18·05·10 Week 20 explore.gateway.bbc.co.uk/ariel THE BBC NEWSPAPER
Staff choose special objects to illustrate a the History of the World Page 7 top of the morning
Chris Evans and producer ◆Helen Thomas, all smiles as they reach record audience figures. Nor are they the only ones, as the Rajars show that radio listening is on the up Page 3
◆ Broadcasting House ◆ What now for the ◆ Getting ready for to be emptied for BBC and other media kick-off: focus on safety tests Page 2 providers? Page 5 World Cup Pages 8,9,10
> NEWS 2-4 OPINION 5 MAIL 11 JOBS 14 GREEN ROOM 16 < 162 News aa 00·00·08 18·05·10 NEWS BITES a All out as vital tests BBC Films this week announced a new comedy from Armando Iannucci, Out The Window; a Room 2316, White City new collaboration with The 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS are conducted at BH Damned United screenwriter Peter Morgan, Three Sixty, a tale of love 020 8008 4228 and sexual obsession; and Brick Editor by Sally Hillier to staff and broadcast continuity could not be Lane writer Abi Morgan’s new Candida Watson 02-84222 maintained without asking people to leave.’ adaptation of Claire Tomalin’s Deputy Editor Hundreds of staff in central London will It would be ‘irresponsible’, it says, for the biography The Invisible Woman. Cathy Loughran 02-27360 have to go into temporary accommodation this corporation to take control of the building Chief Writer autumn while essential tests are carried out without the tests taking place. ‘This is par- Middle East correspondent Jim Sally Hillier 02-26877 on the new Broadcasting House, where main ticularly true for the extensive power supply Muir has been given a lifetime Planning Manager construction is moving towards an end. systems that will be needed to safeguard the achievement award by the Clare Bolt 02-24622 Integrated System Testing, as the work is unprecedented concentration of live and con- International Council for Press and Broadcast Journalists called, has to be done before the contractors tinuous programming which will be moving Broadcasting. Voted for by other hand over the building to the BBC and involves to W1 during 2012.’ journalists, the award goes to a Claire Barrett 02-27368 extensive trials of power supplies, fire alarms, While the requirement for a ten-week IST reporter who has promoted better Adam Bambury 02-27410 heating/cooling, lifts and ‘other life systems’. handover test period – standard practice for understanding of the Middle East. Lisette Johnston 02-27630 The tests are planned for ten weeks start- such major developments – was always known Rumeana Jahangir 01 -43756 ing on September 14 and include a continu- about, the precise end date of the main con- The public consultation on the AV Manager ous ‘high risk’ period of at least the first three struction phase at BH has become clear only in strategy review ends on May 25, Peter Roach 02-24622 weeks in November when it will be necessary the last few weeks. after which the BBC Trust will look Digital Design Executives for all occupants and broadcasting to leave Andy Griffee, programme director, WI at all the submissions, alongside David Murray 02-27380 both the old BH and Egton Wing and be based Project, says: ‘Obviously, none of us is looking other research and analysis. In Gary Lonergan 02-84229 elsewhere. forward to this level of disruption but it is the summer the trust aims to Team Assistant This will affect people working for Audio essential work that’s necessary to safeguard provide a provisional view of its Graeme Allister 02-84228 and Music, BBC London and the Arabic and all W1-based staff and programmes, now and conclusions on what the future Persian services, many of whom have been in the future. Once this period is over, the BBC direction of the BBC should be and in their revamped accommodation for only a will begin technical fit-out in preparation for a final strategy in the autumn. Guest contributors this week short time. staff to move in at the start of 2012.’ It is not yet clear where everyone will go Pianist Lara Ömeroğlu won the torin douglas and maggie but a joint working party of divisional repre- BBC Young Musician Final in Cardiff brown are among experts who sentatives and Business Continuity, Technol- on Sunday night. The 16-year old speculate on what the new coalition ogy and Workplace specialists is drawing up beat co-finalists flautist Emma might mean for the BBC. Page 5 plans and will provide more details in a few Halnan and violinist Callum Smart. weeks. The cost of the relocation will be met ben thompson, Middle East by the WI Project with individual programme 6 Music will clear its schedule to business reporter, finds that power budgets unaffected. provide 40 hours of continuous has shifted in Dubai Page 15 The obvious question is why the tests can- coverage of next month’s not take place with people in situ, and the an- Glastonbury Festival. Radio 