22·12·09 Week 51 explore.gateway.bbc.co.uk/ariel
THE BBC NEWSPAPER photograph: mark allen mark photograph:
Reggie Yates and ◆ Fearne Cotton present this year’s Top of the Pops Christmas special. Ariel goes behind the scenes for an insight into the making of this BBC Christmas tradition. See Page 5
Radio gets creative ◆ with the schedules, new presenters, new drama, new ideas for festive listening. See Pages 8, 9, 10
Christmas Countdown > NEWS 2-4 WEEK AT WORK 7 MAIL 11 JOBS 14 GREEN ROOM 16 < 162 News aa 00·00·08 22·12·09 a Expedition guide’s death NEWS BITES World Service director Peter was ‘a tragic accident’ Horrocks has apologised for any offence caused after the Room 2316, White City u The death of expedition guide Anton ily and friends of Anton Turner,’ says Thomson. question ‘should homosexuals 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS Turner, who was killed by an elephant while working ‘We much regret his death and continue to offer face execution?’ was posted online 020 8008 4228 for the BBC in Tanzania, was a tragic accident, a BBC them our condolences and support.’ by Africa Have Your Say, ahead Editor investigation has found. The report identified examples of good prac- of a debate in Uganda about a Candida Watson 02-84222 The former army officer had been film- tice and encouraged these to be shared across planned new law to make some ing with a group of children for CBBC’s Serious the BBC. For example, it considered that the gay activities punishable by death. Deputy editors Explorers, following in the footsteps of David preparations by the production and expedition Horrocks said the original headline, Sally Hillier 02-26877 Livingstone, when the incident happened on team were ‘appropriate, thorough, detailed and which was later changed, ‘was, in Cathy Loughran 02-27360 October 30. considered’. hindsight, too stark’. Mail, Page 11 Features editor Turner was part of a group that was trekking Elephant charges had been identified as one Clare Bolt 02-27445 in the Mbarika mountains. An elephant sudden- of the risks of the Mbarika trek and steps had BBC Persian television is Reporters ly charged, and he was heard to shout at it and been taken to manage and minimise that risk. continuing to broadcast into Iran Laura Scarrott 02-84224 seen to point his weapon but no shot was fired. These included a strict walking formation based despite attempts to jam its signal. Production editor He was trampled and fatally wounded. on recognised procedures for walking in a ‘big Persistent interference, affecting Claire Barrett 02-27368 The report, commissioned by chief operat- game’ environment, with Anton Turner at the the Hotbird 6 satellite, began on Art editor ing officer Caroline Thomson, was carried out by head of the group as chief hunter/guide in the December 20 after BBC Persian Ken Sinyard 02-84229 Donald-Iain Brown, head of talent divisions and first line of defence. began extended coverage of the operations Scotland, and came to the same ‘tragic There had been a sufficient number of pro- death of reformist cleric Grand Ariel online accident’ conclusion as the Tanzanian Authorities, fessional hunters and armed guards. Adequate Ayatollah Hoseyn Ali Montazeri. Alex Goodey 02-27410 who are not investigating any further. training and drills had been provided and the Business co-ordinator Information from experts indicated that the production team were all very experienced. Radio 3 presenter Fiona Talkington Silvana Romana 02-84228 elephant reacted ‘in an unusual, unexpected The expedition doctors considered that the has received the Royal Norwegian Ariel mail way’, although the reasons for this are unclear. provision of medical assistance was in accord- Order of Merit for ‘outstanding [email protected] Possible factors could be that it was protecting ance with the agreed plan for dealing with such service in the interest of Norway’. Ariel online explore.gateway.bbc.uk/ariel a second elephant; that it may have been previ- an incident, and thought it ‘extremely unlikely’ For many years she has championed ously injured; that it may have felt threatened; Turner would have survived his injuries even if Norwegian music, films and that it may have felt trapped; that visibility in the he had been close to a fully resourced hospital. literature and last year curated the Guest contributors this week bush meant it did not notice the trekking party The emergency evacuation plans were ‘very Scene Norway festival in London. until it was in its ‘fight or flight’ zone and that it well planned’, and the expedition leader had bill thompson, technology writer, chose to fight. shown ‘exemplary’ skills in dealing with the situ- BBC Workplace is launching two explains why he and his family will ‘This has been a difficult time for the fam- ation, the report found. design challenges for universities be gathered around the modem this and colleges in the north of England.
Christmas. Page 6 photograph Undergraduates are invited to design a piece of furniture and a gary duffy, correspondent in Final link in piece of fabric to be used in the Brazil, captures Christmas in the BBC’s new home at Salford. : ANNA GORDON : ANNA southern hemisphere, where the the Chain festive dinner is sometimes served Radio 7’s interactive drama, Peter Mandelson, the architect at 2am. Page 15 Chain Gang, came to a thrill- of New Labour and one of the most ing conclusion at St Pancras colourful figures in British politics, station last week, with au- is to take part in next month’s News BBC Jobs 0370 333 1330 dience members joining in Festival. The business secretary will Jobs textphone 028 9032 8478 the location recording of be in conversation with Jon Sopel. BBC Jobs John Clarke 02-27143 the final episode. Room 2120, White City, London W12 7TS It was a fitting finale for For the first time Scotland’s Advertise in Ariel the programme, in which Hogmanay Live will be available Ten Alps Media 020 7878 2313 plot development has been across the world. It will go out on www.bbcarielads.com driven by listeners. BBC One Scotland on December After the first two- 31, and will be streamed live Printing minute episode, back in on-demand for 24 hours through Garnett Dickinson Group September, writer Robert bbc.co.uk/hogmanay. In addition it Rotherham 01709 768000 Shearman was following will be available on the red button Subscribe to Ariel the dramatic twists and in England, Northern Ireland Six months: £26, £36, £40 turns suggested by the au- and Wales, and on BBC iPlayer. Twelve months: £50, £60, £68 dience. Shearman was at St Pan- BBC Worldwide’s Festive Recipes (prices for UK, Europe, rest of world cras to meet the audience, app, which includes food ideas respectively) and the entire story, eve- and how-to videos, is available Cheques to: Garnett Dickinson Print, ry link in the chain, will for £2.39 from the App Store Brookfields Way, Manvers, be broadcast in an omni- on iPhone and iPod touch or at Wath Upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 5DL bus edition on Dec 26 at www.itunes.com/appstore/ Tel 01709 768199 5.15pm. INFORMATION IN AN EMERGENCY Staff are reminded that the VAT Telephone 0800 0688 159 rate will revert from 15 percent to 17.5 percent on January 1. Sales of Ceefax Page 159 www.bbc.co.uk/159 standard-rate goods or services on or Ariel is produced by Internal ‘Encouraging’ response after that date will charge VAT at 17.5 Communications for people at the BBC percent. Details of how to apply the from indies at green forum rate change are available on http:// finance.gateway.bbc.co.uk/document- library/pdfs/vat-rate-change.pdf u Shine, Endemol and Hat Trick were among ‘There was a lot of enthusiasm and we all 18 independent companies that took part in agreed that this was the start of a process we’re an environmental forum, hosted by the BBC’s keen to continue and develop,’ he said. PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR COPY OF ARIEL Environmentally Sustainable Productions The ESP team hopes to give the indies access team. to its specialist production carbon calculator – The forum was an opportunity for compa- which will assess the environmental impact of tv SEASON'S GREETINGS nies to share best practice, from sustainable productions – when it launches in the new year. n Ariel wishes all its readers a lighting to rechargeable batteries, recycling and Debbi Slater, line producer on Being Human, happy Christmas. There is no edi- sustainable sets. Project manager Charles Sim- said: ‘Swapping information is a great start – tion on December 29. The next monds said that the response from the indies when you are on set things can get stressful and issue will appear on January 5 had been ‘encouraging’. people tend to forget things like recycling.’
