11·08·09 Week 32 explore.gateway.bbc.co.uk/ariel THE BBC NEWSPAPER
How life in salford is shaping a up for R&D people Page 7 photograph : OLIVIA WOO : OLIVIA D HO U A lot of SE hot air
Martin Evans reports for BBC Bristol at the ◆ city’s famous international balloon fiesta. The Cameron Turtle 120, piloted by Lenny Cant with crew member Charlotte Visser, was one of more than 70 hot air balloons which took part in the four day spectacular. > NEWS 2-4 WEEK AT WORK 8-9 OPINION 10 MAIL 11 JOBS 14 GREEN ROOM 16 < 162 News aa 00·00·08 11·08·09 NEED TO KNOW the week’s essentials NEWS BITES a Children in Need’s 2008 appeal Here is the news – just about has raised £37 million, up £1 million on the figure announced in April. CiN recently distributed Room 2316, White City u Is there no end to the woes of Channel 4 more than £12 million to 333 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS and ITV? Channel 4 is to axe News at Noon, pre- projects in the UK in the second of 020 8008 4228 sented by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, at the end of three grant rounds. The final grant Managing Editor the year and will remove all news output from round will take place in October. Stephen James-Yeoman 02-84222 its digital-only More4 channel. Deputy editors The broadcaster says it needs ‘to find effi- Sports news editor Mihir Bose ciencies’ in its news budget and that it wants resigned last week because of Sally Hillier 02-26877 to concentrate its resources around its flagship personal reasons. The BBC declined Cathy Loughran 02-27360 7pm programme, presented by Jon Snow. to comment on reports that he left Features editor ITN, which provides news for Channel 4, will because he did not want to move Clare Bolt 02-27445 close around 20 posts as a result of the loss of to Salford. Bose was appointed in Reporters News at Noon. 2007, joining the BBC from the Daily Laura Scarrott 02-84224 As part of its licence from Ofcom, Channel Telegraph, where he had launched Peggy Walker 01-43940 4 has to include a certain number of hours of the paper’s Inside Sports column. Production editor news in peaktime but the length of the broad- Claire Barrett 02-27368 casts is not specified; one of its obligations is Fergus Walsh was named broadcast Art editor to have a lunchtime summary, so it will offer a journalist of the year in the Medical Ken Sinyard 02-84229 brief bulletin – of just a few minutes, compared Journalists’ Association Awards, to the 30 minute duration of News at Noon. for the second year running. Ariel online Meanwhile ITV, equally hard hit by the Alex Goodey 02-27410 recession, posted a loss of £105m for the first Kate Walsh, runner-up in The Business co-ordinator six months of the year. At the same time it Apprentice, has been named co-host Silvana Romana 02-84228 announced that it had sold Friends Reunited for of Live From Studio Five on Five. The Ariel mail £25m to Brightsolid Limited, which is owned by u The appointment of David Taviner to the nightly magazine show will go [email protected] DC Thomson, after having agreed to pay a total newly created role of series editor of Songs of head to head with The One Show. Ariel online explore.gateway.bbc.uk/ariel of £175m for it in 2005. Praise (see Page 4) marks another chapter in the There is no word yet on who is to replace history of a programme that will celebrate its BBC Swahili’s young entrepreneur Michael Grade, who will step down as chief 50th anniversary in 2011. competition has received more Guest contributors this week executive of ITV later this year. Not bad considering the scepticism that sur- than 10,000 entries. Entrants were rounded its launch all those years ago. asked how they would use $5000 anne gilchrist, controller CBBC, u If it’s brighter broadcasting news It all started one Sunday lunchtime in 1961 to start a business that would have passes on her tips for writing for you’re after, there is some – on the high defi- when Donald Baverstock, a producer on the cur- an impact in their community. young viewers P8 nition front. Two deals have been signed that rent affairs programme Tonight, saw by chance kieran yeates, a production will bring HD tv channels, including BBC HD, a test transmission of an outside broadcast of Zane Lowe will present the Arctic trainee, goes on attachment – to the to Freeview, starting in just four months’ time. hymn-singing in Welsh from a Welsh chapel, Monkeys live in session from place where he grew up P14 In the first deal, the corporation and ITV and suggested that a similar offering in Eng- Maida Vale on August 17. The Alex Gallafent, Boston-based plc have agreed final terms for the launch of lish might prove popular. band will perform previously reporter, writes on the Red Sox P15 ITV1 HD alongside the BBC HD channel on the The suggestion was greeted with a marked unheard material from their BBC’s Multiplex B, which will be used to deliver lack of enthusiasm within the BBC religious new album. The special will be Freeview HD. Work is now progressing on car- department – ‘how can we attract young people broadcast on Radio 1 from 7pm. riage deals with Channel 4/S4C and Five, to to religion with a programme of hymn-singing BBC Jobs 0370 333 1330 complete the line-up. in church?’ – but nonetheless a short series was Noel Vincent, a former BBC head Jobs textphone 028 9032 8478 In the second agreement, the BBC has commissioned. of tv and radio worship, and a BBC Jobs John Clarke 02-27143 arranged with transmission company Arqiva to Songs of Praise was an overnight success. It regular contributor to Radio 4’s Room 2120, White City, London W12 7TS provide special early transmissions of Freeview went on to get audiences of 12 million and even Daily Service and Prayer for the Day, Advertise in Ariel HD in London from December this year and today still gets an average audience of 2.5m. It has died after a long illness. Ten Alps Publishing 020 7878 2314 in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford and is now the only religious programme sched- www.bbcarielads.com Newcastle ahead of the World Cup in 2010. uled for peaktime viewing on a free-to-air chan- Discounted staff tickets for Radio It means that Freeview HD, including BBC nel in Europe and possibly in the world. 2’s ‘Thank You For The Music: A Printing HD, will be capable of reception in around half Presenters have included Cliff Richard, Harry Celebration Of The Music Of ABBA’ Garnett Dickinson Group of UK homes by the World Cup. Secombe and Thora Hird. Currently the regu- in Hyde Park on September 13 are Rotherham 01709 768000 Although the BBC HD channel is available lar team members are Aled Jones, Pam Rhodes, available from the BBC Shop or Subscribe to Ariel on digital satellite tv, the BBC believes it essen- Diane Louise Jordan and Sally Magnusson. Spin- by calling x(02)58230. They cost Six months: £26, £36, £40 tial that it has a presence on digital terrestrial; offs include The Big Sing at the Albert Hall and £20 each (usual price £25) or buy Twelve months: £50, £60, £68 Freeview, now available in 70 percent of homes, The School Choir Of The Year Competition, both 7 tickets and get an 8th free. (prices for UK, Europe, rest of world is the most popular digital tv platform. shown on BBC One. respectively) Cheques to: Garnett Dickinson Print, Brookfields Way, Manvers, reporting scotland goes a long way to get the story Wath Upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 5DL by Brian Ashman Fieldwork: Tel 01709 768199 Brian INFORMATION IN AN EMERGENCY Reporting Scotland recently sent teams Ashman and Telephone 0800 0688 159 to various remote parts of the country for a Kevin Keane Ceefax Page 159 www.bbc.co.uk/159 week long look at coastal erosion around the on the shores and the damage being caused to sensi- island of Ariel is produced by Internal tive historical sites. Bressay near Communications for people at the BBC With reporter Kevin Keane, from Aberdeen, Lerwick I was tasked with going to Skara Brae in Ork- ney and then on to the island of Bressay in Shetland to shoot, edit and send finished stories back to Glasgow, plus going live into Reporting Scotland aided by portable satellite equipment. PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR COPY OF ARIEL It was the first time that streaming from a BGAN unit using ‘xtream’ 384k had been used to get the cut packs back to Pacific Quay Western Isles during the week with a system used as far north in the UK. Using Quick Link from Orkney and Shetland BBC bases. called WiMAX using the local community Live software on a laptop into the BGAN unit Broadcasting stories about erosion from broadband connectivity. worked very well for the lives, but as costs around the country was deemed to be a Brian Ashman is a lighting cameraman/editor were all important, FTP server exchange was success with a similar operation from the based in Inverness
> ARIEL ONLINE: BBC NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – EXPLORE.GATEWAY.BBC.CO.UK/ARIEL< a 11·08·09 News 3 photograph: Ed Swind Ed photograph:
More records e n tumble in latest Rajars