1 swer, says the BBC, is that fire alarms will will offer highlights and Radio Ariel mail sound continually and power supplies to dif- 4 will focus on the spoken word, Candida. [email protected] ferent areas will be shut down and restarted with Glastonbury Poetry Highlights Ariel online explore.gateway.bbc.uk/ariel in a series in complex sequences. and a special edition of comedy BBC Jobs 0370 333 1330 ‘This will impact on all electrically pow- show 4 In a Field. There will be Jobs textphone 028 9032 8478 ered equipment – both for broadcasting and extensive tv coverage as well. BBC Jobs John Clarke 02-27143 life systems like heating, cooling and lifts,’ it Room 2120, White City, London W12 7TS adds. ‘In these circumstances our duty of care New website bbc.co.uk/comedy was fully rolled out at the weekend, Advertise in Ariel following its Beta launch a year Ten Alps Media 020 7878 2313 ago. The site brings together classic www.bbcarielads.com archive content as well as exclusive Printing material from the likes of The Thick Garnett Dickinson Group Staff survey gets local touch of It and Outnumbered and bespoke Rotherham 01709 768000 web-only comedy from new talent. isation. So what has changed as a result? Subscribe to Ariel by Cathy Loughran Divisional weaknesses have been targeted, Steve Austins has been appointed Six months: £26, £36, £40 The new staff survey will deliver more lo- says Adams: ‘Lack of feedback in journalism editor of Radio Wales after acting in Twelve months: £50, £60, £68 calised results than ever before, promises BBC was a problem, so there has been a concerted the role since last summer. He joined (prices for UK, Europe, rest of world People director Lucy Adams, who is hoping drive to get everyone an appraisal. the BBC in 1998 as a researcher, and respectively) that more than two thirds of the workforce ‘In Audio and Music, feedback and commu- soon was producing Radio Wales’s Cheques to: Garnett Dickinson Print, will respond before the closing date of June 4. nication between managers and teams scored flagship news shows Good Morning Brookfields Way, Manvers, The latest biennial survey is pretty much a badly, so [director] Tim Davie launched his Wales and Good Evening Wales. Wath Upon Dearne, Rotherham S63 5DL re-run of the 45 questions asked in 2008, but staff guarantee, which promises an annual Tel 01709 768199 with more focus on ‘issues we can do some- face to face discussion with your line manager. Fifteen hundred children from thing about’, Adams says. ‘And in Vision, people said they weren’t schools in Westminster joined the INFORMATION IN AN EMERGENCY So this year’s questionnaire asks: ‘Does the sure what was going on in the division. Now BBC Singers at the Royal Albert Telephone 0800 0688 159 BBC get the most out of me?’, not: ‘Does the more than 90 percent of staff get individual Hall on May 17 to perform specially Ceefax Page 159www.bbc.co.uk/159 BBC get the most out of its staff?’. briefings and weekly messages from [Vision di- composed work The World in Our City. Ariel is produced by Internal There are additional questions about how rector] Jana Bennett.’ The concert was the culmination of a Communications for people at the BBC people think senior leaders, not just line man- At corporate level, staff feedback had point- three year project during which the agers, are performing, to find out if they are ed to a lack of clarity about what was available BBC Singers mentored the children. visible, accessible and communicating well. in terms of training and development. That, in The biggest change is in the level of local part, had led to the establishment of the BBC The BBC Symphony Orchestra has reporting, with a doubling of tailored reports Academy. become the first orchestra to win going back to teams of ten people or more – Response rate in 2008 was 61 percent, up the Royal Philharmonic Society around 700, compared with 350 last time. from 44 percent in 2006. Adams aims for at Music Award for Opera and Music ‘Results will be more meaningful to least a 66 percent rate this time, to a survey Theatre for its concert performance PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR COPY OF ARIEL local managers,’ Adams says. ‘If they’re only she says can be completed in ten minutes, of Martinu’s opera Juliette, given at divisional level, how do you know what to in an almost fully email-based organisation, at the Barbican last year. change?’ staffed by people who are usually ‘not back- One headline from the last survey was that ward in coming forward’. Low-energy studio lighting too few people felt they were getting regular Mark Thompson will publish headline is being used at Birmingham’s feedback from their managers, but another results in July and teams will get detailed Mailbox as part of a trial of was that most felt proud to work for the organ- reports by September. different kinds of lighting.