> ARIEL ONLINE: BBC NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – EXPLORE.GATEWAY.BBC.CO.UK/ARIEL< a 22·12·09 News 3 Wogan signs off - till February PHOTOGRAPH: C PHOTOGRAPH: ha s C o mm a nde r
Radio 2 staff lined the corridors on Friday 6A to 6C squawk box chatter every It’s been 15 years of laughter – every fortless ability as a broadcaster, and Stuart Maconie to applaud Sir Terry Wogan as he left the morning, berating politicians, journal- day from the minute Terry arrives I think I may even miss him throwing R2 presenter building after closing the mic on 27 years ists, the BBC suits, the roads, the crazy each morning. And he’s a gener- biscuits at me while I broadcast. As a tiny child in the frozen North, of broadcasting at Breakfast. The studio behaviour of tv stars. It feels like a be- ous man. Some presenters hog the the knocker-upper’s rapping would was full of cards, cake, champagne and loved member of my family has been microphone; Terry shares it. If you Shaun Keaveny rouse me from slumbers and it would senior executives. TOGs queued in the taken from me and The Dawn Patrol come up with a witty line that is dif- Breakfast Show presenter, 6 Music be downstairs for thin gruel by the cold outside the building to wave him Team. ficult to top, he’ll just play the next I had been on-air no more than three sputtering peat hearth, a cheerless goodbye, and the Prime Minister sent record and let you take the glory. weeks when his right-hand man Alan repast turned into a feast by the warm a goodwill message. His words lead a John ‘Boggy’ Marsh The only downside to working brought him down, as a surprise, to and wonderful conviviality emanat- selection of some of the tributes to the newsreader and inspiration for the with Wogan is that I’ve put on so join me on my breakfast show, and ing from the radio. ‘Who is that?,’ I veteran, much-loved broadcaster infamous Janet and John stories… much weight. At eight in the morning he was all the things I wanted him to would ask, and my silver-haired gran- He sounds a nice guy on the radio, we’ve tucked into snails in garlic, fish be – giving, hilarious and a total pro. nie would reply, ‘That my boy is Terry Gordon Brown the sort you would want to count as and chips, curry… to us it’s lunchtime. I’m going to miss him, and I know Wogan. His name is writ large in the Terry, five decades at the very top of a friend – warm, generous, witty. And It was Terry who christened me he’ll miss his audience. ALL HAIL warp and weft of broadcasting’s col- British broadcasting is a towering, then you meet him for real. I can’t the ‘Voice of the Balls’ when I got the WOGAN! ourful tapestry’. Almost none of the indeed an unparalleled achievement. remember a single day when I have job calling the numbers on the above is true. I have shared a curry at As you move on from Wake Up To seen him in a bad mood for more than national lottery. And that was the Mark Radcliffe ungodly hours with Sir Tel, a happy Wogan, I wanted to let you know how a few minutes. Maybe it’s the constant icing on the cake. R2 presenter 8-10pm Mon – Thurs with by-product of sitting in for Ken Bruce. very dearly you’ll be missed, how de- supply of food that does it. It has been Stuart Maconie In fact, I have even occupied the great lighted we all are you’ll be returning an enormous privilege to be part of Lynn Bowles, I remember sitting next to Terry at man’s breakfast chair myself, a fact with another venture before too long.’ the team for so many years... If only he Terry’s travel presenter the Sony Awards once and feeling which, all joking aside, I am as proud wouldn’t insist on eating tepid curry I can never do justice to the talents like I was a ‘made man’ in the mafia as of as anything I have ever done. To be Sarah Kennedy first thing in the morning..... of Terry Wogan, where could I pos- countless radio foot soldiers came considered even a half-fit stand-in for R2 early morning presenter sibly begin? I feel like I’m in an ‘arms up to pay homage to the ‘Godfather’ Terry Wogan is a real compliment. Be- I’m actually in denial – I really can’t Alan ‘deadly ‘Dedicoat race’ of superlatives when I try to and kiss his ring. Farewell then Sir cause Terry is the Don of broadcast- believe I won’t be hearing the Studio newsreader on Wake Up to Wogan describe him. No one touches his ef- Terry. It was all for the best. All of it. ers. We shall not see his like again. A fond farewell to the Togmeister from one Old Gal Friday’s final Wake Up To Wogan much of his 27 year reign as the King I was going. His wild fits of giggles not million, and you’re trying to make that was an incredibly emotional affair for of the breakfast airwaves, I was one only set me off but also set me up for person feel part of the programme.’ the millions of us who tuned in for the of Terry Wogan’s eight million ‘bewil- the day. And feel part of it we did, revelling in Togmeister’s last hurrah. dered’ listeners. Wake Up To Wogan was a bit like Mar- the good natured banter with ‘Deadly’, ’Now, I’m not going to pretend that Although not naturally a morning mite, you either loved it or you hat- ‘Boggy’ and ‘The Travel Totty,’ and leg- this is not a sad day,’ he said, voice person, Sir Terry’s velvety brogue and ed it – so what was it that hooked me? endary contributions from ‘listeners’ cracking, as he signed off for the last whimsical take on life never failed to I joined his merry band of listeners in such as Chuffer Dandridge and Hele- time. ‘You can probably hear it in my put a spring in my step and a smile on the early eighties, during Wogan’s hi- na Handcart. voice. I’m going to miss the laughter my face, so his final show was a sad oc- larious obsession with Dallas and the I shall miss the shameless innuen- and the fun of our mornings together.’ casion. Struggling to hold back the tears Poison Dwarf. It was a joy to be lulled do and corpsing, the gentle teasing and And he finished by saying, ‘thank you as he bade us farewell, I recalled happi- out of sleep by his chuckling and led ability to see the ridiculous side of life, for being my friend’. er times; driving to work laughing my into a world of gentle whimsy and wild but most of all I shall miss the man The show ended with Anthony New- head off, with tears streaming down my flights of fancy. who has been the soundtrack of my life. ley’s The Party’s Over, and what a par- face; not only did I look like a complete He claimed the secret of his success So thank you Sir Terry. Thank you for ty it has been. I am a TOG (Terry’s Old idiot but I also had to pull the car over was in trying to create a club, where; being my friend. Geezers or Gals) and proud of it. For and stop because I couldn’t see where ‘You’re talking to one person, not eight Sue Llewellyn
4 News a 22·12·09 New faces for sport, arts & content
by Ariel staff BBC Two and Four channel executive Troy – the only person in the red button, mobiles, the iPlayer, the David Okuefuna and a chance to ex- BBC with just one name – is the com- web.’ The BBC’s new sports editor is to ploit the new network supply review pany’s first head of content release. He notes that a lot of on-demand be David Bond, currently sports ed- investment in arts at Pacific Quay. He will bring Vision and FM&T ex- viewing at the moment is of ‘hits’, itor at the Daily Telegraph. The job In the newly created role of Scot- pertise together, to make more BBC but says the BBC also has a wide has been vacant since Mihir Bose’s land’s creative director of arts, he’s content available, in more ways, to a range of material which reaches departure in August. Bond will start looking forward to working with pre- wider audience. right across our diverse audiences. in the post in the New Year, . senters like Alan Yentob, Kirsty Wark Troy says: ‘This job is a recognition He sees his role as making that out- He will become the senior on-air and Martha Kearney, but also win- that the ways in which we watch tele- put available for audiences to discov- specialist for sports news journal- ning commissions for ambitious new vision are changing; it’s about trying er, and helping them to access it. ism, providing analysis and in- network content, including a ma- to fuse the successes of our channel So – how will he measure success? depth knowledge to coverage jor factual project he hopes to scheduling with the immense poten- He says: ‘If the BBC is able to use the of major sports news stories announce in February. David Okuefuna tial of working with creative technol- new services and existing channels to and events. ‘There is already a strong ogies, in FM&T and beyond the BBC.’ secure its future at the heart of view- He will work across news team of production talent at PQ will still come from London. The Cul- Currently a large part of the BBC’s ers’ lives, then that feels like a pretty and sports services on tv, radio and through the network sup- ture Show will continue to be split be- output is available on demand, in fu- successful outcome to me.’ and online. ply commitment, Scotland tween London and PQ. ture it all will be, and Troy talks with And his name? His parents chose Bond currently runs a is destined to be a very A former editor in the BBC Arts stu- enthusiasm of enabling on demand not to give him a Christian name, team of sports journalists important contributor, dio, whose credits include The Thirties access to the vast riches of the BBC and he has always been just Troy. at the Daily Telegraph, pro- across all channels,’ he in Colour, Art of Eternity and The Story archive. He wants to offer viewers ducing their daily sports says. of Maths, Okuefuna has no concerns an interactive experience, so when Troy supplement and websites. From January 22, about attracting on and off-air talent they watch one programme they are He has overseen the pa- BBC Two’s late night to the banks of the Clyde. pointed at other output – not neces- per’s coverage of the Beijing arts magazine strand ‘Regular contributors have already sarily more of the same but comple- Olympics, and the in-depth will be retitled The Re- indicated they’re happy to travel and mentary programming, or explan- reporting on rugby union’s view Show and run at talented programme makers will go atory pieces, or interaction with a ‘Bloodgate’ story. a longer 45 minutes, where there are interesting opportu- character from whatever they were Running the expanded with more single sub- nities to make great tv,’ he says. just watching – the possibilities are BBC Scotland arts slate, ject shows. BBC One’s His own roots are in the north of enormous. including Imagine and a international Imagine se- England but he is looking forward to He says: ‘We are in the business of relaunched Newsnight Re- ries will move ‘wholesale’ renewing ‘a strong affection for Scot- delighting audiences, and my role is view, will mark a return to Glasgow in March 2012, land’ he developed as a filmmaker to transfer and unlock that potential to programme making for David Bond although some programmes there. across a wide range of services – the Best year for red button English the BBC WS way
by Cathy Loughran es in BBC offices around the audiences.’ seen as a reference point.’ world, who can link to the The WS language mi- English language train- Journalists whose first lan- courses from each micro- crosites were launched last ing from World Service has guage is not English now site’s homepage. But, says year by CoJo’s Najiba Kas- always been tailored to the have free access to the on- English language develop- ree, with the aim of devel- professional needs of BBC line English training cours- ment manager Sian Harris, oping and reinforcing the staff, whether in journal- es, via the World Service they will also be useful to in-house language style of ism, production or busi- and College of Journalism’s a wider, international, au- each BBC language service. ness support, Harris adds, 30 foreign language micro- dience. Kasree says: ‘They start- and it’s paid dividends. sites. ‘As an organisation that ed the process of gathering ‘We’ve seen lots of par- Three new modules, broadcasts and produces and recording the unique ticipants enhance both written by WS trainer content in more than 30 BBC style that exists in eve- their professional develop- Mark Shea, offer guidance languages to a wide variety ry broadcast language. The ment and their own con- in writing, editorial stand- of audiences globally, it is sites are widening the lin- fidence in contributing to ards, vocabulary and accu- vital that staff are aware of guistic and journalistic English output, editorial racy. They are particularly the impact of the language debate in the target are- and management process- aimed at staff and freelanc- they use on output and as, where the BBC is often es as a result.’