by Sally Hillier ing around 465,000 new listeners in a year, while Radio 1 and Radio 5 live With every fresh set of Rajar figures added 660,00 and 400,000 listeners come new records. And so it was last respectively in the same period. week when it emerged that 46.3 mil- Radio 5 live’s figure was the highest lion people or 90.3 percent of the UK for more than five years population listens to radio each week. Chris Moyles has 7.72 million lis- This compares to 45.1 million a year teners – up from 7.21m last year – but ago and is the highest weekly reach Terry Wogan has 7.93m, compared to ever recorded since new research 7.75m 12 months ago. methodology was introduced in 1999. 1Xtra’s reach is up nearly 150,000 More than one-third of the popula- to 634,000; BBC 6 Music has 595,000 tion (18m against 15.7m at the same listeners (compared to 551,000 last time last year) listens digitally, with year and 681,000 last quarter); BBC 16.9m adults saying they live in a Radio 7 has 834,000 listeners, against household with a DAB (digital audio 812,000 last year and 984,000 last broadcasting) receiver. The figure 12 quarter. The BBC Asian Network, months ago was 13.9m. which has refreshed its schedule in a During the measurement peri- bid to combat falling listening figures, od (March 30 to June 28), BBC radio has an audience of 421,000 compared audiences reached 34.1 million – the to 473,000 a year ago and 405,000 second highest ‘All BBC radio’ reach last quarter. The World Service has a for ten years. weekly reach in the UK of 1.44 million Among the networks, Radio 3 – up from 1.31m last year and 1.47m passed the 2m mark, Radio 4’s audi- last quarter. ence nudged 10 million after attract- Ariel View, P10 Warmth and wit at stoke Radio Stoke and Radio Shropshire 1000.7 Heart fm in Birmingham, Mor- were among the BBC local stations gan hadn’t presented ‘for a very long that fared well in the Rajars. time’, Owen explains, but: ‘I’d worked Stoke now has 185,000 listeners with him when I was at Heart and I – 30,000 more than 12 months ago. knew he had a talent.’ Sue Owen, managing editor, puts Radio Shropshire has 115,000 lis- it down to ‘a great team’ and a new teners a week, up from 110,000 this breakfast show. ‘About 18 months time last year, and its highest figure ago we brought in Pete Morgan and since 2005. Tim Page, programmes the audience love him. His pro- editor, says the station has worked gramme has warmth and wit.’ hard to increase its appeal. ‘It’s Previously breakfast producer at about three years since we started thinking in depth about our output. We’ve not had a revolution, but have All the fun of the fair: Radio Nottingham square) for live music and other entertainment. certainly evolved.’ weatherman and keen crooner Des Coleman ‘It was fantastic,’ says station editor Sophie BBC London 94.9 added almost took to the stage to sing a couple of numbers Stewart. ‘We had the most glorious evening – 100,000 listeners ,recording a total during the latest Big Night Out organised and Des really delivered.’ of 559,000 listeners a week. by the station. The Big Night Out project began two years ago Reach for BBC local radio in the After rain all day, the sun finally shone in the to encourage locals to reclaim the streets from regions, however, continued its evening when crowds flocked to the city’s urban the violence and drunken behaviour for which Breakfast star: Pete Morgan downward trend year on year. beach (laid down for the summer in the market Nottingham had gained an infamous reputation. It was fair to ask Alagiah to quit charity role, says Boaden
The decision to ask George Alagiah tian Aid – who had asked for Ala- paigns for the interests of farmers in take a view on this or to be perceived be seen to be impartial. That is why to give up his charity role as patron giah’s patronage to be re-instated in the developing world. to take a view. it is inappropriate for a BBC journal- of the Fairtrade Foundation has been order to continue his ‘immensely val- It is the campaigning//activism el- ‘Our job is to represent all sides in ist to take a high-profile, public role defended by Helen Boaden, director uable contribution’. ement that presents the corporation an argument accurately and fairly, representing an organisation which of news. Alagiah, presenter of the Six O’Clock with a problem and could, it believe, and test them as rigorously as we can [...]takes a very particular view of the She has written to The Times in News and patron of the foundation lead to a potential conflict of interest. to allow our audiences to reach their controversial issue of global trade.’ response to the founding members of for a number of years, expressed Setting out the BBC’s commitment own judgements. Alagiah is due to present a new the Fairtrade Foundation – including ‘regret’ at having to step down from to impartiality, Boaden says: ‘It is not ‘And it is not enough for our jour- series call Future of Food, which Cafod, Oxfam, Traidcraft and Chris- his role with the charity, which cam- the business of BBC journalism to nalism to be impartial. We must also starts on BBC Two on August 18.
4 News a 11·08·09 photograph: M photograph: I was given two Taviner takes
AR on Songs blankets and Over the moon K LEE of Praise
In one of his first moves since put in the cells joining the BBC as head of as new football religion and ethics and com- by Adam Bambury missioning editor for televi- sion, Aaqil Ahmed has ap- A BBC Scotland jour- pointed David Taviner to the nalist was arrested season kicks off newly created post of series last week following editor on Songs Of Praise. her undercover in- This will free up Tommy vestigations at a care Nagra, executive producer, home for Panorama. religion and ethics, who Arifa Farooq was exec produces Songs of Praise, initially quizzed by to take on other projects. police at Pacific Quay Currently a producer and before being arrest- director in religion and eth- Held: Arifa Farooq ed while voluntarily ics, Taviner has worked for attending an inter- the BBC in tv and radio pro- view at Maryhill Police Station in Glasgow. duction for 25 years, 13 of Farooq, who works with the investigations which have been spent in unit, had gone undercover earlier in the year religious broadcasting. His to expose the working practices of Scottish credits include Morning Wor- care homes. She was detained following a com- ship for Radio 4 and Good plaint regarding her use of false documenta- Morning Sunday for Radio 2; tion to secure employment with Clydebank- he has also produced and based firm Domiciliary Care. directed many editions of ‘I had no idea I was going to be arrested, so Songs of Praise in the UK and it was a shock,’ she told Ariel. ‘I had everything Good to be back: overseas. put into bags, was frisked quite rigorously, and Colin Slater then basically sent to the cells with two blan- kets and a wad of bog roll in my hand. I was told: Salford to be ‘There you are, sit in there for a wee while.’ by Peggy Walker its dramatic promotion to the Premier League. The journalist was then held for an hour Radio Lancashire started covering the Clarets reg- before being released, after she had given finger- Radio Nottingham’s Colin Slater is among local ularly in 1971. ‘cost neutral’ print and DNA samples and been photographed. radio staff preparing for the new football season. Gary Hickson, sport editor, says the fans are The reported £876m expense A report will be submitted by the police to the Slater, celebrating his 50th season covering rightly proud of their team. ‘They’ve always had of relocating some divisions procurator fiscal, the Scottish equivalent of the Notts County, received the Sony lifetime achieve- a realistic approach to their football and expecta- to Salford is a ‘very early esti- Crown Prosecution Service, who will decide ment award this year for his ‘craftsman’s skill at tions as far as finance – or the lack of it – is con- mate’ looking ahead to 2030 what action, if any, to take next. shaping match commentary and unstinting com- cerned. Who would deny them their glory times and ignores savings that will Farooq’s investigations formed part of Britain’s mitment to radio’s role within the sporting com- ahead in the Premier League and some of the be made, says the BBC. Homecare Scandal: A Panorama Special, which was munity of his home city’. trips to those places they could only dream of for The sum was revealed originally broadcast in April. Her findings raised He collected the award from former Not- many years.’ by the City AM newspaper, a public debate and prompted the Scottish Par- tingham Forest winger, and old friend, Martin The club’s success is celebrated in a one-off which said it had seen con- liament’s local government committee to launch O’Neill. documentary presented by life long fan Alastair fidential documents. an investigation into the practice of online bid- BBC Suffolk is also looking forward to the new Campbell. Burnley are Back! will be shown on BBC In response, the BBC said: ding auctions for homecare contracts. season after regaining the rights to carry com- One North West on Friday, repeated on Saturday ‘The figures quoted are early Many groups spoke out in support of the mentary of every Ipswich Town game for the next at 4.30am on BBC Two. It will also be available estimates from an internal investigation. Atholl Duncan, BBC Scotland’s three seasons. Previously, commercial station on BBC iPlayer. budget document. They do head of news and current affairs, said: ‘We are Heart had a deal with the club, leaving the BBC It’s not all good news in the regions. This year not include the significant very concerned about the action taken against station with only away commentaries. saw the death of legendary Radio Cumbria com- savings that will be made in Arifa and its consequences for the freedom of ‘Last season thousands of people couldn’t hear mentator Derek Lacey. moving departments out of investigative journalism. We now await consid- home matches at all because the commercial The voice of Carlisle United took on the role London after 2013. eration of the matter by the fiscal.’ transmitter didn’t reach them,’ explains Peter in 1998 and became known for his warmth and ‘The move is still in its Though she admits events like her arrest Cook, managing editor. ‘We’ve been inundated self-deprecating humour, as well as earning cult early stages so any budg- make her job ‘that bit more difficult’, Farooq with calls, texts and emails from listeners saying status for his on-air mistakes. As the new season ets are clearly not final. says it has not deterred her from further investi- how pleased they are now.’ starts, commentator James Philips has some big However the BBC has gatory work: ‘I’d do it again in a heartbeat,’ she Brenner Woolley will lead the commentary boots to fill, but he and the rest of local radio committed to achieve a says. ‘The issue was so important, and we got team for the station over the three year deal. sports teams are excited to be back doing what cost neutral outcome.’ such great results from it.’ Another happy tale is that of Burnley FC and they do best. Northern Exposure, P7 FIGHTBACK: Yentob and Bennett speak out by Sally Hillier that show. Maybe Ben Bradshaw and Harriet Har- Back to Bennett, who in an article in the man are no different from anybody else.’ Media Guardian pointed out Jay Hunt had had no Enough’s enough, declared Jana Bennett and He was also scathing about Bradshaw’s sup- involvement in the day to day running of the com- Alan Yentob last week as both came out fighting port for top slicing. ‘He misunderstands the pany run by her husband, nor any involvement in over the barrage of criticism directed at the BBC. arguments… They are about the integrity of the contracts between it and the corporation. First Bennett, director of Vision, stood up for licence fee and the independence of the BBC.’ While she acknowledged that BBC executives BBC One controller Jay Hunt who hit the head- Then there were strong words over the criti- would always attract press scrutiny, Bennett con- lines after it emerged that her husband runs cism of BBC expense claims, with Yentob describ- sidered it ‘manifestly unfair’ that in Hunt’s case a media training business for which is she com- ing presents for talent as ‘small gifts to benefit this had extended to personal character attack. pany secretary. the organisation’. He added: ‘I don’t think there’s ‘I’ve known Jay Hunt for years and I know Then creative director Yentob took a swipe Robust defence: Jana Bennett and Alan Yentob any reason for a collective mea culpa, which isn’t her to be passionately committed to the high- at culture secretary Ben Bradshaw and equality to say we should be complacent about the times est standards in public service broadcasting – for minister Harriet Harman after they waded into who is cast in shows?’ asked Yentob when inter- we’re living in. In an environment in which ordi- the widest possible audience. [She] is a hugely tal- the controversy over the departure of Arlene Phil- viewed by the London Evening Standard. ‘Every- nary people are struggling, it’s difficult [for them] ented leader and an impeccable executive who lips from Strictly Come Dancing. body around the building would like to be the to understand something of the convention that has spent the vast majority of her career creating ‘Do I think it’s the job of ministers to decide person who decides who goes on this show or goes on in certain areas of business.’ great programmes for BBC audiences to enjoy.’ a 11·08·09 vox pop 5 The talent might include David Dimbleby and Anne Robinson but culture secretary Ben Bradshaw says there’s a ‘cult of youth’ at the BBC. Is he right? Ariel (average age of team: 40) asked for your views
Mr Bradshaw is for once right As someone who has been here for I don’t think the BBC is obsessed forever. Interests and tastes change as SPIKE OF LAND ILLUSTRATION: about something. I have long felt the 20 years it is sadly noticeable how with youth, but when we do go for a people progress through life. BBC is uncomfortably obsessed with focused all broadcasting is on captur- youth audience we too often don’t I still enjoy much of the same pro- youth to the detriment of the much ing the 18-25 market. get it right. grammes that I liked years ago, but larger viewing public. Much too much If you are in your 30s and 40s the It seems to me that only a very few, my tastes and interests have changed time, energy, effort and resources chances are you spend more time at and particular, BBC brands are per- over time and there is tons of stuff I like are thrown at a slice of the population home due to childcare, have less dis- ceived by our youth as being genu- now that I wouldn’t have touched with who frankly couldn’t care less about posable income and so probably use inely in touch with them, and our a bargepole in my youth. I wasn’t born Aunty’s efforts to ensnare them. the media as a main source of enter- young people aren’t stupid enough an Archers’ addict! The young people The solution is not to waste precious tainment. to be fooled by often cringeworthy we’re so anxious about will inevitably resources on [them]...but to continue Daniela Mamo attempts to appeal to them out- get older and will grow into different to plough the Reithian furrow and production co-ordinator, learning formal side of those brands. people who will enjoy all sorts of things inform, entertain and educate. If money is spent on making BBC that they wouldn’t have liked when they As for the workplace, yes it is over- In all the places I have worked, Three more successful and keep- were in their teens or 20s. subscribed with young, predominantly comments have been made about my ing Radio 1 where it is, then it is Ros Twinn female, new recruits, but there are still age. The BBC is the exception. I’m 28 well spent. Everyone deserves to research librarian, BH Plymouth a few of the older brigade hanging on, and in my four years working here, I get lots from their tv licence and despite being viewed as dinosaurs have not been made to feel insignifi- the older generation generally in some parts of the BBC we’re not by some. The odd thing is that when cant because of my age nor have gets more than its money’s doing enough to reach younger gen- the going gets tough the youngsters I been made to feel like I am ‘the worth with young people erations. I think in all areas of news and all expect us old ‘uns to sort it out for voice of a younger generation’ – getting less. My department current affairs we could do a lot more to them. Never mind: it was ever thus. even though people occasionally is quite young but I think encourage younger people to engage Jeremy R Curry note that I am the youngest in the that might reflect the BBC’s with our output. Schemes like School ba, BBC South West office. The BBC treats me with wage policy rather than anything Report and Newsround’s Press Pack are equality – which is probably why more sinister. great, but I think we could do more – BBC Cult of Youth? Yeah right! Just I’ve stayed here the longest. Ben Yacobi particularly at a local level – to engage a look at tonight’s schedule on BBC One Jo Morgan assistant media planner, MC&A brand and wider range of people. If we’re not care- and BBC Two as one completely ran- pa , N&R editorial planning ful our audiences might die off. The trick dom, but typical, example. One Show, is to engage a younger generation while EastEnders, Holby, Truth About Crime, News, Working at a ‘Youth’ radio station The BBC most certainly maintaining the older one. Neighbourhood Watched, Who Do You it helps if you understand the audience seems to me to be Louise Walter Think You Are?, Coast, Desperate Roman- you are broadcasting to. If, like me, you obsessed with chasing the vj, Spotlight, BBC South West tics, Wainwright, Newsnight. Spot anything are young enough to be in the target ‘youth market’. Of course in there for the under 30s? Me neither. age group, then it helps it’s important to In my experience the ‘bright young Pass the tartan blanket! even more. No I don’t provide pro- things’ have just been exposed to dif- Shaun Peel think the BBC is ob- grammes and ferent things. I think experience, sbj, BBC East sessed with youth. It services for all enthusiasm and great ideas are possible needs to engage the age groups. at any age. This society values youth Obsessed with youth? That’s a next generation However, above all else...educating and inform- gross understatement. It’s a barmy of listeners and there is a basic ing about the value of collaboration policy which shows utter contempt viewers – and fact of life that and contribution may help us to change for many of our viewers. Commercial ultimately with seems to get for- that. channels have to focus on young peo- licence fee payers! gotten in all of this. Erika Kraftchenko ple as they are the ones susceptible James Forster Namely, that peo- senior graphics designer, BBC News to advertising. The BBC should have ba, Radio 1Xtra ple get old. They no such worries. We should respect don’t stay young Sometimes I wear a ‘hoodie’ to and cherish our older viewers who are work. Does that mean I’m trying to loyal to us, and a growing part of the recapture my youth or that I’m cold? The population. The average Newsnight boss hasn’t asked me to remove it –for viewer is 55. How many Newsnight staff fear I’d knife him and take his wallet? are older than 55? Jeremy Paxman and Stephanie Barnard one or two others. bj, Radio Sheffield Michael Crick (51) political editor, Newsnight
6 Features a 11·08·09 pho t The World Service documentary EM ograph: bursary scheme showcases content P that otherwise might not get made Spor ICS cutting t edge
NICK REYNOLDS
