman. ‘They might also double er for their own good. ‘They had to be Guilty pleasure: Rupert Allman as a place for those needing a lie down.’ clear and engaging, particularly for To borrow a line from Michael more than 300 cameras and 100 OBs. ‘The challenge is to make the site viewers who don’t usually watch polit- Radio 5 live Jackson, this is it. Show time. Like With an uncertain outcome and the feel live, not just on polling day but for ical programmes.’ Like Radio 4, Radio 5 live will have comprehensive cover- Wimbledon, Christmas Day and roy- possibility of a hung parliament, it has the entire month of the campaign,’ ex- age. But, says Christopher Hunter, who is looking after al weddings, general elections are the makings of a fascinating not to say plains Gareth Owen, senior product Swingometer the results programme: ‘I’m keen for us to sound very when eyes turn to the BBC. historic occasion. manager, news website. Huge creative effort has gone into the different. As a basic rule of thumb, they will concentrate ‘If you were trying to boil down So what other factors make this He and his team, comprising three ‘swingometer’ graphics to be used by on the politicians and we will concentrate on the peo- what the BBC is for, covering elections poll stand out? The most obvious is the designers, three developers and a jour- Jeremy Vine, who is stepping into Pe- ple.’ is high on the list,’ observes Craig Ol- presidential-style tv debates – a first nalist, have been ‘working like mad’ to ter Snow’s shoes for the first time at Victoria Derbyshire and John Pienaar will be in the hot iver, general election editor and the for the UK (see separate piece). The en- create the best possible online service a general election. seat on the big night, with other presenters at the head- man in charge of the flagship tv results counters between the three main lead- as part of a ‘joined-up, multiplatform Joining Vine and Dimbleby (on his quarters of the three main parties. operation. ers ‘will help to define the campaign in election experience’. eighth general election) in the tv stu- ‘In addition,’ says Hunter, ‘I’m going to have reporters Election 2010 embraces hundreds a way that has never happened be- Then there is the new kid on the dio on results night will be Emily Mait- around the country; at counts and places like 24hr super- of people across the organisation, from fore’, Oliver believes. block in the shape of social lis, equipped with a giant touch screen markets, meat and flower markets and cabbies’ cafes. the evergreen David Dimbleby to the Another differ- media. Step forward enabling her to call up any seat in the ‘I’m also going to race two of our reporters against each enthusiastic 20-somethings who have ence, at least com- Rory Cellan-Jones, country and talk in detail about what Entering the unknown: Daniel Pearl other to see who can get to the most declarations.’ signed up as runners, stringers, chas- pared to 1997, appointed digit- is happening. Political commenta- Throughout the campaign, the channel will give the ers, checkers and emergency input- 2001 and 2005, al election cor- tor Peter Kellner will be on hand too, public plenty of chance to have their say, via phone calls, ters ‘ready to take over in the event of a is the greater respondent number crunching and trend calling, emails, texts and other social media. power failure at TVC’. onus on the with a brief while Nick Robinson will ‘shape the Radio 5 live’s coverage in the run-up to May 6 is being The power failure horror is among contenders to cover narrative’ and Fiona Bruce will present Prime ministerial debates handled by Jonathan Crawford, who hopes the party lead- numerous ‘what ifs’ that have been pon- to spell out ‘every blog a news bulletin every hour. ers will participate in a breakfast phone-in with Nicky dered over and rehearsed during two what they and tweet’ Jeremy Paxman will assume his Campbell. He also plans to send Peter Allen on the road years of election planning. Two years! won’t do and mon- usual role as ‘grand inquisitor’ and An- with each leader for a day, and Victoria Derbyshire will be if elected, itor activi- drew Neil will be on the South Bank by There’s never been anything like it presenting four big OBs, looking at immigration, the econ- What the parties stand for given likely ty in cyber the London Eye, anchoring a discus- omy, crime and trust in politicians. All that hard work will now come budget con- space. sion among ‘the great and the good’. Ask Daniel Pearl his biggest fear nating.’ Each debate has a theme (do- vote, Pearl expects the third showdown roadblocks, usually because one party to fruition on screen, on radio and straints, rath- While he is The election night programme has over the prime ministerial debates mestic affairs for ITV’s, from the north to be a big attraction. or another considered it too risky. Radio 1 online. Get ready for special pro- er than what blogging, tweet- three key objectives, Craig Oliver says. and he replies with a laugh: ‘That west, moderated by Alastair Stewart; He doesn’t go along with the notion ‘What really helped this time was Newsbeat will have a prominent role in delivering cover- grammes, extended programmes, au- they will do. ing and monitor- ‘The first is to use it as a showcase for they won’t turn up.’ foreign affairs for Sky’s, from the south that viewers will be bored with the PM the BBC, ITV and Sky working together age on Radio 1, where a panel of first time voters, the fo- dience interaction programmes, not ‘Drawing out of ing away, audiences BBC talent on and off air. The second, They’ll turn up all right, making west, chaired by Adam Boulton). wannabes by then. Nor does he agree to make a joint proposal,’ says Pearl. ‘It cus of the network’s election output, is being recruited. to mention reams of information, them precisely what Making history: will be getting famil- to paraphrase James Carville [lead strat- history as the first party leaders to go The broadcasters drew lots to deter- that the discussion could be a bit ster- made things so much easier and sim- ‘We will have their profiles on our website interactive updates and features on the web and they plan to do in the next Craig Oliver iar with the ‘look’ of the egist on Bill Clinton’s presidential cam- head to head in such a way. The three mine the order of the debates and allo- ile due to the limitations that will be pler for the parties.’ map, and return to them as case studies on various issues,’ the regular news and current affairs few years will be difficult,’ general election cover- paign] is ‘it’s the results, stupid’. You debates, each lasting 90 minutes, will cation of themes, and Pearl is delight- placed on each 200-strong audience re- He pays tribute to Sue Inglish, head explains Newsbeat editor Rod McKenzie. ‘We’re going for outlets – at local, national, network Oliver notes. ‘I think that’s probably age, with branding and graphics in- can spend an awful lot of time on pe- be shown on consecutive weeks by ITV, ed to have the economy as the subject cruited by market research organisa- of political programming, for her a young single mum, someone who has lost their job, a and international level. our main job – to help people under- troduced throughout the campaign, ripheries like packaging but if you’re Sky and the BBC in that order. of the BBC programme, to be hosted by tion ICM (‘no applauding, jeering, boo- negotiating efforts as part of the joint squaddie, a cannabis user and so on.’ ‘There will be a huge amount of cov- stand what the parties stand for.’ rather than unveiled on results night. not getting the results done accurately Pearl is in charge of the BBC pro- David Dimbleby. ing or heckling while the leaders are team. The channel’s on-the-road strategy involves politics re- erage,’ Oliver promises, and that’s be- The web has a key role here, provid- As part of the ‘one BBC’ policy, and to and clearly, and telling the story from gramme, to be broadcast from the ‘The economy affects everyone’s speaking’). Because of the landmark nature of porters Robin Brant and Dave Howard going to various re- fore a single vote has been cast. Just ing information, explanation and in- make the most of resources, styling those results, you fail as a programme. Midlands a week before polling day. lives, and is also the area where there ‘I don’t think it will be too restric- the debates, intense media interest is gions to explore issues such as crime, drink, drugs, defence wait until polling day itself when the sight. A special page tracking the opin- will be consistent across all outlets. ‘The third is history. The BBC has ‘There’s a real sense of the unknown are significant differences between the tive, certainly not compared to the US. expected and Pearl is working closely and jobs. ‘We’ll use our Newsbeat/1X branded inflatable so- BBC’s efforts will culminate in a spec- ion polls has been available on the ‘The idea is to have the same brand been covering elections for a long time, about these events,’ he says. ‘What parties. Crucially, the GDP figures will Have you ever seen a memorandum of with newsgathering on logistics and fas as a running visual/audio device to get guests sitting tacular multimedia, multiplatform news website for a while – the precur- for everything: news bulletins, poli- and they all form part of our collective will they [Brown, Cameron and Clegg] be published the Friday beforehand, so understanding there [for presidential planning. ‘We’re making space for down and talking,’ says McKenzie. and, it has to be said, multi-long re- sor to a dedicated election site that will tics shows, debate programmes, online political consciousness and our sense do? Play it safe all the way or go steady there will be plenty to discuss.’ head-to-heads]? It’s huge.’ BBC journalists, lobby correspondents Online features will include a series of election guides sults fest. cover events as they happen, provide and the red button, rather than all the of ourselves as a country. We really on the first debate, then loosen up for Because of the topic and the fact Various attempts have been made and overseas reporters.’ (how to vote, for example), celebrities explaining what they As ever, the election night pro- national guides and local details, and different output areas doing their own want to get a sense of history across in the third when they might think they that many people leave it until the last over the years to set up leaders’ debates Make way, Midlands – here they would do ‘if I were PM’, and Tim Westwood compering a gramme is a massive project involving a speedy results service. thing,’ explains senior graphic design- the programme.’ have nothing to lose. It should be fasci- few days to decide where to cast their in the UK, but have always run into come. ‘politically balanced battle’ between three djs. 10 Opinion/Analysis a 06·04·10