by Cathy Loughran via broadband – as proposed As the BBC red button cele- through Project Canvas – will brates its most successful year free up capacity, says Chakkara, ever, 2010 and the growth of FM&T’s controller, tv platforms. Thompson says Worldwide needs BBC brand internet tv should offer even ‘The new internet connected more opportunities for the 11 platforms and devices are a big Mark Thompson has given an empty vessel.’ says, adding that reports Worldwide would not only year old service, says Rahul opportunity for BBC red but- his strongest defence of the Responding to Treas- that the BBC is already pre- fail to capitalise on its Chakkara. ton. We recently started trial- BBC’s continuing connec- ury suggestions last week paring for a partial flota- present opportunities, but Interactive television from ling BBC iPlayer on Freesat via tion with BBC Worldwide, that the BBC Trust should tion are ‘simply untrue’. would struggle to main- the BBC was used by more than the red button, delivered over arguing that it makes ‘no look at options for World- ‘What we cannot en- tain international visibili- 11m users each week in 2009 the open internet.’ commercial sense’ with- wide, including partial visage is a Worldwide in ty and relevance.’ – 7.5m alone accessing the red So what else can we expect out the BBC brand. sale. Thompson – like which the BBC does not The priority should be button offering for Wimbledon, via red button in 2010? Writing in Media Guard- trust chairman Michael Ly- continue to play a cen- to decide how best to devel- 6m for Glastonbury and over a ‘We’ll innovate to build bet- ian today, the director-gen- ons before him – remains tral role. Without the BBC op and exploit the compa- million choosing Robbie Wil- ter services for some of the key eral says: ‘A Worldwide open-minded. brand, BBC intellectual ny for the benefit of global liams’s exclusive tracks on Fri- events like the Winter Olym- wholly separated from the ‘A change [in the com- property and the ability to audiences and the whole day Night With Jonathan Ross. pics, the World Cup and Glas- BBC makes no strategic or pany’s ownership struc- deliver international BBC of the UK. In October, the BBC had to tonbury – more details early commercial sense. Global ture] is not inevitable or services, Worldwide would Read the full comment close down two of its three red next year. We’ll also aim to de- audiences flock to BBC pro- even necessarily desirable only be worth a fraction of piece at www.guardian.co.uk/ button channels on Freeview, ploy BBC iPlayer onto other con- grammes and to the BBC at any point in the future. its present value,’ Thomp- media/organgrinder/2009/ to make room for HD broad- nected tv platforms and devic- brand; take those away But nor should it be auto- son argues. dec/15/bbc-worldwide-mark- cast channels, but internet tv es,’ the controller says. and Worldwide becomes matically ruled out,’ he ‘And a BBC stripped of thompson a 22·12·09 Features 5
by adam bambury All this is accompanied by have been selected). Stravinsky’s radical score (‘it’s So what are BBC Three’s Standing in a cavernous stu- making the rite moves got the best dissonances anyone target audience of 16-34 year dio in East London waiting for the ever thought up, and the best olds going to make of it? ‘I hope performance of Ballet Boyz: The Top score: a radical reworking asymmetries,’ composer Leon- they’ll be energised, and just Rite of Spring to begin, I have no of Stravinsky’s ballet ard Bernstein once enthusiasti- enjoy the dance,’ says exec idea what I’m about to witness. cally remarked). The irregular Celina Parker. ‘You can come All I’ve been told is that it will be ‘primitivist’ rhythms and blaring to this piece without a Phd in a ‘radical reinterpretation’ of brass only add to the intensity as classical music – you can enjoy the riot-provoking original bal- terrifying black-clad elderly tan- the pure performance and the let from 1913, and that as part of go dancers with rictus grins twirl music. I think that they translate the audience I may be asked to slowly around young female regardless of channel, age or ‘learn some moves’. It’s going out ‘sirens’ writhing about on the demographic.’ on BBC Three so I’m expecting floor. Billy Elliot it ain’t. There are also the, er, cos- something a little… different. This performance makes up tumes… ’The scantily clad gor- Just how different is made the final 25 minutes of the fin- geous babes?’ Well, yes. ‘There clear when a topless man with a ished programme. The rest of its are some extraordinary bodies torso the size of a small country hour duration documents the on that stage and also an S&M leaps out from a hatch and rip- titular Ballet Boyz’ (former Royal undertone, there’s no getting ples across the stage towards me Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and around it,’ she laughs. ‘I think like a caterpillar, smiling manically. William Trevitt) efforts to stage the performances speak for Inches from my face he turns the ballet with dancers of vary- themselves, but yes, there are and jumps away, as two gangs of ing experience and the obliga- some bodacious babes wearing gimp mask-clad breakdancers tory short time period to do it very little, if that helps.’ start flipping about behind him. in (five days once all the players Ballet Boyz, BBC Three, Dec 23 PHOTOGRAPH: m PHOTOGRAPH:
Back for more: warm- up man Danny Steggall, presenter Reggie Yates, series producer ar
Sally Wood, exec Mark Cooper, k a
presenter Fearne Cotton and llen/bbc that director Phil Heyes once a year magic Adam Bambury checks out a Christmas tradition that brings fans closer to the performers
Fake snow is falling all chatter in anticipation of the and snow-covered tradition.’ turning to work on the show TOTP was cancelled. A public by the crowd, many of whom around us. Onstage, million- number one, teenage boys As creative head of music each year,’ she says. ‘They gen- outcry ensued and a month have been queuing outside selling rock band Muse per- concede that, yeah, Muse are entertainment he has fingers uinely love it.’ Some of the later it was re-confirmed, plus TVC since the morning to en- form hit single Uprising sur- pretty cool I guess, Dad paus- in many musical pies, but still crew have been TOTP regulars an additional New Year’s edi- sure they got in to the over- rounded by dancers clad in es mid-Quality Street as he appreciates TOTP’s unique since exec Chris Cowey’s day tion which remains this year. booked recording. Mark tiny Father Christmas outfits stares at the dancers, Mum is place in the nation’s hearts: ‘I in the 90s, before the reign of Was Mark surprised by the reckons it’s these excitable playing air guitar. Singer Matt dreaming of Robbie Williams, think people watch it to hear Andi Peters. support? ‘Not at all, but I pop-loving souls who make Bellamy croons his anti-estab- Granny wants to know why a song they love on the radio, The team have had longer think some people at the BBC TOTP special. lishment anthem while wear- that man is singing in such a and to see what the people to prepare this year than last were,’ he replies. ‘If you go ‘I don’t know of another ing sunglasses covered in flash- silly way… look like who do it – wheth- – in October 2008 Christmas into a pub and you say ‘should show where’s there’s such a ing blue lights; the drummer’s Exec Mark Cooper is the er they’re good movers and they bring back TOTP?’ no- proximity of performer and face is barely visible behind his man in charge of this yearly whether they fancy them.’ body’s really going to ar- band,’ he enthuses. ‘It’s a false beard and Santa hat. resurrection of the nation’s Mark should know – he was ‘Of course, gue about it. Of course they punter’s show – these are the I’m at the recording of most loved studio pop show, the show’s exec for two years should, and of course Father songs that people have sung Christmas Top of the Pops, wit- a programme that most are before it ended as a weekly they should Christmas should exist – it’s to and danced to and cried nessing a scene that two likely to have memories of – programme in July 2006. But one of those things that eve- to all year. Being there with weeks later will no doubt have or at least think they do, such despite the subsequent year- rybody can agree with. I’m those people, there’s a fan- the whole family enthralled is its nostalgic pull. Does it ly hiatus the team behind bring back sure the outcry helped make tastic camaraderie which you as they lie in a postprandial feel like a big responsibility? the show remains much the people realise its value.’ don’t get on any other pop haze. You know the drill: kids ‘Absolutely,’ he acknowledges. same. Sally Wood has been TOTP’ I’m not even dancing but show. I think that is the Top are hypnotised by the colour- ‘I’m very conscious I’m work- series producer since 2003. by 10pm I’m feeling the burn of the Pops tradition, and it’s ful costumes, adolescent girls ing in a very long, honourable ‘We have a lot of people re- MARK COOPER – it’s not a problem suffered magic to rekindle it.’