In theSuccessful spirit commentary is all in of opennessthe research, says Test Match Special On Friday (August 14) Seetha Kumar, controller of BBC Online, willcommentator host an open event for outsideSimon organi - sations. It’s an attemptMann to be more open about what BBC Online will be doing in the next few months. If I had 20p for every time I used the word ‘open’ I’d be able to buy more espressos (which would make me more stressed rather than more transparent). Conflict zone: Suvojit Bagchi of the Bengali service filmed ‘cyber activists’ in Kashmir who have taken their fight online For some being open is a beautiful wild flower growing through the cracks of the BBC’s corporate façade. For others it’s a practical way of getting closer to licence fee payers. For others it’s still a bit scary. For me being open is about people. As the BBC becomes more open you see more of BBC people. So who has made progress towards the goal of making Stories you won’t the place more open in the past few months? Danielle Nagler, head of BBC HD, is using the BBC internet blog to build a dialogue with HD viewers. And it feels like a conversation, not a series of press releases. She’s aided by Andy Quested, chief technologist, whose comments on the blog are like getting personal hear anywhere else text messages from your own HDTV specialist. When Steve Bowbrick worked for me as blogger- by Sue Llewellyn in-residence he was a tireless champion against the notion of ‘fortress BBC’. Now that Steve is editor What does a celebrated american physicist have in com- of the Radio 4 blog he’s putting his principles into mon with an evasive Burmese rebel leader and a disappearing practice and opening up the work of the networks. Mexican island? As a result things which On the face of it very little, but their stories have inspired this seemed impossible are year’s winning entries to the World Service’s documentary bur- To get a now possible. A blog sary scheme. post about a trial stack- It’s a chance for specialist producers from the language sections contribution ing radio series [for to find new and unusual stories in their home countries, with iPlayer]? Surely you the best given a commission to make a programme for the World from the can’t do that? Actu- Service English language service. ally… they’ve done it! It ‘We have these talented producers who hear about stories, and founder of helps that Steve loves who have access to regions and people that we might not other- radio – and that in Mark wise hear from,’ says series producer Andrea Kennedy. ‘They can Wikipedia Damazer you have an literally reach parts of the world that other producers can’t.’ Remote area: Ilona Vinogradova with Michele Feynman in Tuva exec who doesn’t just Bombs, Stamps and Throat Singers tells the story of Richard Fey- is impressive recognise the impor- nman, an American physicist, Nobel Prize winner, dreamer and bursary scheme means that you can use your local expertise to tance of blogging, but stamp collector. Through his stamps he discovered Tuva, a remote bring a story to the world. And usually the local stories are the seems to enjoy doing it. region of Russia close to the Mongolian border. He fell in love hidden jewels that international audiences are expecting.’ Meanwhile Dan Biddle in Vision is leading a blog with the place but died a week before he finally got a visa to visit. For more than 20 years, the Burmese government has been around ‘Digital Revolution’. This is an ‘open source tv Ilona Vinogradova of the Russian service took Richard’s daughter working to maintain ceasefire agreements with 17 major armed documentary’ which sounds brave and tricky. But so far Michele on an emotional journey to visit the land of nomads and rebel groups, but now it is facing a fightback from one of them. the blog has attracted some heavyweight contributors. throat singers that her father could only dream of. Ko Ko Aung from the Burmese service tells the extraordinary To get Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, to discuss The programmes showcase new material and talent and story of a rebel leader, Col. Khun Thurein, and his band of 100 just how open they are is impressive in itself. organisers say the scheme, which was established in 2003, pro- men who are fighting against the mighty Burmese army. There are many examples: Stephen Elson and Jake vides a stepping stone for winners, several of whom have gone Suvojit Bagchi from the Bengali service explores the impact Archibald blogging about the release of Glow – an open on to become regional correspondents. Selected from more than of new media in a conflict zone and looks at how the new ‘cyber source Javascript library which anyone can use to help 100 applicants, this year’s five winning entries came from Tuva activists’ are taking their fight online. He discovers how the Kash- build websites; Ben Stephenson on the Guardian’s to Burma, the Gulf of Mexico to Israel and Kashmir. The produc- mir conflict has been shot and reported, literally, frame by frame, website responding to the debate around drama com- ers are all BBC language service programme makers and for all of by citizen-journalists via video sharing and video blogging websites. missioning; Jason Da Ponte and David Madden of the them this has been their first chance to make a full length docu- Rachid Sekkai from the Arabic service tells an unusual tale of BBC mobile team taking questions on twitter. mentary in English. Muslims fighting for Israel. Considered traitors by their own com- If you think you should be on the above list, my apol- David Cuen of the Spanish American service searched for munities, they are asked why they want to join the Israeli army. ogies (and would you like to write a blog post?). But that a missing island in the Gulf of Mexico. Bermeja Island was vis- The documentaries will be broadcast on the World Service tells a story in itself. There’s so much openness going on ible on maps from 1539 to 1946, when it seemed to disappear. from Friday August 14 for five weeks, starting with Bombs, Stamps you can’t fit all of it into oneA riel column. There’s always Although it could be strategically important and give Mexico and Throat Singers. more to do. But it’s too late to stop now. claim to millions of dollars worth of oil deposits, nobody knows The next bursary scheme launches in the autumn and where it is. ‘It was an opportunity to involve myself in two of my full details will be available via Gateway nearer the time. Nick Reynolds is editor, social media, central editorial team, passions: geography and mystery,’ Cuen says. ‘Being part of the tinyurl.com/ariel-wsb BBC Online
a 11·08·09 Features 7 northern exposure photograph: ED SWINDEN ED photograph: It was never going to be easy leaving Kingswood Warren, R&D’s iconic home since 1948 – but pioneering techies have started making the move north. Around 30 have decamped to Manchester and the goal is to have a third of FM&T in Salford by 2011, including R&D North. Peggy Walker catches up with the early bird movers…
Adrian Woolard project lead, R&D North Lab ‘You can’t turn up in a few years’ time and just switch R&D on,’ Adrian Woolard says. ‘You need the momentum of people moving up here.’ Having a team based in the region has helped to build academic part- ners and technology companies. ‘They know that we’re here now, and that we understand the environment.’ Adrian’s children (six and four) moved schools and his wife Helen quit her job. ‘We live in Marple, south east of Manchester,’ he says. ‘It’s rural, it’s set up for families, and it has a choice of good schools.’ Bruce Weir engineer, R&D ‘I’m from York and always fancied moving back north,’ confesses Bruce Weir. Two years ago he and his wife swapped their flat in Ealing, London, for a 19th century detached house in the spa town of Bux- ton, an hour’s commute from Manchester. ‘We didn’t want to move to another urban area. We definitely have a better quality of life which the relocation package just made possible.’ Phil Greene lead technologist, FM&T It’s Phil Greene’s job to pin down the tech requirements of each department before they move. ‘Because of my connection with BBC North, I was one of the first to move; it was an opportunity to get involved early on.’ He began his career at Radio Manchester, but re- located to London 15 years ago. Back then, he says, there were ‘very few’ media jobs in the north west. He now lives in a four-storey town house in Chorlton, where he grew up. Not bad, given it costs roughly the same as his ex-council flat in Maida Vale. Simon Lumb senior software engineer, FM&T At the beginning of 2009, Simon Lumb discovered that his department was in line to move north. ‘I only had a few months to decide and it was impossible to predict what situation I would be in by Single in the city: Ian Forrester embraces the new opportunities that his move north has presented 2011,’ he says. ‘But it’s not often that you get to live in Working for development community BBC Backstage, he’s a new city, so I thought, why Ian Forrester building relationships with techie communities outside not?’ senior producer, BBC Backstage, R&D London, running the TEDxManchester conference, part of The chance to blaze a trail in TEDxNorth. ‘It’s an annual event where some of the world’s Salford proved irresistible. ‘I When Ian Forrester realised his job might be moving north, leading thinkers and doers share the things they are most wanted to be part of redirecting his first thought was ‘no way’. passionate about,’ he says. ‘TED stands for technology, the way we work,’ he says ‘I knew that if I left the BBC but stayed in London there entertainment, design – three broad subject areas that are candidly. ‘I feel I have a responsibility would be other companies I could work for in this sector. collectively shaping our future.’ to lead!’ Anywhere else, I wouldn’t have that option.’ A year and one So no regrets? ‘If you’re single it’s an amazing place to live. An American football player in his spare divorce later, the idea of living in a city centre and ‘having I can do things here that I couldn’t do in London....and I can time, he’ll be joining Manchester Titans the lifestyle I wanted’ started to look more attractive. hold meetings in the bar.’ for the 2010 season. 8 9