As a House of Lords committee warns of a public backlash against digital radio switchover Claire Barrett has been looking at the drive to DAB RADIO get us all tuned in and converted by 2015. realising the dream photograph: ken sinyard ken photograph: Tom Everest had a dream. A dream in which Jenny Abramsky drove from one end of the country to the other listening to un- interrupted BBC digital radio, her head bob- bing in beat or perhaps in affirmation of a job well done. It didn’t happen, of course. Senior distri- bution manager Everest is still more than a few transmitters short of continuous cov- erage, while Abramsky traded in her audio and music fiefdom for the National Heritage Memorial Fund. ‘We’re not quite in Land’s End,’ Everest con- cedes. ‘We’re a mile or so short, and there’s a gap around Elgin which we’re hoping to fix soon, but we have gone all the way to John O’Groats.’ It seems you can’t move for DAB transmit- ters these days. They’re popping up at a rate of one a week, courtesy of contractor Arqiva, with the first 100 of them delivering digital ra- dio coverage to 85 percent of the population. ‘We’ve put a transmitter on Orkney, stuck a Will Jackson hopes couple in the Cairngorms, eight in the Welsh the benefits of valleys – they’re now in some communities as DAB will win the small as 3000 people,’ says Everest. ‘But we’re public over also reinforcing signals – building three more transmitters for London, for instance. We’re grinding away, improving stuff bit by bit.’ ver is that 50 percent of all radio listening is derstand, he says. ‘BBC 7, for instance, is our Conversion kits also need to become By the end of 2011, he confirms, the target done digitally. Currently that figure lags at most popular digital station, with an audi- cheaper and simpler, believes Jackson. ‘We of 90 percent coverage, via 120 additional trans- 21 percent. ence of 900,000, yet awareness of the serv- need to work with people like Tom Tom to mitters, will be achieved. But that’s still some ‘If everything is going in the right di- ice is only around 20 percent. It’s even low get digital radio into sat navs or with Kwik way short of the 98-99 percent – comparable to rection, I could just about imagine a 2015 among Radio 4 listeners.’ Fit so that when people bring their cars in FM coverage – that the government is demand- switchover,’ says Plumb, ‘but it is more likely Its rebranding as 4 Extra would ally it for a service they can get an easy upgrade ing before it will switch off analogue transmis- to take place a few years later. Whether that’s more obviously with Radio 4 – in the same to digital.’ sions. ‘That’s the scary bit,’ Everest admits. ‘To two, three or five years depends on the will of way that 1Xtra and 5 live Extra work as tag Not everybody, however, is convinced that go from 90 to 99 percent coverage we’ll need a government, industry and the BBC Trust.’ ons to Radio 1 and 5 live. digital sound is superior to FM. The bit rate further 400 to 600 transmitters – that’s almost Meantime a big sell is needed to convince Expect further announcements about reduction nine years ago that enabled the down to the level of transmitting from lamp listeners to cast aside their trusty transistors the BBC’s digital portfolio this year, but BBC to squeeze more services onto its multi- posts at the end of people’s streets.’ and fork out for funky digital sets. ‘Some of Jackson stresses that the BBC cannot do it plex triggered complaints of sonic deprecia- Digital requires more transmitters than them are design pieces,’ agrees Everest, who all. He bemoans the lack of high quality na- tion. Plumb takes the point, conceding that FM, he points out. FM signals travel further, regards the sale of 10m digital radios to date tional digital commercial networks – Plan- some classical music buffs, accustomed to while DAB signals aren’t too hot at climbing as a considerable feat. ‘People simply aren’t et Rock being perhaps the only exception crystal clear signals via rooftop FM aerials, hills. ‘There are 220 FM transmitters; we’ll used to going out and buying radios. They – with Channel 4’s withdrawal from the may detect some loss of quality. ‘The vast need hundreds more for DAB. Bear in mind, buy cars with radios or cd players with radi- market delivering the biggest body blow to majority, though, buy or recommend DAB too, that FM was planned for rooftop aerials os. Digital radio is having to reinvent the buy- the digital cause. ‘It may sound counter in- specifically because of the improved sound while digital radio is designed to cover the ing a radio market.’ tuitive, but we believe in competition,’ as- quality. We’ve had a lot of surveys done and road networks as well.’ Perceived cost has been a barrier, believes serts Jackson. ‘We support innovative new the most recent sees 88 percent judging it as Will Jackson, A&M head of strategy, who re- services on digital.’ good or better than FM.’ Strategic clarity gards it as part of his role – together with in- What would really give digital take-up a Another thorn in Plumb’s side is DAB+ – the Of course it can be done – but at a cost. With- dustry body Digital Radio UK – to spread the Turbo-charged boost is for car manufactur- DAB upgrade favoured in Europe. ‘We get lob- in the current licence fee settlement there word. ‘People still think they are expensive, ers to hitch a ride. Past concerns that driv- bied on bit rate and we get lobbied on DAB+,’ is no budget for delivering those tricky final but you can walk in to Tesco today and pick ers might lose their digital signals halfway he sighs. ‘It sounds better because it’s got a few percent required to complete both the one up for around £20,’ he says. A scrappage up the M1 have largely been allayed, with plus, but basically it allows you to squeeze BBC network and its commercial counterpart, scheme has been mooted for analogue radios, major road networks and motorways now more services into the spectrum.’ which carries the BBC local radio and nations but no firm details have emerged. well covered. Transmissions can be simply switched from services – something that a senior BBC contin- So a small outlay has secured you a digit- While agreement has been reached on DAB to DAB+, but that would render many dig- gent impressed upon the House of Lords com- al radio. What then? Well, the BBC’s digital a standardised digital radio chip which ital receivers defunct. Newer versions can re- munication committee in February. ‘In order multiplex will bring you its 11 national serv- will make sets effective across all European ceive both types of signal, however. to take the next step we need strategic clari- ices – that’s seven more than on FM. But be- markets, not just in the UK. Anyway, DAB+ was released in 2007 ty,’ Graham Plumb, acting controller, BBC dis- fore you get hooked on Shaun Keaveny over and the BBC first started to broadcast dig- tribution, tells Ariel. That’s clarity on funding breakfast, remember that 6 Music, along with There was no other way itally back in 1995 when it became appar- and on whether analogue transmissions can the Asian Network – two of the five digital sta- It’s been enough for Ford and Vauxhall to ent that FM had exhausted its potential. ‘If be suspended once DAB is in place. ‘It is not tions launched in 2002 to drive digital uptake commit to fitting their vehicles with dig- we’d stayed with analogue we would have sensible to pay twice,’ Plumb reasons. – are earmarked for the chop. Isn’t that a con- ital radios as standard, rolled out over the had to find an FM network for 5 live,’ rea- As part of the digital economy bill that is tradictory message for consumers? next couple of years. ‘A couple of hundred sons Plumb, ‘and there simply aren’t the currently going through Parliament, the gov- Jackson disagrees, pointing out that, re- quid at the factory gates for digital radio available frequencies in many major cities. ernment has earmarked 2015 for digital ra- gardless of the outcome of the strategy re- was a tough ask,’ says Everest. ‘Just as it And what about when we wanted to launch dio switchover – a date the BBC describes as view, investment in digital radio services was when there was a cost premium on in- 1Xtra or 6 Music? Radio would never have ‘ambitious’ and some commercial operators will stay constant. It’s more about deliver- tegrated tvs. They didn’t sell well then, but grown if we hadn’t gone digital. There was deride as ‘farcical’. One condition of switcho- ing a digital proposition that listeners un- now they are flying off the shelves.’ no other way.’
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Doctor makes it better takes is proactive members of staff could just do it. thinking that the people who make People are for- from every department involved, Sadly, after turning it off, that the decisions about catering provi- OBITUARY ever whinging good dialogue and the knowledge of seemed to be where their responsi- sion think that everyone at the BBC about how BBC ‘the patch’ that only local staff can bility ended. There was no follow-up works a neat nine to five, Monday to lynda darlington departments provide. to replace it, and still hasn’t been Friday. Anyone working outside of Lynda joined the never work Joe Pignatiello to this day, despite repeated com- those hours is sadly out of luck. research depart- together, that BBC Northampton plaints. We are told that a scaffold The previously 24 hour second ment at King- there’s always is needed. It must be coming from a floor News teabar once had a reason- swood Warren duplication and n I was there when the Doctor Who very remote corner of the UK. able offering, then it got a stupid re- (now BBC R&D) that network tour came to Salford (for work!) but Jim Todd design and new name and offered in 1986, as a never lets local as a ‘Whovian’ I was eager to see asst editor, World team, BBC News website less choice and reduced hours. It now secretary, where radio/tv know what’s going on. what the new Doctor was made of stops serving hot food altogether she worked up Well, that was proven wrong in and where the new series could be some time in the evening and often until her recent Northampton on March 31. It was going. After seeing Matt Smith and Starved out runs out of items on the super limit- untimely death, decided that the new Doctor Who, Karen Gillan make 110 percent effort I can’t be the only one to notice how ed menu. Westfield is only an option aged 51, from Matt Smith, a Northampton boy, with the kids, any concerns I had catering in TV Centre has steadily when it’s open and when we can get cancer. Over her 23 years with the would end his national tour at his were put at ease. They made an event been run down in the last few years. away from work long enough. BBC she worked for many different former school, Northampton School become an experience, one the kids It has been the poor relation to the So what’s the real story? There’s research groups, providing invaluable for Boys. won’t forget anytime soon. White City canteen, in terms of an agenda to get rid of catering in help and administrative support to a The event was a huge success, at- Colin Warhurst choice, for ages. TVC altogether. Tell us we’re wrong. wide range of R&D staff, with her ac- tracting national media attention, technical co-ordinator, Manchester Staff working in departments Eric Young cumulated wisdom in the weird ways but what makes it so special is that like Sport and Children’s can’t help studio engineer in which the BBC works. it was organised mainly by Radio