6 Features a 22·12·09 ph o t o g r aph : pete
r sea cutting rl So here it e edge bill is... Merry thompson Happy holidays Christmas with the modem
The festive schedule It’s easy to forget how much what we think of as ‘traditions’ are shaped by tech- is a cracking mix of old nology. Apart from the obvious impact of the discovery of fire, or agriculture, on the sorts and new tv favourites, of celebrations that early hominids might have enjoyed, many of us are old enough to Jana Bennett tells have lived through the emergence of televi- sion as the centrepiece of the stereotypical Sally Hillier 20thcentury family christmas. Whether it was Morecambe and Wise, the Queen’s Speech or yet another screening of The Great Escape, Christmas in Corby during the 1970s revolved around all-day chocolate, Along with all the shim- It’s not just Archie who meets cember 25 audience is double discarded wrapping paper and constant mery, shiny, feel-good content on his end. In a ‘spectacular’ two- ‘The theory is it’s that of ITV, which tends to broad- attention to the screen. offer this Christmas, Jana Ben- parter , David Tennant bows out as cast its big hitters, like The X Fac- And even though I watch relatively little nett is looking forward to some- Doctor Who. Old enemy The Mas- harder now to make tor, in the preceding weeks, max- broadcast television during the year, having thing a bit grittier: Top Gear on ter (John Simm) returns alongside imising advertising revenue. the sort of life where I rely totally on on- December 27. former companion Donna, played an impact with At the BBC, the rise in chan- demand viewing, the It was filmed in Bolivia’s Alti- by Catherine Tate. nels means a lot of effort goes Christmas schedule plano desert, which the director of Tate also appears in Nan’s Christ- films but I don’t into ensuring that schedules We’ll remains a real draw. Vision drove across with her hus- mas Carol on BBC One, in which foul- complement each other. Bennett But instead of a sin- band some years ago. At least they mouthed Nan experiences Christ- think that’s true’ says there is a particularly strong gather gle screen in the cor- did until their vehicle conked out. mases past, present and future. mix this time across the terrestri- ner of the living room ‘We were stuck in the desert and But will she be swearing as ing rooms at Christmas’ and she al and digital services, and that round the – or even a massive had to be rescued,’ she recalls. much as usual, given the sensitivi- is delighted that Wood is back. BBC Four’s Orsen Welles season is HD screen on the wall Fast forward to this year’s Edin- ties around harm and offence and People also like a good film among the highlights. wireless – we’ll be sitting down burgh TV Festival where she met the Dec 25, kiddies-still-up, slot? at this time of year, and the BBC ‘Actually, I think scheduling is with our laptops and the Top Gear presenters ahead of ‘It’s not the first time Cather- hopes they won’t be disappointed easier now because you can offer network smartphones to enjoy their trip to Bolivia. ‘I told them ine Tate has been shown on Christ- with Christmas Day animations different experiences to different a proper ‘connect- which volcanoes to drive around. mas Day,’ Bennett observes. ‘And I The Gruffalo and The Incredibles. audiences. BBC One is the focus, ed Christmas’. I’ll be I’m interested to see how they got wouldn’t say Nan has been toned Surely, though, movies are not but it’s a pleasure to think about enjoying the day with my children, and we’ll on. From what I can tell, they did down, but she is playing her char- quite so eagerly awaited as they viewers [on other platforms].’ have time for presents and meals together, better than we did.’ acter in a particular way around used to be? ‘The theory is that There is more HD program- but we won’t be alone because a constant Or maybe not, given that their the Christmas story.’ it’s harder now to make an im- ming than ever, and with around stream of text messages, Facebook updates route included a mountain pass For humorous viewing suitable pact with films, but I don’t think 2.3m HD boxes in UK homes – and, of course, tweets will keep us connected dubbed the Road of Death. for all the family, turn to Outnum- that’s true in practice,’ Bennett a three-fold increase on winter to our friends and family around the world. This brings us to EastEnders and, bered, which has a festive one-off declares. ‘Even if people have al- 2008 – a big rise is expected in Some people might think this is an appall- according to the publicity blurb: on December 27. The part-impro- ready seen the dvd, they still like viewing to the BBC HD channel. ing idea, but the idea of Christmas as a time for ‘Archie’s mission of hurt and de- vised show is establishing itself as coming together to watch again. I Also on offer is ‘more of a bang’ nuclear families to cut themselves off from the struction is brought to an abrupt one of the entertainment greats. see no diminishing of appetite for on New Year’s Eve. ‘The celebra- rest of the world is one 20th century tradition I end when he is brutally murdered.’ Cue Victoria Wood, who nine films, if they are the right sort.’ tions are bigger as it’s the end of am happy to abandon. Does Bennett think it’s time years after her last Christmas spe- A huge amount of time and the year and of the decade,’ Ben- Instead of stewing together we’ll all be for some seasonal happiness on cial – nine years! – returns with money is invested in the BBC’s nett notes. This also means more gathered around the warm glow of the wire- the soap? ‘I’m not saying there Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas Christmas, with planning starting reviews across the season, includ- less network, hoping the modem holds up for isn’t happiness, but EastEnders (December 24), complete with a good 12 months in advance. The ing one hosted by Russell Howard the holidays and using it to exchange virtual wouldn’t be delivering at Christ- Lark Pies to Cranchesterford, a line-up is drafted and redrafted on BBC Three. Bennett describes kisses instead of real ones under the mistle- mas if it didn’t have a lot of inten- skit on BBC period dramas. countless times until the final ver- Howard as ‘a shining new star’. toe, and I suspect you’ll be doing the same. sity,’ she replies. ‘The audience As Bennett points out, ‘viewers sion is unveiled in early December. And as everyone knows, the stars However, even our connected Christmas is a expects a dramatic denouement.’ like to see big names in their liv- Traditionally, the BBC’s De- always come out at Christmas. product of a specific set of technologies, and it too will adapt and evolve. This year the images on the tv screen and the conversations on the Right man for promotion: who else could it be? social networks are distinct – one in the linear broadcast world and one happening in the new It’s not just the tv sched- ‘Using the Tardis as whisked off to a warehouse in public space formed behind the screens of all ules that take a long time to plan, a sleigh pulled by rein- west London to start filming the world’s connected computers. but also the promotional effort deer was a brilliant the trailers, which he had to fit But if Canvas comes together as planned around them. idea, and David was in around making the Doctor next year the two will be linked and we’ll be Way back at Easter, the mar- an obvious choice Who Christmas special. able to wish everyone an ‘IPTV Christmas’, keting team started conjuring up – popular both with Many people were involved then watch as the digital generation ideas for Christmas idents. young and mature in the trailers, from graphic decides how to reinvent the holiday tradition For BBC One, it was decided audiences,’ says designers and post production in a post-broadcast world. A Morecambe and to peg the promotions around Reemah Sakaan, specialists to online teams and Wise tweetup, anyone? David Tennant’s departure as head of marketing, Big Screen staff who were asked Doctor Who, with Tennant taking BBC One and Fic- about how best to make them Bill Thompson is a technology writer viewers on a journey of ‘tv fun’. tion. Tennant was work for the iPlayer and the web.
a 22·12·09 Features 7 photograph: mark bassett mark photograph: how do BBC IN ACTION you say week@work 2010
Happy (almost) New Year from the Pronunciation Unit! But should we say ‘twenty ten’ or ‘two thousand and ten’? The broadcasters want consistency and we want to reflect our audience’s prefer- ences. Linguists puzzled by the popularity of two thou- sand – no one says the Nor- man conquest happened in one thousand and sixty-six – are blaming millennium fever and expressions like the year two thousand and the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. For 2010, our research leads us to expect the shift from two thousand forms to twenty forms to acceler- ate over the next couple of years. The London Olympics, for instance, is consistently Having a laugh: Stephen K and officially said to be taking Amos, The Boy with Tape place in ‘twenty twelve’. As we on his Face, Seann Walsh enter a new decade, the need and Michelle Farr for the ‘oh’ in the twenty forms (‘twenty oh nine’) disappears, and the smaller number of syl- lables required will make these even more appealing. BBC Comedy Presents pitched up Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow), Ava Catherine Sangster, ety, music, sketches and stand-up’. 500 tickets for the Christmas show in the capital for a Christmas Extrava - Vidal, The Thick Of It’s Chris Addison the Pronunciation Unit ‘Over the past two years, some of were snapped up within weeks, even ganza at the Bloomsbury Theatre. and Comedy Presents favourite Mil - the biggest names in comedy have before the line-up was announced. Stand-up comedian Stephen K ton Jones. performed, including French and ‘BBC Comedy Presents is in-house Amos, who will have his own BBC BBC Comedy Presents launched Saunders, Vic and Bob, Lenny Henry, BBC Comedy’s commitment to sup Two show next year, headlined the two years ago as a non-broadcast, live - Horne and Corden, Miranda Hart, Noel porting the live circuit,’ says producer gig, with its glittering bill of Mock the initiative. As well as regular shows in Fielding and, most recently in Cardiff, Michelle Farr. ‘As well as having a line- Week panellist Seann Walsh, the Boy London, there are gigs all over the Rob Brydon. The reputation of the BBC up of big name comedians, it is also a with Tape on his Face (recent star of country showcasing ‘the best in vari - Comedy Presents brand ensured that fantastic way to nurture new talent.’