BBC IN ACTION It’s a funny blogbites old Monday week@work Save Our Sounds When I first got asked if I would work on a business project about acoustic ecology, I really had little idea what that meant. After a while Comedian Miranda Hart of getting my head around the concept slammed the door shut on of studying the world through sound and Do you have her Joke Shop programme preserving endangered sounds, I was and stepped in front of the hooked. As a radio producer I like to think that How to write an idea you cameras last week to shoot I have a good appreciation of sound, but a her new BBC Two tv series simple exercise proved that I take sound for would like to Miranda. granted most of the time. Suddenly I realised how much gets lost in the general noise of for CHILDREN pitch to CBBC? She was in north London everyday life. The BBC World Service’s Save to shoot a scene in which Our Sounds project was all about getting Anne Gilchrist, her character Miranda –an people to stop and listen. extension of her stand-up Kate Arkless-Gray, radio producer bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/ the departing persona – plays a tv pre- senter. She is seen through- Tuesday controller, out the series in various Disappointed Derek? flashbacks as well as dream I am feeling quietly confident that the shared her and fantasy sequences. forecast will go according to plan, but there is always a chance tips for getting The programme has gone that Mother Nature full circle, having been will throw a spanner commissioned piloted 18 months ago in the works! And on BBC Two, poached by instead of sunshine Radio 2, and then recom- it will chuck it with 18 writers down! Time will tell, missioned by BBC Two (the but if you’re coming at a CBBC new series will go out in the to the Eisteddfod autumn). ‘It’s quite broad – tomorrow bring the masterclass, very middle class and yet sun cream just in Handle with care: very silly,’ says producer case. Dani Harmer as run by BBC Nerys Evans. ‘I’m sure the Dereck Brockway, broadcast meteorologist Tracey Beaker BBC Two audience will be bbc.co.uk/blogs/walesnature Writersroom Big laugh: director just as welcoming as Radio Juliet May, Miranda 2 listeners.’ Wednesday Hart and camera The road to musical stardom starts here Appeal. You’re targeting children Create three-dimensional Be original. We don’t need operator Ali Upcraft BBC Introducing is our initiative to support between six and 12 years. It’s a characters. Don’t rely on another programme set in a ‘unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar 1 wide age range, so your idea has 4 stereotypes or clichés. 7 care home (Tracey Beaker) music’. A few weeks ago we launched a new to work on different levels. Make sure You can have recognisable or an alien-fighting task force advice section to the Introducing website. there’s a lot of action; a six year old figures (the archetypal bully) (Sarah Jane Adventures). Look at There are dozens of videos to watch: industry will understand it, even if they don’t but make them interesting. Think the current CBBC slate: what will be professionals and DJs all talking about grasp the nuances in conversation. about who their friends are, and missing when Grange Hill goes? SPEAK eASY what CHANGING PLACES getting gigs, making records and how to what makes them different. make sensible business decisions. Situation. Don’t write a Talent. Commissioners are u How does Robert Peston change and, in modern Greek, it to wear James Philipps (pictured) joins BBC Cumbria as Nigel Smith, senior content producer, A&M sketch based on the office Inspire them. Children spend impressed by it. Can you say it? The words economy and is pronounced as -ee. The mod- sports commentator... Marian McNamee and Interactive 2 coffee run, which is alien to their lives being told what they 8 get someone impressive economic are ubiquitous in these ern Greek word for economy - u Rodrigo Davies Tim Boswell will take over the BBC Coventry bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcmusic/ children. Not everything has to be set 5 can’t do. We want to empower attached to your show? credit crunch times, but should oikonomikos - is pronounced ee- reporter, 6 Music and Warwickshire breakfast show on September in a school or a family, but choose them: if we can encourage them to the initial e be pronounced ‘ee’ - kon-om-ee-KOSS. 1... Elsewhere at the station, Stuart Linnell Thursday worlds that have relevance to them. push themselves, be loyal, work as Humour. It’s a great way to ee-kuh-NOM-ick or ‘eck’ - as in In English, both ee-kuh-NOM-ick Where did you buy will present the Sunday morning breakfast It’s a RAJAR day at Radio 4 a team, be self-sacrificing, it gives kids’ hearts, even if you are eck-uh-NOM-ick? and eck-uh-NOM-ick are listed in the the outfit you’re programme from September 6... Della Parsons, It’s a RAJAR day – when the radio industry Budget. Curtail your us substance. CBBC isn’t Hannah 9 writing a serious piece. It’s rare Economic is derived from OED - but a recent poll found that 62 wearing in the production editor in Hull, leaves the BBC to prepare gets its audience figures. I must stress imagination. You can do Montana, where the message is if for us to commission something that is the ancient Greek words oikos percent of people prefer ee-kuh- photo? for her round the world yacht race in September... that RAJARs are not the be all and end all of 3 big things, just not in every you look good you’ll be a success. relentlessly grim. Puncture pomposity. (house) and nemein (manage). NOM-ick. The choice is yours. Jacket – Hurwundeki; Hsinyi Liu joins the BBC as operations assistant with matters. Quality, range, impact – all count scene. Russell T Davies checked Oikos would have sounded a bit For pronunciation queries shirt – Uniqlo; BBC Tours. a great deal. But still – I’d rather they were off The Sarah Jane Adventures Make children the centre of Light and shade. Take like OY-koss but the ‘oi’ vowel contact pron.gateway.bbc.co.uk trousers – People’s good than not. And they are. We appear with, ‘cheap, expensive, cheap, the story. It’s what makes the them to the edge of combination underwent a sound or 02 82277. Market; shoes – Ask to be increasing quarter-on-quarter in expensive’. Think about what each 6 difference between children’s 10 their seats, but don’t The Missus [online] COMING UP microscopic increments – from 9.98 million scene will give you: do you need a big programmes and family shows. terrify them and don’t kill anyone. It’s Has your job reach to 9.999. (Reach is defined as the cast and multiple sound effects? a myth that children always watch inspired your u Controller of daytime Liam Keelan Three earlier this year, the channel number of people who listen to at least 15 tv with their parents. When CBBC is LEARNING CURVE wardrobe? has commissioned a second series of has commissioned The Undercover minutes a week). I am told that this is indeed on they’re often alone and they will A lot of musicians Moving On (pictured) for BBC One. Princesses for 2010. The 4x30 minute considered to be 10 million. Hooray. self-edit. They won’t watch stuff that u Delve into the opulent history of website. Those working on the have a good sense of Made by LA productions the 10x60 series will follow four princesses as they Mark Damazer, controller, Radio 4 and might give them nightmares. Think National Trust castles and highlight second project will be required style, so I don’t mind minute series of stand-alone dramas is move to the UK to find love. Produced by Radio 7 about what will excite them instead. the work of volunteers with two to make a short film celebrating stealing their ideas. expected to transmit next year. It will Kalel and Objective Productions it was bbc.co.uk/blogs/radio4/ How can you create jeopardy? Connect and Create projects in the Make a Difference Day which will Have you had any be exec produced by Keelan. commissioned by BBC Three controller autumn. Both schemes are open broadcast on the Community fashion nightmares? Danny Cohen and Karl Warner, executive Friday Episodic. You can’t to staff wanting to enhance their Channel. For more information Shaving my head. u Following in the footsteps of The editor, who will also exec produce it. Attacks on seagulls on the increase guarantee that a child broadcast skills. The National Trust and to sign up visit tinyurl.com/ Whose wardrobe Undercover Princes, which aired on BBC The RSPCA says attacks on seagulls by 11 will see every episode project will involve producing a nationaltrustfilm and tinyurl.com/ would you most like to u BBC Three has also commis- humans are growing by 10% a year, as of your show. They’re not in control film about its properties for its volunteersfilm rummage through? sioned We Are Mongrels, people vent their frustration at Britain’s of their own time. Each episode David Byrne [musician]. an animated tale of a fox who booming population of urban gulls. But must be clear and self-contained, What’s the worst outfit moves to the city. Commis- the animal charity warns anyone caught with a story that leads them on to you were made to wear sioned by Cohen and control- harming the birds risks prosecution. Seagulls the next episode in the story arc. as a child? ler of comedy commission- have flourished in many coastal towns, Glorious: The I was allowed to wear ing Lucy Lumsden, the 8x30 including Cardiff which has one of the largest Gripping: The In short: be satisfying, but not National Trust’s whatever I wanted; minute series will be shown populations of seagulls in the UK. Sarah Jane superficial. You don’t have to have a Sheffield Park in apparently the dressing in 2010. Made in-house, it will Christopher Hunter, sbj, Radio 5 Live Adventures team big message, but you need to have a east Sussex up box was my favourite be exec produced by Stephen bbc.co.uk/blogs/fivelivebreakfast point. And make your idea stand out. game at school. McCrumb.