Lynda met her future husband, Northampton, working with the High time for change Dave Darlington, while working at school and keeping in regular con- How long does it take for BBC facili- GRACE WYNDHAM GOLDIE (BBC) TRUST FUND Kingswood. She was devoted to their tact with the BBC Doctor Who team. ties to fix a broken light? Five weeks two daughters, Laura and Sophie, I was a mere observer at the and counting. I reported a flicker- Applications are invited for grants from the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) and her life revolved around them. event, but it went brilliantly and ing fluorescent tube above the main Trust Fund, which helps those involved in broadcasting or associated activi- Lynda was well known for her cheery should be held up as an example of World news website desk on Febru- ties, either now or in the past, as well as their children and dependants. manner and infectious laughter. She how local radio stations are more ary 20. A day later four staff from The trustees will consider giving financial help towards educational costs as made lots of friends at R&D over the than capable of hosting massive na- facilities came to look at it, shook well as to help relieve sickness or continuing hardship. years, many of whom attended her tional events and how different parts their heads over the danger likely to Those wishing to apply should write for an application form to: BBC Pension funeral. She will be sorely missed by of the BBC can work together, with ensue from them ascending a lad- Centre, Broadcasting House, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ, returning it no later than July 31. her friends, family and colleagues. external partners, very well. All it der to take it out, but reckoned they Dr Graham Thomas FEELS GOOD TO PAY LESS FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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To place a classified ad in Ariel please telephone 020 7878 2313 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you may post your ad to: Ariel Advertising, Ten Alps Media, One New Oxford Street, High Holborn, London WC1A 1NU To place an ad online go to www.bbcarielads.com Ariel Advert 01-04-2010:30th MARCH 2004 Page 12[1].qx 01/04/2010 10:35 Page 1
14 Jobs See Attachment
JOBS
PROGRAMME MAKING BUSINESS SUPPORT ————————————— ————————————— Business Analyst Wind of ANDZ MANAGEMENT Assistant Content Producer London London Multi-skilled - Senior Broadcast Centre Media Broadcast Centre Media OD Lead, BBC North Village Camera Operator / London Village Gweithredwr Aml-sgil - 7D/Ref: 287702 change TV Centre 6D/Ref: 288394 C 13-Apr-10 A 12 months Uwch Weithredwr Camerâu 11D/Ref: 288010 ————————————— C 11-Apr-10 A 12 months Cardiff E C 14-Apr-10 A 18 months Editorial Assistant, BBC 7D/Ref: 281322 ————————————— Media planner Heather Head of Communications, Proms E C 15-Apr-10 London BBC WORLDWIDE ————————————— English Regions North Henry Wood House Henderson steps up Scenic Supervisor Manchester 4D/Ref: 289973 Glasgow 10D/Ref: 289725 Territory Manager, Northern E C 14-Apr-10 A 05 months to the challenge of E C 19-Apr-10 Med 4H/Ref: 275582 ————————————— ————————————— E C 14-Apr-10 A 06 months Resourcing Manager, BBC Team Administration London teaching the public ————————————— North Assistant - Solutions edia Centre Script Secretary, Casualty London London Bristol SENEX/Ref: 288666 media skills on White City White City 3P/Ref: 285812 C 08-Apr-10 10D/Ref: 289426 4D/Ref: 289827 her placement C A ————————————— 12-Apr-10 06 months E C 12-Apr-10 A 12 months C A 12-Apr-10 06 months Territory Manager, Iberia ————————————— ————————————— Resourcing Manager, BBC PA to Commissioning London The last six months of my Stepping Stones JOURNALISM People Editor Arts & Media Centre placement has been a complete whirlwind. I’ve London Commissioning Editor to SENEX/Ref: 288665 been working for Connect and Create as a project White City manager for Step Up Scotland – a scheme to help Senior Broadcast Music and Events C 08-Apr-10 Journalist, World Desk 10D/Ref: 289424 London ————————————— members of the public learn media skills and E C 12-Apr-10 make content for tv, radio and online. London ————————————— 4D/Ref: 289789 Head of Marketing I started out with pretty much a blank sheet, TV Centre Communications Managers C 13-Apr-10 A 06 months London ————————————— so it was up to me how we ran the project. As well 8/9D/Ref: 289543 - Knowledge & Factual Media Centre Resourcing Project as recruiting the 13 trainees, I was planning work- C 19-Apr-10 A 06 months Entertainment SENEX/Ref: 288319 shops, assigning them BBC mentors and organising ————————————— London Manager, BBC People London E C 11-Apr-10 SBJ ( (Multi Media Morning TV Centre ————————————— White City Commissioner) 9D/Ref: 288774 Global Channels Systems Under Review/Ref: 289427 London C 12-Apr-10 A 09 months Administrator ‘The C 12-Apr-10 A 12 months TV Centre ————————————— Workplace Manager, Vision London 8/9D/Ref: 289296 London Media Centre quality C A NEW MEDIA 19-Apr-10 10 months 8D/Ref: 286964 1W/Ref: 289981 ————————————— C 18-Apr-10 A 12 months E C 19-Apr-10 Reporter/Producer, UK of the ————————————— Editor, Programme Support ————————————— Newsgathering Marketing Manager, BBC London Horticultural Editor Belfast - Broadcasting House SSO work TV Centre London 8/9D/Ref: 289290 Glasgow 9D/Ref: 289172 Media Centre C A 8D/Ref: 283458 has 19-Apr-10 06 months C 12-Apr-10 A 06 months ————————————— E C 12-Apr-10 2W/Ref: 290043 Senior Broadcast ————————————— E C 15-Apr-10 Commercial Manager ————————————— been Journalist, Radio York TECHNOLOGY