WHAT TO WEAR shameless plug sunny dimitriadou Do you need to dress a particu- BEN MACDOUGALL, BBC Outreach, TVC lar way for work? BBC Radio Cumbria, Presenter Not really, although I do avoid Where did you buy your wearing jeans as I don’t think After seeing the devastation left behind outfit? they look very professional. by the Cumbria floods, I felt compelled to do The mustard bolero cardigan is Other than that I like to wear something to help the victims. I’m a musician part of a twin set from a Span- something that is smart but and came up with the idea to use my talent to ish brand called Hoss Intropia, casual. help raise money. Last Christmas my composi- who do quite unusual clothes tion ‘Svalbard’ reached number 3 in the iTunes with Mediterranean flair! The Whose wardrobe would charts so this year I decided to release two new stripy top was a warehouse- you most like to rummage recordings. All profits from the sale of ‘Oh Holy sale special from Orla Kielly, through? Night’ and ‘Silent Night’ will go towards the whose HQ is near my house – I I would love to go through my Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund. I urge everyone always stick my head in to ab- aunt Pepa’s wardrobe. I’ve to buy a copy of the releases so that together sorb colour and patterns. The seen photos of her in a number we can help those who are suffering over the velvet flares are See by Chloe of family albums from the 70s Christmas period. The songs are available for from TK Maxx at a fraction of and she was one cool chick. download only on the iTunes music store. The their original price. The boots albums also feature full backing tracks which were another sale purchase What’s the ideal Christmas can be downloaded in the same way. I am also from Ash at Selfridges. party outfit? providing a free download of the sheet music on Anything sparkly would do. The my website so you can play along. What kind of clothes appeal bigger the jewellery the better! to you? Sequins can be a bit too much Oranges, browns and certain to carry from work to party, types of pattern reminiscent of but lurex is a great alternative the 70s always attract me like and can be toned down with a moth to a light bulb. Oh, and plain black or even jeans. As for anything playdough coloured. guys, a little cufflink action is Having gone through decades always a welcome smart addi- of pastels and earthy non-col- tion to the usual uniform and ours, and black uniformity, I am although reindeer-jumpers and single-handedly starting a cru- singing ties are a definite no- sade for people wearing bright no, a colour injection is a nice colours again. festive twist to winter frost. 8 Features Radio gets ready for some unexpected guests
Boot out the djs, tear up the schedule and make the most of the fact you’ve got a new audience for the day. Who needs telly? From 1Xtra to Radio 4, Robert Wilson unwraps Christmas on network radio...
Joe Harland, executive producer programme on Christmas Day – as recorded music ‘won’t let up’ during at Radio 1, is sifting through a well as iconic artists and djs celebrat- the Christmas and New Year period. pile of around 2500 competition ing songs from the last five decades ‘Listeners expect us to have music entries when Ariel catches up with for the Great British Songbook. that isn’t from disc, some new work him. He’s whittling them down to 24 ‘We’re going to be reminiscing and something that feels interna- winners, who will each be given and speaking to icons of the time tional,’ he says. ‘And in the Belief pro- a 15 minute slot on Greg – Tony Blackburn and Cilla gramme with Joan there is the oppor- James’s show as part Black on the ‘60s and Nod- tunity for ideas to be taken further, in of the station’s ‘tinsel dy Holder and Kiki Dee a very personal way.’ takeover’ on Christmas on the ‘70s,’ says Bequi On New Year’s Eve, much of the Day – the kind of Sheehan, producer. ‘It’s schedule is cleared for the four com- opportunity made a great way to look back posers of the year – an evening of possible by the festive and see just how much what promises to be passionate live schedules. we have got to shout debate, culminating in the announce- Stars could be born R1’s Greg James about.’ ment of the listeners’ choice. Advo- – and not just in the east. Lewis Carnie, head cates, who include Alan Rusbridger, ‘For all we know, this of programmes, reck- editor of the Guardian (Purcell) and could be the opportunity for the next ons that the seasonal schedule is a Roger Scruton, philosopher (Haydn) Chris Moyles,’ says Harland. chance to experiment with different can phone a friend and play music Entrants’ pitches range from the artists, presenters and programmes... they loathe from the other composers straightforward – I will come on and to see how they go down with as they vie to convince the public. the radio, play records and make you the public. ‘It’s the only time of year ‘We thought this was the moment laugh – to me and my gran will cook our we would be able to give that much to throw things open and say to our favourite basmati rice recipe. Winners airtime to a theme like the Great Brit- listeners, you have heard all this won- will choose songs from the Radio 1 ish Songbook, because normally we derful music but who would you really playlist and one or two personal would be carrying an afternoon like to be on your desert island favourites. show,’ he says. with you,’ says Jessica Isaacs, ‘All radio stations know that Christ- Radio 3 will be mark- senior producer. ‘We have mas is a different listening experience ing the anniversaries of 15 minutes when we – people bump into you who haven’t Purcell, Handel, Haydn have to count the votes, heard you for a long time, or haven’t and Mendelssohn – the which we will be doing heard you at all. We thought, why climax of its Compos- very carefully!’ don’t we give people their own show, ers of the Year. There Family drama and big something that speaks for them?’ are new recordings of names are a centrepiece Over on Radio 2, the Togs will be carols by the BBC Sing- Purcell on Radio 3 of the Radio 4 Christmas braving their first Christmas morning ers at breakfast time schedule. There’s a fresh for many years without the familiar and the world premiere adaptation of The Won- ho, ho, ho of Terry Wogan. of John Rutter’s Carol for the Magi. derful Wizard of Oz and new produc- But the Togmeister may well be Joan Bakewell talks to writers, artists, tions including Roald Dahl’s children’s tuning in to hear the big name spe- thinkers and other public figures in a tale Matilda; an 18th century adven- cials presented by the likes of Kather- new series of Belief. ture, Black Hearts in Battersea, and ine Jenkins, Robbie Williams and Barry Controller Roger Wright promises Mike Stott’s semi-autobiographical Manilow, doing his first ever radio that the richness of live and specially play, My Mad Grandad. Two episodes
Features 9 Radio gets ready for some unexpected guests
of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency will particular,’ Wall says. bookend the Queen’s speech. In another one-off documentary, In ‘We want to give the audience some Search of the Real Drogba, the Chelsea nice treats and there’s an opportunity striker explains his motivation for help- to break open the schedule a bit,’ says ing to build a new hospital in his home Jeremy Howe, commissioning edi- country, Ivory Coast. With the guidance tor. ‘We’ve deliberately commissioned of football pundit Ian McGarry, listeners what we call family-friendly will gain an insight into one of drama – Matilda is absolute- the Premier League’s most ly targeted for Christmas.’ talked-about players – The station will also an interview which Wall broadcast the first surmises will be ‘much ever radio adaptation deeper than getting a of a Willy Russell play, five minute interview Educating Rita. The author with him after a match’. joined producer Kirsty Roald Dahl’s Matilda 6 Music offers a burst Williams when Laura dos of sunshine from down Santos auditioned to play under as Hamish and Rita opposite Bill Nighy. ‘When Laura Andy’s MidWinter Warmer goes out walked into the audition room she on the shortest day of the year. It will broke their hearts, and she is almost be the first time a UK audience will have completely unknown,’ Howe recalls. heard the duo, who present Australia’s ’I think that will be a real treat.’ most popular radio show. Mike Stott, who died in September, On Christmas Day, Led Zeppelin’s was working on the play when he learnt Jimmy Page and Gossip’s Beth Ditto that he was terminally ill. ‘It is a great follow Derek Smalls from Spinal Tap: way to remember him and the most the Pet Shop Boys chat to Dave Pearce beautiful piece of funny writing about about dance music, and Martin Freeman un-PC growing up. People were just waxes lyrical about Curtis Mayfield. queuing up to be in it – Alison Stead- ‘What we are trying to do through- man, Bernard Hill, Kenneth Cranham, out this whole schedule is to choose Johnny Vegas, Gwyneth Powell and important musicians and presenters, Matthew Kelly. I am so pleased that it’s while looking at interesting musical there, all singing and dancing, to bring context,’ says Paul Rodgers, editor, in the New Year.’ 6 Music. There’s also a treat On 5 live, one differ- for Adam Buxton and Joe ence is obvious: several Cornish fans who missed of the stand-out shows the duo’s podcasts the will have been pre-re- first time round – as the corded, which commis- station offers the 12 sioning editor Jonathan Podcasts Of Christmas Wall says will be ‘a great – which Rodgers assures chance to show a bit more Drogba on 5 live us are ‘raving popular’. depth to the station’. For lovers of black mu- Regular 5 live tennis sic listening at lunchtime pundit Annabel Croft presents on Christmas Day, 1Xtra asks ‘jerk James, My Alcoholic Friend – a follow on turkey, anyone?’ as it rewinds to Au- to her BBC One documentary, Famous, gust with highlights from the Notting Rich and Homeless, tracking down the Hill Carnival. Then it’s back to Ayia Napa man she met when sleeping rough on to relive a week of pool parties, MCs the streets of London. ‘It’s a very emo- and special guests before Dizzee Ras- tional story. And it broadens out into cal’s performance and other highlights the issue of homelessness, something from the 2009 BBC Electric Proms. that people think about at Christmas in The ghosts of Christmas past and 10 Features a 22·12·09 unexpected guests
present come to have a good laugh on stuff that we have sometimes done in Radio 7. There is a second chance to the past.’ hear a special round of Just a Minute Finally, World Service adds its to mark the station’s seventh anni- global perspective. ‘We do news cov- versary, in which Nicholas Parsons erage in the same way as we always challenges the panel to talk about the do, but we add a little seasonal spice station without deviation or repeti- – not all of our audience celebrate tion. ‘Very hard for a repeat network,’ Christmas, but a lot of people do have says Mary Kalemkerian, head of pro- a holiday around now,’ says Gwyneth grammes. Barry Cryer presents a Williams, director of English networks Christmas selection box of treats in- and news. cluding Hancock and Father Christmas, Perhaps the most moving story The Goons and The International is told in Refuge Bethlehem, the Christmas Pudding and Ken Christmas edition of the Dodd’s Christmas Cracker. weekly spiritual strand ‘You can hear years of Heart and Soul. Christo- Christmases all in the pher Landau, religious one Christmas stock- affairs correspondent, ing. We are even com- visits ‘La Creche’, where peting with the Disney unwanted children are movie by broadcasting a cared for and desperate dramatisation of A Christ- Scrooge on R7 young women can give mas Carol – it is not in 3D birth. He witnesses an un- of course but the pictures folding drama as a young are better on digital radio!’ pregnant woman makes her long and Hot on the heels of all the cover- perilous way to Bethlehem, hoping to age of her appearance in Strictly Come deliver her baby in safety. Dancing, Laila Rouass is the big at- Other highlights include a special traction on the Asian Network on edition of Outlook about the unlikely Christmas Day. She picks a selection friendship between an Iraqi academic of songs from her record collection in Baghdad and a World Service jour- and recalls her time in India meet- nalist living in London. Reading Jane ing Bollywood stars. ‘Her profile has Austen in Baghdad picks up the story shot up since Strictly and we thought through the emails they exchanged. it would be a nice time to bring her Witness, the new daily history pro- back on board,’ says Kuljinder Singh, gramme, takes a look at toys down the assistant editor. ‘She is very well years and The Strand, the global known to Asian audiences arts show, names the world’s peel’s scottish scene and did a small stint with best cds of 2009 as guests Asian Network a few scour the globe from years ago.’ Bamako to Brooklyn and By Sue Llewellyn For many, like Del Amitri and bands that might have been one Over the festive pe- Iceland to Senegal. Belle and Sebastian, their musical hit wonders went on to have a riod the station will re- On New Year’s Day, The Peel Sessions are the stuff tastes were influenced by what career and even if Peel stopped view some of the year’s The Sound of Snow and of musical legend. For more than John Peel played when they were supporting them at any point, big interviews and live Ice tells how visually 35 years, from 1967 to his death growing up. For others, on the nobody felt cheated. music sessions as well as Laila and Kuljinder impaired children at a in 2004, John Peel hand-picked brink of giving up, his support Ravenscroft presents the pro- bring in big personalities. Finnish school learn to over 2000 bands to come and kept them going. Camera Ob- gramme and was initially going to ‘It’s a family radio station navigate using sound. The record over 4000 sessions on his scura, for example, acknowledge conduct the interviews but it was so we are celebrating a children find their way show. For many it was the start that they never would have made felt that having John Peel’s son family Christmas. And trying to bring through nearby forests as they go ice of their career and for others it it if John Peel had not supported posing the questions might together as many elements of a warm fishing on a frozen lake. Truly atmos- was the only exposure they ever them when they needed it. His affect the way the bands an- Yuletide as opposed to the cool, edgy pheric radio to start 2010. got. Now, in a special programme enthusiasm and support meant swered. ‘As a result,’ says Low, on Christmas Day, John Peel’s who did many of the interviews son Tom Ravenscroft (pictured) himself, ‘we got more genuine charts the contributions his enthusiasm and praise for his fa- RADIO WALES father made to the Scottish music ther and people weren’t worried scene through the sessions he about upsetting him.’ Radio Wales has trawled its number of Welsh woman in politics. offered Scottish acts. In the five years since his archives to find theTwenty Welsh And Radio Cymru is revealing what ‘It’s five years since John Peel death Low says that John Peel Moments of the Noughties which happened when three high profile died,’ says Nick Low, producer is still much missed, not just as helped shape the decade in Wales Welsh musicians spent a day busk- John Peel’s Scottish Sessions. ‘We a person and champion of new for a five part series running from ing at a London Underground station, wanted to mark that and exam- music but also because ‘bands December 28 to New Year’s Day. They to raise money for Children in Need. ine the legacy he left to Scot- feel that the public service remit range from Wales winning the Grand Bysgio’r Dolig – aka Christmas tish bands and Scotland’s music he fulfilled is now somewhat Slam in 2005 to Rhydian Roberts in X Busking – goes out on Christmas Day industry. Bands there felt at a missing. Where else can you Factor, Gavin and Stacey and a record at 12.30. distance from the happening find dub next to techno next to scene in London and John Peel hardcore? There’s no doubt that bridged that gap.’ through his sessions he kept The team trawled the exist- careers going and it wasn’t just RADIO ULSTER ing archives of the Scottish the mechanical exposure, it was sessions – several significant a stamp of approval. If John Peel Over to BBC Ulster for Christmas music and takes request dedications. recordings, including those liked you then you were doing Eve, where John Bennett plays Producer Maggie Doyle said that with Lulu, AC/DC, Altered Im- something right.’ Christmas requests from Northern Irish listeners ‘enjoy calling the radio to ages and Al Stewart, have since John Peel’s Scottish Sessions, ex-pats living all around the world. exchange Christmas greetings, from been lost – to find out what John’s BBC Radio Scotland, December 25, And on Christmas Day, presenter thanking Granny for socks to new support meant to those bands. 4.05 – 6.00pm Hugo Duncan plays popular country partners sending Christmas love’.