IF YOU HAVE A suggestion FOR who or what should be in WEEK@WORK PLEASE Email laura scarrott 10 Opinion a 11·08·09 MADE IN THE UK aview A welcome for filmmakers, SALLY without the usual price tag HILLIER MY FIRST real acting job was so, Belfast still has an edge and a with the BBC in Northern Belfast still has an edge, along unique culture, caught between Ireland, in the early 1980s, while the mountains and the sea. Wright stuff I was still at school studying for with trusted talent and cultural It holds so much for film- A-levels. I received my Equity makers of all kinds: terrific card when I was only 16 and pride, says actor James locations that range from does the trick appeared as an extra in the ‘Billy’ urban grit through period grace plays which launched Kenneth Nesbitt – good news for drama to the sweep of grand, wild land- Plenty of BBC radio people have good Branagh’s career. scapes. Better still, there is a will reason to cheer the latest Rajar figures Those were exciting days: the production in a place that to make films which extends (see page 3), and none more so than Roger Billy trilogy electrified audiences right through the community. Wright, controller of Radio 3, which notched who had rarely seen their own punches above its weight Unlike London, where the bu- up an audience of 2.02 million, its largest in lives portrayed on screen, except reaucracy of obtaining permis- more than two years. as bystanders to the latest bomb ELLIS PETE sion to film can mire a produc- It has been a fruitful spring and sum- outrage or sectarian murder. It tion in weeks of delay and cost, mer for Wright who in May saw his network was among a handful of produc- there is a real sense of being wel- named Sony/Radio Academy station of the tions which propelled television comed in Northern Ireland. year – incredibly it was the first time it had drama in Northern Ireland into Some years back, Granada won the title – and is now earning plaudits as the mainstream. planned to shoot an episode the man in charge of the BBC Proms. I love the relationship I have of Cold Feet in Ireland. The pro- During the Rajar measurement period with the BBC in Northern Ire- ducers were planning to go to in question (March 30 to June 28), Radio 3 land. The first BBC drama I had the South, but I lobbied heavily showcased Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn, a significant role in there was for the North, and so we ended launched a poetry season, featuring more Michael Winterbottom’s film up filming in Portrush and Bel- than 40 contemporary poems read by their Love Lies Bleeding, about an IRA fast for eight or nine days, with authors, and broadcast a full day celebrating man on parole, one of the earli- a crew of 78. At the end of the Shakespeare’s sonnets, read by Ian McKellen. est films to explore the complex- shoot, the location manager Classical music purists might not always ities of the peace process – a fore- took me on one side. ‘You know, share Wright’s enthusiasm for seasons and shadowing, if you like, of more Jimmy,’ he said, ‘usually over a projects (last year he gave his listeners a recent work such as Five Minutes week or two’s filming like this, special on Chopin and another on China) but of Heaven. Later, I had every rea- the locations would cost my he is unapologetic. Such initiatives have ‘a son to thank the BBC in Belfast department something like two great impact with audiences’ he believes. for commissioning the series or three thousand pounds.’ The figures bear him out: this time two Murphy’s Law, and for having the He shook his head in amaze- years ago Radio 3 had 1.78m listeners (under balls and the belief to fight for ment. ‘This week, I’ve spent a 1 percent share), rising to 1.91m in 2008, its continuation. exactly twenty quid.’ People were and now it has broken the 2m mark. Drama is born out of conflict. genuinely proud and delighted It’s still a tiny audience of course (Radio 2 Though the Troubles paralysed that their part of the world was has 13.424m listeners; Radio 1, 11.342; Radio Northern Ireland politically and being shown on television, and 4 nigh on 10m) but with so much listening economically, they provided the no one wanted to charge us any and viewing choice now available it is some- extraordinary backdrop which money for being there. how cheering to know that more than two enabled more fine plays and Right now, with Patrick Spence million people a week are tuning in to the films to come out of Northern as head of drama for the BBC in BBC’s home of classical music. With its pa- Ireland than any other region, Northern Ireland, there is a cre- tronage of the arts (it’s often forgotten that galvanising the creative commu- ative optimism about the place the schedule includes a significant amount nity in the area. that feels very exciting for an of both classical and newly commissioned The drama produced there actor. As well as Five Minutes of drama), Radio 3 plays a unique role in shap- through the 1980s and 1990s Heaven, a production on which ing the national cultural agenda. In a summer felt strong and edgy, often gen- I personally felt honoured to when the BBC has been under such attack, erating controversy. It was a test- have worked, BBC One has Radio 3’s success is a notable silver lining. ing ground for young writers experienced people on whom ductions where schedules and recently shown Occupation, a Sally Hillier is deputy editor of Ariel and directors who learned their you can depend to get their budgets are tighter, because no three-part drama about three craft fast because, in the uncer- part of the job right. It is worth time is wasted when the crew soldiers whose lives are trans- tainty of the times, there was a remembering too that great pro- already know and understand formed by the conflict in Iraq. real hunger for what they could ductions are made not only by how each other works. It seems to me a measure of Good on ‘em produce. directors, producers, writers and Returning to Northern Ire- Northern Ireland’s success as a Their work reflected the real actors, but also by huge teams of land to work always feels like go- creative spawning ground that for biting back lives of people in a part of the people, and success or failure ing home. When Belfast comes as well as single films and series UK that was torn apart by strife, can rest on the talent and skill into view through the plane win- that reflect people’s lives in the Amid the continuing brickbats for and was often disturbing, haunt- of each and every member of the dows, my excitement and emo- province, now big-theme dra- the BBC, it was refreshing to see not one ing and memorable. crew. tion mounts. Part is of course mas are also made there which but two senior executives (Alan Yentob Geographically, it is a tiny For instance, for the past 20 the thrill of having a job that are not necessarily about the and Jana Bennett, see P4) lift their heads place, but the creative expertise years or so, Maggie Donnelly has takes me back to the place I was place itself. above the parapet last week and mount a is phenomenal. Over the years a been the wardrobe mistress on born, to see family and friends Work generates work, suc- spirited defence of the corporation. Yentob community of filmmakers and many of the productions I have I grew up with, but it is also to cess generates success; and in was particularly robust on expense claims, crew has grown up there, and been involved with in Northern do with the city itself, and the the BBC I sense the passion, the deeming them ‘not intemperate’. anyone who works in North- Ireland, including Ballykissangel. place that it is becoming. creativity and the conviction Not only that, he actively turned the ern Ireland on a regular basis, So when I arrive for the first cos- After all those years of con- that Northern Ireland’s time as tables on members of the government who as I do, finds themselves work- tume fittings on a production flict, Belfast has not lost its orig- a centre of excellence for drama were sticking their oars into BBC business. ing with the same people time like Occupation, which I recently inal identity, and it has emerged has truly come. People may not have agreed with him, but if and again. Those established made there, I already know and stronger and more vibrant for the corporation doesn’t defend itself with creative relationships are really trust the person responsible for it. Unlike Dublin, so much of Read other essays by well known reasoned argument and chutzpah, it’s unlikely helpful for an actor, because the a key part of the look of the char- which has become bland and champions of out-of-London anyone else will. trust is already there: you relax acter I am playing. cosmopolitan with the influx of production at the BBC website Clare Bolt is features editor of Ariel because you are working with It is especially useful on pro- money over the last decade or bbc.co.uk/madeintheuk
> IF YOU HAVE A VIEW ABOUT THE TOPICS ON THIS PAGE, PLEASE EMAIL ariel mailbox a 11.08·09 11