London Assistant Management Leeds White City Accountant – Magazines brilliant’ 8D/Ref: 286343 8D/Ref: 278711 Senior Information E C 13-Apr-10 A 10 months E C 12-Apr-10 Architect London the equipment – all of which was completely new ————————————— ————————————— London Media Centre Broadcast Journalist, BBC Senior Trainer, Online to me. 8H/Ref: 284553 3W/Ref: 289979 Arabic Journalism E C 13-Apr-10 A 09 months E C 12-Apr-10 A 12 months Over the last few weeks, the recruits have pro- London London ————————————— duced two stories for BBC Scotland’s newsroom. Broadcasting House Bush House Technical Project Manager Considering that two months ago they didn’t know 7D/Ref: 270472 8D/Ref: 277498 Glasgow BBC NORTH much about producing a news story, the quality of E C 10-Apr-10 C 07-Apr-10 A 06 months 8D/Ref: 289824 the work has been brilliant. ————————————— ————————————— C 11-Apr-10 BBC North job opportunities One of my objectives was to make a difference Publicist, Knowledge Broadcast Journalist ————————————— London/Salford Quays to the lives of the people on the scheme, and I re- London (Breakfast Producer) BBC Senior Designer, BBC ally think that has been achieved. Watching them TV Centre Radio Bristol FM&T If you are looking for a role within develop has been incredibly rewarding. The central 7D/Ref: 289993 Bristol Glasgow a London department that is Connect and Create team gave me loads of support C 19-Apr-10 moving to BBC North, apply via 5/7D/Ref: 287728 8D/Ref: 289821 and advice and I think we’ve created a great pro- ————————————— job Ref: E C C 11-Apr-10 NTP207351. 19-Apr-10 Brand Executive - Radio 2, gramme. ————————————— ————————————— Radio 4 & 6Music As an assistant media planner, my day to day job Broadcast Journalist - BBC Software Engineer This includes continuing and London fixed term contracts with an end involves scheduling television and radio trails for Jersey Broadcast Centre Media Henry Wood House date 3 months after the role has BBC Scotland. When I first read the job description Jersey Village 7D/Ref: 289964 moved to Salford Quays. for the project manager role I was quite apprehen- 5/7D/Ref: 287213 8D/Ref: 287998 C 12-Apr-10 A 06 months E C 11-Apr-10 sive, as it was a more senior role. Six months since E C 12-Apr-10 ————————————— ————————————— Apply once and you will be con- ————————————— getting the attachment, my skills have definitely Portfolio Management Software (Flash) Engineer sidered for all relevant BBC Broadcast Assistants, BBC expanded and now I really wonder what I was wor- Office Lead London North Job opportunities. ried about. Radio Norfolk London Broadcast Centre Media My placement is due to end in a few weeks, and Norwich TV Centre We are currently recruiting for: Village it’s been one of the best things I could have done 3/4H/Ref: 288262-1 7D/Ref: 289447 8D/Ref: 270653 for my career at BBC Scotland. From the contacts I C 11-Apr-10 C 11-Apr-10 A 06 months E C 08-Apr-10 A 12 months Schedule Planner, Childrens. ————————————— ————————————— ————————————— ————————————— have made, to the knowledge I now have about var- ious operations within the building, it’s been a real eye opener. FULL DETAILS AND HOW TO APPLY EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS See the Step Up Scotland film here explore.gateway.bbc.co.uk/scotland/default. Full details and how to apply are on Gateway at: Vacancies published on this page are open to BBC Staff. aspx?page=4219 https://jobs.bbc.co.uk/fe/tpl_bbc02.asp Where indicated (E ), external applicants may also be considered. For assistance contact BBC Recruitment’s Response Please contact (quoting the appropriate ref.no.): Recruitment BBC Team on: 0800 082 8080 or 0370 333 1330 HR Direct, PO Box 1133, Belfast BT1 9GP Tel: 0370 333 1330. Been anywhere nice? Send your attachment stories to Clare Bolt
C Date which applications are to be received byE External applicants considered A Attachment/contract
14 OCTOBER 08 ARIEL a 06·04·10 What am I doing here 15 PHO T O GRAP h : t a m
CAREN DAVIES si n m foreign Head of orga Communications, n Radio 1, 1Xtra, report Asian Network, Switch and BBC Introducing Clark Ainsworth SBJ, Tunbridge Wells
When my Australian friend Lauren and I decided we couldn’t put off our long-talked about trip through Vietnam on Vespas any longer, riding the 1710km from Saigon to Hanoi on a 25-year-old scooter, on trying and often dangerous roads, I offered my limited skills as an amateur photographer to the BBC’s Viet- namese service. And I’m very pleased I did. As a keen snap- per I was always going to take lots of pho- tos, but knowing that some would now be featured elsewhere than my Flickr page, or photo album, pushed me to get more inter- esting shots. On the day we left Saigon, I got up at 6am and made use of the early morning sun for What did you want to be when What’s the most difficult thing Have you ever ‘come over all some street photography. Hanoi is the more you were young? about your job? ‘I always wanted funny’ when meeting your photogenic of Vietnam’s two biggest cities I have always loved radio. I Trying to balance my work- hero? but Saigon is far more progressive and con- volunteered on hospital ra- load as I am across five to be a sports I went funny when I met Chris tains greater contrasts. dio in my teens and present- brands which involve more Moyles. I couldn’t talk to him High rise buildings are springing up every- ed the chart show but I cringe than 100 presenters. presenter; I sent properly because I had lis- where, replacing more and more of the city’s when I think back on it now. a tape of myself tened to his show since he