a 22.12.09 11
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Screen the extreme Have Your Say discussion board which, Share if you care the drama alongside Ruby Television. Vicky As an openly gay man, I don’t need BBC knowing how heated this debate would be, Following Jo Babbage’s letter (December 8) Licorish and Joanna Anderson from AL Films, News to tell me that homophobia exists, but should have been better moderated. regarding her experience with cab share, we’d who were co-producers of Small Island, were pas- neither do I need them to fan the flames of it. I was pleased to see a lot of views con- like to remind people why we believe the policy sionate about the project from the outset and There are ways of highlighting the situation demning this absurd bill, but there were is a good idea. The BBC is aiming to cut its car- did a wonderful job of getting the drama off in Uganda, and other nation states with op- still several extremist and offensive views bon emissions from transport by 20 percent by the ground and worked with Ruby to bring it to pressive governments, without inviting every posted which would not have been accepta- 2012/3. This is the right thing to do environmen- the screen. We hope everyone who watched it homophobe online to vent their hatred on a ble if this was a debate on race. tally, and should also save the BBC money. Cab enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed making it. BBC website that has until now been praised Daryn Carter share is one of the ways in which we can reduce Lucy Richer for its balanced and sensitive reporting. recruitment consultant, BBC People the thousands of journeys made on behalf of BBC executive producer, Small Island I thought it was against BBC guidelines to the BBC every week. ‘make statements... which are offensive on Peter Horrocks, director, World Service, Unfortunately, there may sometimes be a the grounds of religion, race, gender or sexu- replies: We apologise if you found any of our slight delay as the cab waits for all its passen- Freezing out the rest ality’? Replace the word ‘homosexuals’ with coverage of the issue offensive. It was not gers to arrive. We ask people to be patient in Typical… snow in London and the South East ‘Blacks’, ‘Jews’ or ‘Muslims’ and ask yourself, our intent. Uganda’s democratically elected such circumstances. turns into a national crisis on the News Chan- would this question have ever been posed? I MPs were discussing an anti-homosexuality Passengers can still opt out of cab share nel and radio networks, despite 70 percent of can’t quite see, ‘The BBC asks the white work- bill last week. The reality is that if the bill when booking. But bearing in mind the main the United Kingdom seeing no snow at all. So ing class of Bradford if they think immigrants becomes law it would bring onto the statute environmental motive behind the policy, we’d much for trying not to be London-centric. should be executed to make way for more book legislation that could condemn people be grateful if travellers use the opt out clause in What about a near deal at the climate jobs’. The double standard is offensive. to death for some homosexual activities. emergencies only. change summit? What about Greater Manches- Stephen Duffy, marketing communications In hindsight, the headline on the discus- Hattie Park ter Police admitting failure after a domesti- executive, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra sion page was too stark. But it was accom- BBC Environment team cally abused woman is killed by her ex-part- panied by clear explanatory text which gave ner? What about holidaymakers trying to get n There were some sickening comments on the context of the bill itself. We believe the home for Christmas after Scottish company Facebook and Twitter about Uganda’s anti- bill is a legitimate and crucial area of dis- Small omission Globespan collapses... I could go on… homosexuality bill, so I listened to the World cussion for the Africa Have Your Say pro- Thank you for your feature on Small Island We never learn; leave the snow for regional Service Africa Today debate on the issue with gramme and its audiences on the continent. (December 1), the BBC One adaptation of tv and local radio. A mention perhaps on the great interest. You can’t, after all, condemn We have sought to moderate these de- Andrea Levy’s novel which received fantastic national news certainly, but it’s not a lead people for infringing human rights while bates rigorously while trying to reflect the reviews and some lovely audience feedback. unless the entire UK is snowed in. quashing freedom of speech. varied and hugely diverse views about I just wanted to note that the feature didn’t Steve Saul I was disappointed, however, with the homosexuality in Africa. mention AL Films, the company that produced Radio Manchester
It was also OBITUARY Dima who gave me my first dima kostenko serious present- ing break, for As he was to many throughout the World which I will be Service and throughout the world, Dima forever grateful. was a good friend and valued colleague to I last saw all those he worked with over the past 12 Dima just a and a half years at BBC English and later few weeks ago, BBC Learning English. But no one ever just on the steps of worked with Dima. We laughed with him, Bush House hav- we drank with him and – for those of us who ing a cigarette, still meet several times a day outside Bush where we passed the time of day. It does Bolton School, Realising Potential House, we smoked and enjoyed a good gossip seem surreal that he will not be seen again. with him. Gone but most definitely not forgotten. Bolton School is one of the country’s pre-eminent independent In every way, Dima will be missed. On a personal level, we’ll miss his impish sense of Tania Godwin adds: Dima was my best friend, day schools where pupils are inspired to reach their full humour and his hearty laugh. We’ll miss the my partner in crime, my joy and my laugh- potential. We offer: way he brought so many of us together. On a ter. We were both new to the Ukrainian professional level, Dima was a creative, dedi- Section, some 17 years ago now, and it was • Academic excellence delivered by highly qualified and experienced teachers cated producer and a pioneer. Look back on Dima who showed me the Bush House so many of today’s success stories in the de- ropes, Dima who made me laugh uproari- • 100+ extra-curricular activities including sailing on a 48ft yacht built by our partment – online, China, Egypt, music… – ously at the silliest of things. He found own pupils and you’ll find Dima there at the start. hilarity in the most absurd situations, • Our own outdoor pursuits centre, Patterdale Hall, in the Lake District But in the end, we simply miss our friend phrases and the oddities of people. • A friendly, happy and productive working environment and our thoughts and love are with Alex and He could translate, write a news item Dima’s family. or a magazine piece at a rate of knots, and • A 32 acre campus with outstanding facilities, including a new state-of-the-art Infant Sean Keegan it was always first class. Oh how we would School, a refurbished Junior Boys’ School and, from September 2010, a newly built laugh when he would have to translate ‘Pe- Junior Girls’ School Nick Randall adds: I first met Dima over 15 ter’s tractor is in the field’ for Learning Eng- • Our own coach service which covers 22 routes across the North-West years ago when I joined the BBC as a studio lish and how useful this phrase would be manager for the World Service. The effort- walking down Oxford Street. It is however, a • Where needed, full fee assistance for Senior School pupils less way he made people welcome made a useful phrase in Ukrainian, in New Zealand big difference to me and others during that these days, and I have never forgotten it. To visit our Nursery, Infants’, Junior Girls’, Junior Boys’, Senior Girls’ or time, with socialising outside work hours He would sit me up for hours learning Senior Boys’ Schools or to receive a prospectus, contact us. (with him and his partner, Alex) a big part useful Ukrainian phrases, to say them over of that. and over again until I got them right and His personable and professional nature they were perfect and, would and could not shone through in all that he did, inspiring ever be forgotten, indelibly etched on my people (including me) along the way. When mind, my heart and my soul forever.....just leaving the Ukrainian service as presenter/ like my dearest, darling Dima. Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA producer to work with BBC English, he con- I’ll miss you always but I carry you in t: 01204 840201 e: [email protected] tinued to excel in his new role there, pro- my heart wherever I go because you made ducing a variety of English language teach- my life a bed of roses and my garden is that www.boltonschool.org ing programmes and online related work. much richer for having known you. Registered Charity No. 1110703
14 Jobs See Attachment Cooking up Christmas Glasgow-based radio news reporter Huw Williams spent three months in Jerusalem last Christmas as a radio producer. During that time the bureau moved to a new building, and covered the Israeli offensive in Gaza. But one highlight was an evening in Bethlehem, recording a piece for the World Service about Christmas food... georgette rishmawi had mixed semolina, vege- table fat yeast and oil with sugar and warm water to make the dough. She took dried dates, more oil, and a spoonful of cinnamon to make the filling. Then she and I made ma’amoul together. They’re traditional Palestinian pastries. Some of them pressed into shape in our hands. Others made ‘They were too hot to eat but I had to try one’ with a mould. Her son, George, explained that Pales- tinian Christians make them for Easter and Christ- mas. Muslims make them for Eid. ‘We Palestinian Christians are Christians by faith, Muslims by culture, and we might have Jewish blood, we just don’t know,’ he told me. We were in the kitchen of the family home, in the village of Beit Sahour on the outskirts of Bethlehem. It’s where, according to tradition, shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks, when an angel of the Lord appeared to tell them Jesus had been born. ‘Sometimes from my porch I look towards the Shepherds’ Field and try to imagine with my mind,’ George said. ‘I try to see the angels, two thousand years ago, spreading the message of peace.’ Georgette and I filled two huge baking trays, with my messy attempts and her perfect ma’amoul. The family settled down to listen to some music from the cd. A jaunty version of the carol ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’, sung in Arabic. George talked about how amazing it was to celebrate Christmas ‘in this special place’. Fifteen minutes later the whole house had filled with the smell of Christmas. Georgette pulled the pastries from the oven. ‘We must wait a little,’ she said. But I couldn’t. The ma’amoul were too hot to eat. But I had to try one. As I told Georgette how delicious it was, she smiled graciously. ‘You made it,’ she said. Then she turned to the microphone I was hold- ing. She added ‘Merry Christmas to you, and to all the world.’ Been anywhere nice? Send your attachment stories to Clare Bolt
14 OCTOBER 08 ARIEL a 22·12·09 What am I doing here 15