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5 live’s Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogerty, bigger audiences Radio for Sony Station audiences of the Year on a high by Candida Watson unheard of for me –I had to sit down, then I felt sick, then I burst into tears. A million More people are tuning in It was such astonishing news.’ to the Radio 2 breakfast show since The whole breakfast show team Chris Evans became the presenter at were on a break when the Rajars came the start of the year. The first Rajar fig- out. Evans was on a golf course, with- ures of 2010, released on May 13, show out his mobile phone, and when that Evans’s mix of music, banter and Thomas finally reached him he too interactivity has taken the audience was stunned by the enormity of their to a record 9.5m a week. Those are the success. highest ratings for any show since Ra- Thomas pays tribute to the efforts jar [Radio Joint Audience Research] in- of the entire breakfast show team. She edges that the high profile anti-closure dience share of 17.2 percent. 7 at 1.05m, putting it just ahead of 6 troduced its current survey methods a says: ‘These figures are beyond our campaign has attracted new listen- Radio 1 also had a record audience, Music. But Asian Network, earmarked decade ago. wildest dreams. All you can do is work ers, bringing the 6 Music audience to 11.74m people a week in the quarter, for closure by the strategy review, saw Bob Shennan, controller Radio 2 1.02m. Says Shennan: ‘I am really, re- with Chris Moyles pulling in his high- audiences decline from 405,000 last and 6 Music, told Ariel: ‘You can’t grow ally pleased for the production teams est ever audience at 7.88m. Radio 3 year to 357,000. For local radio the ill audiences like this if you are not ex- and the presenters because they de- grew both its reach and its audience winds of the severe winter weather traordinarily good at what you do. serve it. They have been so professional share, whereas Radio 4’s reach grew blew in a million more listeners. Con- Chris Evans is one of the great enter- during what is clearly a difficult time – but audience share fell slightly. The au- troller of English regions, David Holds- tainment broadcasters.’ but for the future, it is for the trust to dience for the station’s flagship, theTo - worth, said: ‘It is encouraging that peo- Tim Davie, director of Audio and 9.5m weigh up the arguments and decide.’ day programme has dipped down over ple feel they can trust and turn to the Music, said: ‘I’m delighted to see Ra- Evans’ weekly audience The Rajars brought good news for the past year, from 6.68m to 6.43m. BBC ….this is partly why local radio is dio 2’s listeners have taken to Chris in biggest in Rajar history almost everyone. UK radio listening is Radio 5 live, which was named Sta- such a valuable asset.’ such a positive way. He is one of the at an all time high, with 46.5m adults tion of the Year at last week’s Sony Jeff Zycinski, head of Radio Scot- best broadcasters of his generation and as hard as you can and hope people tuning in to one station or another eve- Awards, was another hitting record land, also thought this winter’s bad has earned his popularity.’ like what you do.’ ry week. All five main BBC networks audiences and – combined with 5 live weather was a contributory factor in Helen Thomas has been Evans’s pro- People clearly like 6 Music, which grew their reach, and digital share is Sports Extra – reached 6.56m listeners. his station boosting its audience. He ducer since he joined Radio 2 five and saw audience growth of 47 percent in up 19 percent. As on Radios 1 and 2 the breakfast show said: ‘We’ve gained more than 90,000 a half years ago. She recounts the mo- the quarter. Shennan attributes it to Evans’s strong showing at break- has picked up listeners. listeners in the past quarter and once ment Shennan phoned her with the getting the content and strategic direc- fast helped lift Radio 2 to a new high Digital stations BBC 7 and 1Xtra also again we’re in sight of having a million figures: ‘I couldn’t speak – which is tion of the station right, but acknowl- of 14.57m weekly listeners, and an au- recorded highest ever figures, with BBC listeners a week.’ Fundraising record for Publicly funded WS news is CiN in anniversary year ‘more important than ever’ This year’s Children in As the new coalition govern- ing and developed countries and providers directly un- Need appeal has beaten all ment decides its spending pri- had not diluted the BBC’s cen- der the influence of govern- previous highs and raised orities, Mark Thompson has tral international mission, he ments with no tradition of a record £39m in this, its made a strong case for ongo- added. editorial independence, the 30th year. ing public funding for the ‘Repression of free speech, BBC’s ‘journalism, objectiv- Terry Wogan announced World Service. suppression and sometimes ity, impartiality and ability the figure live on Radio 2 He told an audience at the persecution of local and to put people on the ground on Monday, disclosing that Chatham House last week that international journalism and keep them there over the the telethon in November the BBC’s ability to fulfil its has not disappeared,’ he ex- years’ was more, not less, im- pulled in £20.3m on the global mission depended on plained. ‘Far from it – if an- portant than it used to be. night, and the additional continued grant-in-aid from ything, it is on the rise, and Thompson pointed to an £19m came in over the fol- the Foreign Office (the agree- not just in failed or marginal independent survey that had lowing months. ment which is due for renew- states but in many advanced asked people in Kenya, Egypt, David Ramsden, chief One more cheque towards the grand total al in 2011). societies. Pakistan and Turkey how executive of Children in ‘Independent and impartial ‘The jamming and block- much they would miss the Need, said: ‘Thanks to the pre-appeal parties were just events such as a paper planes Arabic and Persian TV would ing of BBC services; the har- BBC, CNN, Voice of America overwhelming generosi- some of the workplace activ- competition, cake sale and not be possible without public assment of BBC journalists and Al-Jazeera if they became ty of our supporters we are ities which raised £150,000. BBC Scotland’s Got Talent. money,’ Thompson said. ‘Ra- and local staff working for unavailable. thrilled we have raised a Examples of individual Five staff members ran dio services to frontline states BBC bureaux…these are facts ‘In all four countries re- record amount of money and team efforts include; the London Marathon for like Afghanistan, Pakistan and of life in 2010 in some of the spondents said they would which will make a real dif- Radio Leeds journalist Gra- the cause, getting almost Somalia would not be possi- most influential and sophisti- miss the BBC most. Egyptian ference to young lives right ham Liver, who cycled the £5000 in sponsorship be- ble. The English language ra- cated societies. In some coun- respondents, for example, across the UK.’ 250 miles from Leeds Castle tween them. dio World Service in all its tries there has been a signif- said they would miss the BBC The charity made a spe- in Kent to Leeds, West York- The BBC Club organ- richness and glory would not icant deterioration in recent much more than Al-Jazeera.’ cial point of thanking BBC shire, collecting more than ised numerous activities, be possible.’ years.’ In another survey find- staff for their efforts to sup- £20,000 in the process. and also donated the first The explosion of interna- In a world in which in- ing, 80 percent of respond- port Pudsey Bear. Design- Staff in Scotland pulled month’s subscription fee tional news services, such depth international report- ents said the BBC made them a-sandwich competitions, out all the stops – Pacific for new joiners in London, as Al-Jazeera, and of indige- ing increasingly was restrict- think more positively about bake sales, auctions and Quay raised over £5600 with which raised over £6000. nous media in many develop- ed to a handful of agencies the UK as a whole, he added.