colonial heritage. What do you enjoy most about started on Breakfast. It was ‘The Legions of high- What does your job involve? working there? to Bob Shennan quite intimidating to meet heeled women and I am the strategic lead for com- It’s a really exciting, vibrant him and the rest of the team Vietnamese Ray Ban wearing munications on Andy Parfitt’s place where no two days are when I was 17’ after waking up to them for men on scooters management team. We set the same. And of course the so long. It didn’t help that really like rode past the lat- and implement the commu- people. It sounds naff, but Yald- I met them in a boardroom est luxury western nications strategies for each ing House has a family atmos- sports presenter; I sent a tape with them all staring at me to pose for stores, while coni- brand. I lead on key Radio 1 phere and everyone is passion- of myself to Bob Shennan when and I had to introduce myself cal hat-wearing stories and head a team of ate about the work they do. We I was 17. He wanted me to and try and say something in- photographs’ workers clean the press and MarComms staff. go to great events, like Radio come and meet him but I went teresting – I didn’t succeed. streets, residents 1’s Big Weekend, which are to Uni instead. I regret not go- play badminton in the parks and youths flog How did you get started at hard work but loads of fun and ing to see him, but the fact he What sort of music do you like? knock-off books and dvds to tourists. the BBC? you meet lots of fab people. even replied made my day. All sorts from pop to r ‘n’ b Leaving the city behind us, we headed I was a press and PR officer for to indie, everything that’s along the coast, stopping at tourists sites BBC Midlands at Pebble Mill in What do you like to do away Do you ever have to deal with played on Radio 1 and 1Xtra as well as lesser known towns and villages. Birmingham. I worked with a from work? troublesome rock stars? basically. Although my guilty It struck me, in those less visited areas, that fab group of people and we or- I am a magistrate so I sit in At Radio 1’s Big Weekend we pleasure is cheesy pop. given the slightest opportunity the Vietnam- ganised extra curricular events court in West London once a run a fully operational press ese will pose for photographs. from football tournaments to month which puts life in per- office, and the artists come in Talking of guilty pleasures, We stopped for a short break after riding quiz nights and the annual spective. I like watching all to do interviews. No one has have you got any bad habits or over the 12-mile Hai Van mountain pass which Christmas party. I had a great sports and am a Wolves fan. been much trouble so far al- guilty secrets? straddles central Vietnam. As usual, the sight few years in Birmingham. I am also addicted to Ameri- though sometimes they ask Biscuits – every office I have of two westerners covered in road dust, rid- can tv drama – Lost, Heroes, for some interesting things. ever worked in has to have ing shabby Vespas, attracted attention. One Do you think being a press True Blood, Entourage, Brothers Last year one band had a mas- an endless supply of bis- man sat beside me, looked me up and down officer is a difficult job? and Sisters – the list goes on. sage table and another asked cuits so people around me al- and offered me a cigarette. I politely refused Yes, and it’s often a thank- for a cheeseboard but I can’t ways blame me if they put on and, using a mixture of sign language and a less one. For example, you If you had your time again possibly say who they were. JLS weight. I am also completely couple of badly spoken Vietnamese words, can spend weeks setting up what would you have done are our team’s current favour- addicted to my Blackberry. asked whether I could take his picture as he features for them to drop at differently? ites – they are lovely guys. was wearing a rather fetching green pith hel- the last minute if a big sto- I always wanted to be a What’s the best tip you have met. He initially declined, but as soon as he ry breaks, and then I have been given at the BBC? saw Lauren’s sunglasses he put them on en- to explain that to produc- My first boss at the BBC thusiastically and posed for his picture. tion, which isn’t easy. CV (the legendary Simon Chan- On another occasion a woman took it upon Degree: BA English, Manchester University non) said: ‘Be nice to people herself to get all her neighbours and their chil- What sort of skills do you think At 14 I started working at a boarding kennels for on the way up as you may dren to pose for a shot after she spotted me you need? First job: see them again on the way wandering about with my camera. the huge sum of 70p an hour down’. I think that’s good One abiding memory from my trip is the Good people and communi- - cation skills, common sense, Career landmark: Getting a job at the BBC. Work – and you should always interest, alongside mirth, that my arrival in the ability to stay calm in a ing for the BBC was something I always wanted to do treat people how you would the smaller towns caused. Field workers crisis, good contacts, creativ- Telling a really like to be treated yourself. would down tools and approach me to feel ity, resilience and to be able Most embarrassing moment: - my soft ‘work-shy’ hands and children riding to adapt quickly to chang- cool Radio 1 exec that I liked boy bands and, in par Interview by Sue Llewellyn to and from school would try and get me to ing situations. You never ticular, Blue. I have no idea why I said that. reciprocate a peace sign or friendly hello. know what is coming next.