it will probably be fish at lunch- What happened next? jane hill time. For volunteering, though, I I did a couple of years in have been given a very nice shift regional telly with South Today so will be home by 4.30. I think in Southampton until News 24 foreign news presenter that’s quite civilised and means started. I thought I might get I can also cook a lovely supper. some freelance shifts there, so I Are you working again this So is it ok working over did a screen test and they prac- Christmas? Christmas? What’s your favourite festive tically offered me the job on Yes, I reckon I’ve had five Christ- Broadly it is. The only time it’s food? the spot. I was on nights and bureau mases off in the 18 years I’ve bad is if you work with someone I love mince pies. They’re my it was a good way back to Lon- been full-time at the BBC, and who’d really begged for Christ- Christmas weakness. It’s a giv- don, but it was hard work. this year I’m working both mas off but still couldn’t get it. en that I’ll get to the end of Christmas Eve and Christ- Inevitably they’re a bit down my shift and will have eat- Talking of hard work, weren’t mas Day from 12.30-4pm on in the mouth. Generally you’re en too many mince pies. you on presenting duties on the News Channel and I’ll also with people who are there for September 11? be doing the BBC One Christ- a reason – because they want Do you get cards or presents from Yes, I went on air at about three gary mas Day lunchtime bulletin. New Year off or they’ve got viewers over Christmas? and did about five hours that duffy other plans or, let’s face it, be- I get lots of Christmas cards day and the following day. I re- Do you get a choice? cause they wanted to get out of from viewers, and sometimes member we were getting first correspondent, brazil You never have to work both spending time with the in-laws flowers, and my friends will pictures through of that grey Christmas and New Year and text me during the day and say mist after the towers had col- this year I’ve got New Year off. What do your family think of you ‘we just saw you’ and they’ll lapsed, Brian Hanrahan sitting I was driving recently in the north east In the early days of the chan- working almost every Christmas? wish me Happy Christmas. next to me on the set, and the of Brazil on an almost unbearably hot day, nel and for years afterwards I They think it comes with the ter- two of us almost open mouthed when a young man wobbled past on a bike was the only presenter with- ritory of working on a 24 hour Did you ever think you’d be watching the live feed come in. going in the other direction, a small deco- out children so I thought I news channel. I do try to make presenting the news and working He turned to me and said, ‘My rated Christmas tree clutched in his hand. should volunteer and let those up for it and will go and see my over Christmas? God, it’s like War of the Worlds.’ Brazilians adore Christmas, and they have with kids have Christmas off. parents on Boxing Day and take Radio was my thing. Aged 16 I embraced its traditions with true pas- lots of lovely food and drink. My worked for BBC local radio in Was that one of the hardest sion. There are some interesting modifica- What’s the atmosphere like in the brother has just emigrated to Brighton and was so keen, that’s things you’ve had to do? tions, one of which requires a lot of stay- newsroom over Christmas? Australia so I’m already thinking all I wanted to do. After univer- Yes, that and the Madeleine ing power for any visitor from the UK. For It varies enormously. I’ve had that maybe I’ll want to go and sity I worked on Capitol Hill in McCann story. I was out many Brazilian families Christmas dinner is years where I’d go in and it’s spend Christmas there next year. Washington and then a job came there the day after she disap- consumed at midnight on the 24th, and the quite upbeat, especially in the up in Traffic and I got it on the peared and ended up being presents are opened then too. early days of the channel and What will you eat on Christmas basis of my years of experience there for the whole of May. The first year I was here, the family I was when I used to work at 5 live. day in the newsroom? in local radio. I worked as a re- It was emotionally draining, visiting ate around 2am. I’ve never been Then people brought in booze I eat everything known to man. I searcher on 5 live, then went that lack of resolution. I’m so glad to see a turkey and never felt less and more mince pies than you love food but I’m very used to tak- on the regional news trainee not a parent but I don’t need guilty about overeating. Yes – Brazilians do could ever eat in a day. People ing in my own because I do actu- scheme – that was one of the few to be one to know how abso- eat turkey (though here it’s called ‘Peru’!). do make a lot of effort to bring ally eat quite healthily. I haven’t years I did have Christmas off. lutely horrific it must be. French toast and Italian panettone are in nice food and lots of it. thought about Christmas Day but almost obligatory and, even in the heart of What do you like to do away summer in a tropical country, people buy Talking of Christmas ‘spirit’, from the newsroom? expensive imported dried fruits and nuts will you have a glass? I love the arts, but my spe- rather than fresh produce grown locally. Some might have a drink, but CV cial interest is theatre. I go Alternatively, you can spend Christmas I won’t have a sip until after- Degree: Politics at London University once a week on average and Day in gentle slumber, interrupted by a bar- wards because if, God forbid, Career highpoint: Covering the Presidential election, it has been a very good year becue or ‘churrasco’ in the middle of the we should have a big news story simply because, whatever your politics, I was witnessing for it. I also go to the gym a afternoon. on Christmas Day, and I’d had lot and will certainly need Like every celebration in this country, even half a glass and slipped history in the making. It was just so extraordinary and to go after Christmas if I’m fireworks are ubiquitous, especially the up, I’d never forgive myself. But very emotional to work off the mince pies.. closer you get to New Year. Speaking of when my shift’s over I’ll definite- Family: Partner Sara and dog Mavis. Parents still live in which, sharing New Year’s Eve with a million ly have a glass with the team. Interview by Sue Llewellyn people on Copacabana beach in Rio de Sussex; brother in Australia. Four god children. Janeiro, the majority dressed in white for
PHOTO peace and good luck, is one of the modern wonders of the world. G RAPH: m RAPH: White flowers are often placed on the water in tribute to the African deity Ieman-
bassett ark ja. I have to admit, though, the year I was there, one of the huge crowd was hit by a bullet that had been fired into the air by a celebrating drug dealer in a local shanty town. It struck the poor unfortunate on the way back down, though thankfully he wasn’t killed. Christmas 2009 finds the BBC ‘spon- sored reporters’ in South America in a reflective frame of mind. The positions we hold are to close, to be replaced by locally recruited regional reporters. In Brazil I would say, with not a little envy, they are lucky to be taking on this respon- sibility at such an exciting moment for their country. Brazil is apparently set to be the fifth largest economy in the world in the near future; there have been huge oil finds off the coast; the World Cup and the Olym- pics are just around the corner. Even Brazilians are starting to concede they can no longer hide behind the old say- ing that ‘Brazil is the country of the future, and always will be’. It really looks as if the future has finally arrived. Speaking of which: to all my colleagues and friends in London – and in various parts of the world – Happy Christmas from Sao Paulo! Feliz Natal!
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WE HEAR THAT. . . Chilling: newsreader Louise Minchin feels the cold in the newsroom The green room (we’re assured the heating Christmas quiz has now been fixed) LAND OF SPIKE OF LAND Tis the season to grapple with Rage Against the Machine may have made a mockery of the charts (or reinvigorated them Christmas-themed for the iPod generation) by taking the Christmas number one spot with 1992 single Killing in the general knowledge Name, thanks to a campaign to stop X Factor’s conundrums. Oh yes it Joe McElderry reaching the top, but one thing’s for sure: 5 live’s Shelagh Fogarty didn’t help is! So gather your few them do it. ‘Get rid of it!’ the breakfast show host was heard to shout over the band’s live perform- colleagues who aren’t ance on her show last week, after singer Zac De La Rocha began screaming the song’s uncen- sitting at home with sored chorus ‘Fxxx you, I won’t do what you tell me.’ ‘We asked them not to do it and they their feet up because did it anyway,’ said the presenter. ‘So buy Joe’s they booked holiday, records.’ The clue was in the lyric, Shelagh. place a mince pie in Christmas has finally come to Manchester. ‘It’s the last Christmas at Kingswood Warren but the nearest Kitchen the first for many of you in Manchester,’ says head of FM&T Erik Huggers in his recent ‘Sea- Hub microwave oven, sons Greetings’ email. Don’t worry Mancunians – a Christmas training course (‘T’ is for Turkey, stop checking the Tinsel and Too Much Booze) can only be around train times and enjoy so you can be assured also means you can the corner... our Green Room of their accuracy and dress up as Anne EARWIGGING Christmas Quiz. And intellectual calibre. It Robinson to pose OVERHEARD what a quiz it is – the the questions and questions have been caustically berate your AT THE BBC kindly provided by the friends for not knowing … Well I did try voxing the other seasoned trivia buffs in the answer, should you donkeys but The Weakest Link team, be so inspired... they weren’t as good… …Is Prosecco 1: Which James Bond film ends with 5: In the cartoon South Park what is 7: In 1825 which scientist, known for the line ‘I thought Christmas only the name of the so-called ‘Christmas his work on electricity and magnetism, a musical comes once a year’? Poo’ who emerges from the toilet established the Christmas Lectures for instrument?… bowl and talks to Kyle? children at the Royal Institution? …I’m just trying to warm my 2: What place-name is shared by a bum up… historic province of South Africa and 6: In Norse mythology, what was the 8: Who was crowned King of Eng- a city in Brazil, which were both name of the god who, in one version land, in Westminster Abbey, on …Is that my bear downstairs?… so-named because of supposed con- of the story, was killed when his blind Christmas Day 1066? …I’m not going to take you seriously nections to Christmas Day? brother Hod was tricked into throw- if you’re not even going to take your ing a sprig of mistletoe at him? 9: According to the lyrics of ‘Fairy- face seriously… 3: Which nineteenth century poet tale of New York’ by the Pogues and wrote the words to the Christ- Kirsty MacColl, ‘the boys of the NYPD …I love you, I love you, I love you. mas carol that begins with the Choir’ were singing which song? I mean, in a professional way… lines ‘In the bleak midwinter / …Which radio station covers Frosty wind made moan’? 10: Delivered by George V in 1932, the first Royal Christmas Broadcast Southampton? Is it BBC 4: Which major race did Santa Claus was scripted by which author? Plymouth?… win on June 3 1964, without the aid of Answers will be available on Ariel online …I’ve got something up my sleeve a sleigh or any reindeer? from December 23 involving fish going downstream…
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