This is the page that everybody reads. Please email [email protected] You can also contribute to the mail page directly from the Ariel Online home page mail Staff say thanks a bunch for flower favouritism Did Zarin Patel read Isabel Cosgrove’s we’re talking about purchases of staff are not. management do not value their staff This is not a matter of BBC letter before penning her response which are ‘usual’, well, flowers at a I think it is time that Ms Patel in death as in life. expenses but a lack of caring in an (August 4)? Isabel queried why the funeral seem pretty bloody usual to re-calibrated her moral compass. John-Paul Dunkley organisation which is becoming expenses policy makes it impossible me. More usual than a £300 cake or Adam Batstone broadcast engineer, FM&T negligible. for the BBC to send flowers to the a £50 pair of cashmere socks anyway. assistant editor, news website Aileen McColl funerals of staff who have died in James Clarke n I am sure the public would sym- BBC Scotland Learning service (a fairly rare occurrence) when sbj, news interactive, Birmingham n It seems that the big names who pathise with expenses used in times senior management are free to send earn hundreds of thousands -- or mil- of bereavement, rather than for gifts Similar points were raised by Fay Yeomans, flowers and other gifts to presenters, n On the one hand Zarin Patel tells lions -- of pounds are ‘talent’ but the which are purchased for talent, who Nigel Holmes, Tom Percival, Lee Rogers, actors etc on expenses. us that ‘Our staff are very important rest of us are ‘staff’. We have no tal- are paid to do their jobs well, to mark Richard Ellison, Paul Grimsdell, Theo Zarin Patel responded that it was to us, they make the BBC what it is’, ent, apparently. And the BBC sends successes and significant events. Leggett and Nick Serpell. ‘hard to justify to the licence fee while on the other she tells us that the ‘talent’ flowers because it’s ‘usual payer the purchase of gifts for staff’. if we are unfortunate enough to die amongst this community’. But an I wouldn’t take issue with that state- in service the BBC will not mark that employer sending flowers to the fam- Zarin Patel, chief as it is important that we do have clear ment in principle, but I can’t agree sad event with a £40 bouquet of ily of a colleague who has died is not financial officer, guidelines in this area. What many of that sending flowers to the funeral flowers. usual? replies: you have pointed out, and what I did of a member of staff is a ‘gift’ – it is This shows the crass style of Andrew Craig not make clear, is that this is clearly a mark of respect and a gesture of some of our star struck manage- sbj, Bush House newsroom It is very very different to when a member of thanks from the organisation. ment when someone who may have upsetting when staff dies. The truth is, the expenses Beth Hamer worked tirelessly for the good of the n I think that on balance the licence a close friend policy has no place in guiding what commissions manager, entertainment corporation is effectively ignored fee payer would rather the BBC and colleague dies. Those who knew any of us should do in such sad while they fawn over celebrities. remember deceased colleagues than them will always want to express circumstances: friends and col- n I would have thought the sending Andy Leslie give flowers to what the public already their sympathy and respects and do leagues will do what friends and of flowers to a funeral would be a lot audio and music group perceive to be overpaid actors. To say so personally in whatever way they colleagues should do; and the rel- easier ‘to justify to the licence fee it is ‘usual’ to give gifts among this feel is best. The BBC as an employer evant BBC divisional director payer’ than the £100 spent on flowers n I doubt many licence fee payers community is no real justification – it also has several responsibilities to the ensures that we as an employer pay for Jonathan Ross in May 2006. would begrudge the presumably was ‘usual’ for MPs to flip their second deceased’s family, such as arranging our respects, which could mean, for I would like to think that some- modest annual cost of some flowers homes until quite recently. payment of pensions and ensuring example, formally representing the one such as Bruce Forsyth, whose for grieving relatives. I am convinced Francesca D’Urso that the family has all the support, both BBC at the funeral. 80th birthday was celebrated with a plenty would be unhappy about their financial accountant, World Service Trust financial and emotional, that they need. I am grateful to Isabel Cosgrove for £99.99 bottle of vintage champagne money being spent on presents for When I responded to the inquiry raising this point because this is bought on expenses by Mark Thomp- already well paid ‘talent’. I wonder n Most employers do bother to send in last week’s Ariel, I explained the important. Please be assured that son, would shudder at the idea of how ‘the talent’ will feel now they flowers (or other token of respect) to expenses policy on gift-giving for the BBC takes its responsibilities to such gift purchases being prioritised know that their flowers and other frip- the funerals of staff who have died staff, to make the distinction between families who find themselves in such over funeral flowers. peries are okay but gestures of sympa- in service; Zarin Patel’s comment business and personal expenditure, circumstances very seriously. And I would have thought that if thy to the loved ones of dead members is indicative of the way the current
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a 11.08.09 14 Jobs See Attachment
History lesson Kieran Yeates, production trainee, returned to his roots during a four month stint at BH Belfast I spent many childhood holidays in Northern Ireland, so I was expecting a lot of rain. I wasn’t wrong, but the four months I spent on attachment in Belfast challenged some of my other preconcep- tions: from my grasp of tv production to my under- standing of the country’s history and the responsi- bility that comes with telling that story. I arrived at Belfast BH, as part of my 18-month production traineeship, to work on a new series ex- amining Irish history from the land of St Patrick to the present day. As my family is from North- ern Ireland I thought I had a good understanding of the pivotal moments in the country’s history, but I quickly discov- ered that I’d only brushed the sur- face. The five-part doc- umentary, which is presented by Fergal Keane, begins with the Norman con- quest of Ireland. The biggest chal- lenge was working with academics who weren’t expe- rienced in making their specialised subjects accessi- ble to wider audi- ences. Fortunately I Now I found an historian feel that I who could break the past down into understandable understand stories and who weaved a history the Ireland from the murder- ous, backstabbing of today a Irish families who would kill their little better own to have a slice of power. As one of our historians put it, it wasn’t unlike The Sopranos. It was a brutal period, and reading the accounts of the massacres and the destruction of entire vil- lages it would have been easy to become desensi- tised to it all. But having access to original docu- ments also helped me to understand what it must have been like for ordinary people. I was working with a small but dedicated pro- duction team and there was a real desire to dis- pel the myths surrounding Irish history. Everyone understood just how delicate the topic was. Cover- ing such a big tract of time, I didn’t expect to ful- ly grasp all of the complexities, but I do feel that I understand the Ireland of today a little better. The Story of Ireland will be transmitted in 2010
Been anywhere nice? Send your attachment stories to Clare Bolt
14 OCTOBER 08 ARIEL a 11·08·09 What am I doing here 15
Phil Williams presents Radio 5 live’s PHIL Weekend Breakfast with Rachel Burden and is currently sitting in for foreign WILLIAMS Nicky Campbell on weekdays
photograph: M photograph: bureau
CV AR K B A Education: BA (Hons) media and business SSE management, Manchester University TT ALEX First job: Waiter in a carvery restaurant Gallafent Career highlight: A world exclusive with Broadcast journalist The Rolling Stones in 2002. We did 25 The World, Boston minutes with each Stone and then put together an hour’s special. They were brilliant. Previous contributors to this column Family: All in Birmingham have remarked on the dangers of their postings: the violence, the death-defying traffic or the climate. The World’s news- room confronts daily a threat of a different order: Dunkin’ Donuts. We’re opposite the store and collectively represent, I suspect, a fair proportion of its business. The World is a World Service partnership with Boston-based public broadcaster WGBH and the US distributor Public Radio International, which together connect us with local audiences across the US. We offer Americans an entry-point into news, culture and opinion beyond their borders. Since Boston makes room for us here it demands certain commitments in return. Chief among them is fealty to the Red Sox, the local baseball team. The legendary Babe Ruth wore Red Sox colours before he turned Yankee, making his future in New York. For Boston it was a curse. Fate denied the city a World Series crown for more than eight decades, a se- quence of failure that What did you want to be when only person who’d taken the was killed by the July 7 bombs. expires before the move Up go the lasted until 2004. you grew up? legal errors out of the test. That was incredibly emotional but if they wanted to give Even though the An actor, although I abandoned That’s so going to haunt me in and quite tricky. I felt a lump me a reason to relocate, it fans, as team is now one of that idea quite early on when a future when I get done for libel. in my throat, but it’s my job. wouldn’t be complicated for the strongest in the friend of my dad’s, who’d been People ask what I do and I me to move to Manchester. the teams US, the Red Sox still in The Sweeney, told me that Have you always been a natural say I talk on the radio. They breathe a form of they treat you like s**t. I fancied born performer? say they couldn’t do that, but What is your passion? switch homespun senti- journalism because I’ve always I am a bit of a show off, then I couldn’t do their job. I’m a season ticket holder at mentality. Not for been quite nosey and thought it although I’m not the first up Aston Villa. Every second week- Boston a brash new stadium. No, the Red was a nice way to earn a living. at the karaoke. I don’t like Is there anyone you’d love to get end, when they’re playing at Sox remain at Fenway Park, a compact making a fool of myself. in the studio? home, I come off air and drive ground which opened in 1912, making it So how did you get started? I’d love to interview Ian Botham. up to mum and dad’s. the oldest Major League ballpark in use. I did two weeks’ work Do you think it’s a necessary He’s a little bit rebellious but Still, you’ll find money-spinning hos- experience on the Sutton quality for being on radio? also incredibly gifted. Or Clint Has your accent been a help or a pitality suites and luxury boxes alongside