> CONTACT clare bolt to suggest a colleague for this feature 16 a 06·04·10
A weekly take on life at the BBC: who’s up, who’s down, who’s off green room The Green Room WE HEAR THAT. . . Guide to the Grand there can only be Look out Banksy – Blue Peter editor Tim Levell has been sharing some handy hints on how to National avoid street art embarrassment in a recent one beard email to everyone in Children’s. ‘If you’re With Sport Interactive’s horse filming in an ‘urban’ location,’ he counsels, ‘double and triple-check the graffiti on the racing guru Honest Frank walls in the background.’ It seems the team have twice had ‘offensive words or images’ The days before sneak through that were neither spotted on Saturday’s Grand location (‘despite careful checking’) or in “National are exciting the edit suite. And don’t go thinking it’s be- for many, and tricky for me. cause he’s not down with the kids: ‘Trust me, Novice punters engaged even urban former pirate djs from da streetz in their office sweepstake like myself can get hoodwinked,’ he writes. ‘Or ask all manner of questions. maybe it’s just coz I’m in my 40s...’ VS V PHOTOGRAPH: Won’t the jockeys be tired from the previous race? Why do they have different weights? Is Red Rum running? The famous Aintree race, which is on BBC One (and high Win Doctor Who definition for the first time), Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport
website, is due off at 4.15pm. D anessa goodies One of my tasks for bbc.co.uk/sport is to prepare a pin- stickers’ guide to all the runners and riders which is probably Doctor Who Adventures magazine re- viewed by 500,000 people. Oh, and try to pick the winner. launched last week for its 160th issue, which eges From 75 race entries a week beforehand, this only goes contains the first in a series of exclusive diary down to a maximum final field of 40 on Thursday. A dry THE THE SEA reports from actor Matt Smith, a free Tardis spell, or rain, can affect chances, so a weather watch is clock and the chance to win a life-size Dalek. needed. WIZARD CAPTAIN Other new features include a new Doctor Who This year, a dream result for roman- Adventures comic strip, plus the introduction of tics would be Dream Alliance, the Website: justgiving.com/ Website: justgiving.com/ a secret code which runs through the magazine horse bred on a Welsh coalpit who saveorshavewizard saveorshaveseacaptain and allows readers has bounced back from pioneer- Tagline: ‘The more money the more Tagline: ‘The more money, the mer- to decode hidden ing stem cell treatment. magical he will become’ rier he will be’ Doctor Who facts I can see former Irish Grand Age of Beard: 11 years Age of Beard: Four years and information. National winner Niche Market Beard Attributes: Magical powers: Beard Attributes: Takes him on Magazine fa- and lightly-weighted Ballytrim when stroked at meetings it makes many strange and wondrous adven- vourites, such as doing well, if he makes the people believe he is cleverer than tures. The worst adventure however puzzles, quizzes final cut. But a lot of luck is he actually is. was when his beard became entan- and posters, also needed, so good luck one gled with a baby. feature. and all. Quote: ‘Magical Interweb powers Quote: ‘Arr, you can’t sail the seas in a sieve, Doctor Who Ad- for awesome come from beards. and you can’t grow a beard if you shave. Save ventures comes ” Don’t take mine away’ the Sea Captain or walk the plank. Arrr’ out weekly and Get Aintree updates at costs £2.10. twitter.com/ We have a six honestfrank Web developer for Children’s Pete ‘The Wizard’ McVicar is going up against month sub- AP for Children’s concept development Ben ‘The Sea Captain’ Courtney in an scription to epic battle of the beards in aid of Unicef. Whoever makes the least money on the magazine, their Justgiving page is in for the chop – and as you can see by the above im- plus a Doc- age, the beards are long and the stakes are high. tor Who goodie bag – including But who to sponsor in this clash of the titans? With the help of CBBC interac- books, audiobooks and a t-shirt – to give away, EARWIGGING tive producer Amy Williams, instigator of this grand challenge, we’ve com- courtesy of BBC Magazines. To enter to win, tell piled the handy cut-out’n’keep fact sheet above for you to see how the beards us: Who played the first Doctor? OVERHEARD AT THE BBC match up - and which deserves your cash. Choose wisely - the loser will be Email ariel.competitions by April 12. publicly shorn at a ceremony, venue to be confirmed, on May 7. …Yep, that’s P for pheasant... …Oh, you’re having watercress soup... Are behind the glamour you doing mephedrone ‘The last thing you re- dennett melita PHOTOGRAPH: dio to give a compelling ally need when nine months insight into the individu- yet?... pregnant,’ says BBC Sussex als behind the make-up and Surrey presenter Allison and saucy pseudonyms – ...It’s a good job he Ferns, ‘is to be confronted by though they couldn’t help nearly died... three glamorous drag artistes but entertain as well... in full regalia. Talk about being ‘One particularly funny ...I’ll mount your muntjac... shown up!’ Well, she did bring it anecdote came from Maisie upon herself by switching WAG Trollette, aka David Raven, ...What was I just doing? Was it nuclear time – a regular slot on her and involved a gig where he willy number one?... afternoon show where wives sang ‘Sugar in the morn- and girlfriends talk everything ing, Sugar in the evening’ ...I can walk today, I have new jeans... womanly – to the slightly more to stony silence,’ says Al- butch DRAG time, for one week lison. ‘He only realised later ...Have I crashed into Japan again?... only. that the audience consisted Three local drag artistes of the Diabetic Society of ...You can’t tweak his nipples – he’s joined her in the Brighton stu- Hampstead.’ from Radio 4... > IF YOU HAVE A STORY FOR THE GREEN ROOM, CONTACT ADAM BAMBURY