Coldfield News and volunteered The fact that you put yourself Eastwood – although they say hindrance? all the creakingly romantic corners. As to cover a story. I had to get in front of the mic seems to you should never meet your I thought I was too Brummie swarms of vendors exchange towering myself there using my bus pass suggest you think you’ve got heroes. You want people on the to make it in radio. Maybe 20 cones of popcorn for not-inconsiderable and the next day it was the something worth sharing. It show who are extraordinary in years ago it would have been a chunks of money, the entire crowd will rise front page exclusive. I was 15. has to be done with confidence whatever way, shape or form massive hindrance but others to sing ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’. It’s or you’ll fall down. because their lives are invariably paved the way and probably sung – as it is at ballparks across the nation When was your next lucky break more interesting than mine. made it easier. I’ve also had – during the ‘seventh inning stretch’, a tra- into journalism? What do you most enjoy about some voice coaching, which dition of gentle exercise reportedly started I was at university when presenting? What’s next for you? has taken off the harder edges, during a game in 1910. Up we go, thou- ten of us went to a Radio I enjoy getting a response. If I’ve pretty much got the best but what you hear is what sands of fans stretching out, as the teams 1 roadshow. All the girls you come up with a really good job in the world. My plans you hear, maybe with less switch between batting and fielding. went off to get Gary Davies’s idea for a text punt, and you would be to do more of it, profanity when I’m on air. As Stephen Fry observed, it’s a fool’s autograph and, as I needed watch texts come pouring in, providing they’re happy for errand to draw sweeping conclusions work experience, I went off to that’s very satisfying. I’m also me to do that. I also do a bit What advice would you give to about the national character of the US find Gary Davies’s producer. keen on trying to get younger of mentoring and coaching others following in your foot- from anything as singular as this ritual. The Then I got into local radio. people interested in news. through the BBC college of steps? country is vast in its variety, contradictory When I was younger I couldn’t journalism for local radio It’s uber-competitive but if in its attitudes and pastimes, glorious and Plenty of work experience then, understand why people my age presenters. It keeps you you want it badly enough it ugly. Try to pin it down in any given fashion but what about training? weren’t passionate about it like sharp. When you’re advising is possible to get a job doing and a counter-example to your theory will After I graduated I spotted an I was. I think there’s a mission someone else it makes you what you love whether it’s pop up. Maybe that’s why I appreciate the ad for the local radio trainee for us at the Beeb to explain think about the process of the journalism or playing football. seventh inning stretch. It doesn’t – to this reporter scheme. Twelve of us it in a way that’s relevant. job rather than just doing it. Hard work has to be matched observer anyway – claim to stand for any- were taken for a recruitment by desire and commitment and thing larger than itself. It’s not promising day in London. I thought I didn’t How do you deal with emotional How do you feel about 5 Live’s then you need a lucky break. better health. It doesn’t require that eve- stand a chance. When I was told interviews? move to Salford? rybody stretch out of patriotism. It’s just I’d got the job I didn’t believe it. I once interviewed a female I don’t have children so the Interview by Sue Llewellyn what you do when the seventh inning rolls They said they liked my sense vicar who’d just renounced decision is a lot easier for around. It’s just a stretch. of humour and that I was the her faith after her daughter me. My current contract
> CONTACT peggy walker to suggest a colleague for this feature 16 a 11·08·09 green room ▲ THE ARIELAT0R WE HEAR THAT. . . A weekly take on life at the Though Chris Moyles may have been beaten in ▲ BBC: who’s up, who’s down, last week’s Rajar figures by ‘breakfast king’ Terry who’s off Wogan, what must really be bothering the man ▲ is his position as fifth most listened to break- UPSIDE BBC PRIDE caused fast show in Hull, a fact he ironically celebrated ▲ a stir at Brighton’s annual during a karaoke event in the town at the end of Pride festival with their last month. But that escapade didn’t answer the matching polo-shirts – no question currently occupying water coolers up ▲ mean feat at an event and down the country: just who is Hull’s favour- renowned for its outra- ite dj? Thankfully Karoo.com are putting us all ▲ geous costumes. Twenty out of our misery by running an online poll to three members of the Di- find the finest disc spinner in the area. Local BBC ▲ versity Unit’s forum for LGBT men Andy Comfort (already the most listened to [lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- breakfast dj in Hull) and James Hogarth are on sexual] staff took part in the the list, but who will take the coveted title ‘best ▲ Carnival Parade, as documented in Hull’? Watch this space. by BBC Sussex in their accompa- ▲ nying radio car. ‘The crowd re- If some people working at 5 live aren’t too sure action to our presence was very how to write it correctly, what hope the rest of ▲ warm, and actually contained a hint of us? Luckily Victoria Derbyshire provided much surprise,’ recalls Philip Mullen, BBC Pride needed enlightenment when ▲ comms officer. ‘People were saying, she opened an inter- ‘Wow, it’s the BBC!’’ nal memo on air that explained the of- ▲ Downside: ficial way to write John Barnes, presenter of The Late Show the station’s name ▲ on Radio Lancashire and Radio Manches- (It’s the number 5, ter, is one of many people mourning the a space, and then ▼ recent death of North West broadcast- ponyTALes a lower case ‘live’.) ing legend Keith Macklin. As is the modern ‘It is the earnest hope of us all Previous events have attracted some Perhaps confused ▼ way, Barnes left internet tributes on his that those who wish may be able big names – the club’s archives reveal staff should vent their personal Twitter and Facebook accounts, to enjoy riding instruction and the that in 1956, ‘BBC personalities frustrations with their pleasures of the saddle on well-fed, expected’ included ‘Director General friends at 1Xtra (That be- ▼ contented horses, at a charge within of the BBC, Sir Ian Jacob, and his wife, ing the number one, a capital the reach of the most modest purse,’ and Tony Hancock’. We’re unsure of X and no space before the ‘tra’)… ▼ said an article praising the BBC Ariel the guest list this year but all mem- Riding Club (no relation) in 1953. bers – past, present, or prospective Green Room notes the mysterious disappear- ▼ Those pleasures must still be in de- – are welcome on Sunday August 30 ance of the ‘Sack Bill Turnbull’ thread on Talk. mand as the club celebrates its 60th at Trent Park Equestrian Centre: email gateway – a lively debate sparked by word that anniversary this year, and has organ- [email protected] or contact Turnbull had eaten a live octopus in a Korean ▼ ised a bbq at the end of the month. Hannah Wythe on 07779 729891. restaurant. The Breakfast presenter was happy to then last week the Daily Mirror ran a story put the record straight: ‘It’s considered a deli- ▼ on Macklin’s death and used a quote from cacy and to refuse it when offered would have the tributes. All satisfactory, except for been discourteous,’ he tweeted. ‘For the record, ▼ one clanger: the quote was attributed to It was already dead when I met it, honest. Wrig- ‘former colleague, footballer John Barnes’. gling, but dead. Tasted okay though.’ ▼ ‘It caused great amusement,’ says Barnes Oh, bee-hive! Thank goodness. We’re reliably informed that (the presenter, pictured left). ‘I thought ‘live’ octopus is one of the most dangerous they would have noticed that a fat bearded foods known to man and that more than one ▼ balding man and the former England inter- intrepid diner has suffocated when the octopus national are not one and the same. I’m sure has attached its suction cups to their throat. ▼ that Keith is somewhere laughing about it.’ Technology whizz Erik Huggers was sur- prised to be greeted on his recent trip to Salford by none other than… himself. It seems BBC North thought it would be a wheeze to graft the direc- EARWIGGING tor of FM&T’s head on to the famous ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster created by Manchester OVERHEARD AT THE BBC Taking City football club to welcome Argentinean striker the sting Carlos Tevez to the camp fol- …I have to put in lines like out: Radio lowing his defection from that; it makes the programme Sheffield is arch-rivals Manchester de-bee-ed United. So, no hidden seem relevant… message there then. …Gotta go, gotta life…
…You can counterbalance A buzz of agitation spread through resident bee expert was called in to it with efficient use of your Radio Sheffield last week when retrieve the nest live on Rony Rob- butt… staff spotted what they thought inson’s afternoon show. ‘Everyone was a nest of wasps lurking under a from the office was watching from …No, this isn’t the Spanish Embassy – it’s BBC bench in their car park. Mass panic the windows as we removed it – you Radio Cambridgeshire… was averted when closer inspec- know you’re doing a good broadcast tion revealed instead they had been when that happens,’ said ba Kather- …Sexist baboons are fine, but I think harbouring a colony of altogether ine Cowan. Green Room can only as- I should draw the line at dead fish… more popular honey bees. Wasp- sume the bees had heard about the induced fear morphed into a cau- latest trend for ‘urban beehives’ in …Has anyone been in yet to deliver tious respect for our increasingly the news last week and were trying a penguin?... rare furry friends, and the station’s out a bit of city living. > IF YOU HAVE A STORY FOR THE GREEN ROOM, CONTACT ADAM BAMBURY