4 News a 18·05·10 photograph: JEFF O JEFF photograph: VE R Standing S out from the crowd Laura Keunssberg was one of the stars of television’s election coverage. Sally Hillier catches up with her
‘Can I just say, I think you’re abso- In the run-up to May 6, she regularly lutely brilliant,’ gushes a passer-by as she went on air at breakfast and didn’t fin- recognises Laura Kuenssberg hurrying ish until nine or ten that night. Then through the back streets of Westminster. it would be back to the south London ‘I promise you I didn’t arrange home she shares with her husband to that,’ the News Channel’s chief po- catch some sleep before starting all litical correspondent laughs as she over again. strides along, Ariel writer by her What kept her going? side, trying to interview her amid her ‘Fresh fruit, lots of coffee, and the packed schedule. story itself. It wasn’t just one story, It isn’t a walk, exactly; more a brisk of course, but a series of massive sto- trot from Millbank, home of the BBC’s ries that kept coming at us. Yes, it was political reporting operations, to the manic covering them all, but also im- Department for Business Innovation mensely exciting.’ and Skills in Victoria Street where As well as presenting, she was con- David Cameron is speaking. stantly tweeting. ‘At the start of the elec- It was all part of last week’s whirl- tion campaign my twitter stream had wind that saw Kuenssberg make so 5000 followers and by the end it had many dashes from one political event 14,000,’ she notes with satisfaction. to another that she ditched her heels She pays tribute to her ‘brilliant’ for trainers. Not that the audience producers Edwina Thomas and Jonath- necessarily noticed her footwear. an Whitney, the latter loaned to Mill- Good position: Laura Kuenssberg awaits her cue amid some of the largest media scrums ever seen in Westminster Clearly, though, they noticed the bank for the election from the BBC’s correspondent herself. Many view- Washington bureau. producer for former social affairs edi- ers and commentators regarded the Kuenssberg, who was born in Italy tor Niall Dickson and reporter in New- Brought to you from the bubble News Channel’s ‘face of the election’ and raised in Glasgow, is herself famil- castle when she spent a lot of time in as a breath of fresh air with her in- iar with Washington, having attended the field – literally – covering the foot- last week’s political dramas re- from the ‘Bubble’, a small temporary sightful reporting and analysis and Georgetown University and worked and-mouth outbreak. quired ‘one last push’ by the BBC’s studio on Abingdon Green, opposite cheery, chirpy manner – the chirpi- briefly for NBC. This was after study- Standing out in the cold and bat- election team and some staff made Parliament. ‘If you consolidate the ness sustained through many hours ing history at Edinburgh University tling for position within the throng personal sacrifices to provide extra News Channel and BBC One that night of live output. and before starting her UK broadcast- – and recently Westminster has seen coverage. the audience was 11.5m, and that’s Some days it seemed she barely left ing career, in cable tv and local radio. some its largest ever media throngs – With the tv election set already incredible,’ says election editor Craig the screen. How many hours did she She joined the BBC in 2000 and at is what it’s all about. dismantled, the programmes, includ- Oliver. People were very tired, he clock up? A good 14 or so at a stretch the time of the last general election in ‘I love being part of the scrum,’ says ing a special on Tuesday night when adds, but so big was the story that is the answer – and not just during 2005 was on BBC Two’s Daily Politics. Kuenssberg. Cameron succeeded Brown, came ‘nobody wanted to back away’. last week’s extraordinary happenings. Other previous BBC roles include Just as well, really. Courageous Vicky honoured for witch doctor exposé by Cathy Loughran ing to get rich quick. ‘In the town of Lamadi I was al- her new organisation. Ntetema con- She persuaded a driver to take her most killed after police colluded tinues to travel to the Lakes region, Two years after she first put her life on into villages where police were too with witch doctors in the region and usually under an assumed name and the line to expose Tanzania’s murder- scared to go. ‘In a feared place called their henchmen went searching for disguised in a hijab, including to do ous trade in albino body parts, Vicky Gambusi, witch doctors made me me from hotel to hotel. Luckily, I’d media research. Ntetema has received a courage in talk to a chicken and the branches moved on,’ she says. She consulted the BBC high risk journalism award from the Interna- of a tree, but I was more scared of vi- Hundreds of arrests have been team during her investigation, but tional Women’s Media Foundation. olent assault or poisoning than sor- made of witch doctors and sorcery had to work alone in the field to avoid The former BBC bureau chief in Dar cery,’ she told Ariel. has been outlawed by Tanzania’s Pres- suspicion, says Jerry Timmins, head es Salaam posed as a businesswoman After her stories broke – on the BBC ident Kikwete, but the practice con- of Africa region: ‘Vicky did a magnif- in the market for body parts then se- Swahili service and Focus on Africa, re- tinues, as does the trade in human icent job on a critical story which re- cretly recorded witch doctors asking ported widely in the Tanzanian me- victims. Of the 53 murders of people quired her to take risks. In this case, $2000 for the limbs, hair and blood dia and her footage used on Newsnight with albinism in recent years, seven the results justify that decision.’ of brutally murdered albinos. Potions – Ntetema received death threats and have been reported since February. n Mohammed Olad Hassan, the Afri- made from the body parts are thought twice had to flee her native country, Still based in Dar es Salaam, Ntete- can’s service’s English language report- to bring wealth and good luck. working for periods in the BBC’s Nairo- ma has taken early retirement from er in Mogadishu and one of the few in- Ntetema consulted ten witch doc- bi bureau and at Bush House. the BBC to join the charity Under ternational journalists still in the city, tors in the north western Lakes re- The Same Sun, which works to fight will be in London next month to re- gion, where most of the murders had Life under threat: poverty and marginalisation. Round ceive the 2010 Speaker Abbot award for taken place, on the pretext of want- Vicky Ntetema the clock protection is provided by personal bravery in journalism. a 18·05·10 Opinions/Analysis 5 Low priority, still under pressure
BBC media correspondent Despite this unexpected harmony between the coalition partners, the Torin Douglas considers what BBC will remain under pressure to the new coalition government cut costs. The government’s top pri- ority of reducing the national deficit could mean for the BBC will affect all areas of public spend- ing, and – despite David Cameron’s confirmation to Andrew Marr at the weekend that the BBC will not be part For the BBC, the election result they came to power. And Hunt said of Will Hutton’s public sector pay re- must have come as a relief. New cul- they were even considering wheth- view – any tax or price increases will ture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has er to ‘rip up’ the BBC Charter. He lat- hit the BBC as hard as any business. made it clear that his first priority is er backtracked, making clear that The DCMS has said that newspa- not the reform of the BBC but the Ol- they’d let the licence fee settlement per reports suggesting a non-execu- ympic Games and there is no men- and the Charter run their course – tive chairman could be appointed to tion of the BBC in the first coalition but the damage had been done. sit at the BBC’s top table are jumping agreement. It’s little wonder that the Con- the gun. But one early threat may Plans cooked up before the elec- servatives were seen as the biggest well be to the World Service, funded tion – when it seemed the BBC was threat to the BBC. David Cameron by a direct grant from the Foreign being roasted by all parties – are now had said it was ‘bloated’ and should Office. The BBC has dismissed a Sun- on the back burner. Freezing or top- voluntarily freeze the licence fee. day Times report that it faced cuts slicing the licence fee, abolishing the Some Tory MPs had called for Radio of up to 25 percent as ‘speculation’, BBC Trust and public auditing of the 1 and 2 to be sold. Many people be- caused by the current uncertainty BBC’s accounts would not have been lieved Labour claims of a Conserva- over government spending. But it ac- immediate government priorities, tive deal with Rupert Murdoch, in knowledges ‘it will be faced with ex- even if the election had produced an return for the support of the Sun. tremely difficult decisions’. outright winner. In the compromise During the election, more than Unexpected harmony: no mention of BBC in coalition partners’ first agreement Last week, Mark Thompson told atmosphere of coalition, such poli- 40 actors, directors and entertainers a Chatham House audience that re- cies seem even less urgent. wrote an open letter to the Observer, eron was the ‘most pro-BBC Conserv- are traditionally the strongest BBC search in four countries suggested The Conservatives opposed La- accusing opposition politicians of ‘a ative leader there’s ever been’ and supporters. Their manifesto said they that BBC News was more important bour’s plans to top-slice and use cavalier attitude towards the BBC’s said he’d ‘never do anything to put planned to keep the BBC ‘strong, to the UK’s image overseas than the some of the money to subsidise ITV’s independence’. Yet by this time the the BBC at risk’, putting himself free from interference and securely government, the armed forces or regional news. But, like both Labour Conservatives were going out of closer to his coalition partners than funded’. They also agreed with the overseas aid. It seems the lobbying and the Liberal Democrats, they said their way to stress their respect for his own right-wingers. Tories that top-slicing would com- to defend the World Service budget they would replace the BBC Trust if the BBC and its independence. Cam- Of the main parties, the Lib Dems promise the BBC’s independence. has begun. Make multiplatform real and back creative industries Ariel asked a range of industry figures and commentators what they would like at the top of the new government’s media agenda steve ackerman DAMIAN TAMBINI maggie brown A coalition may not make the future Dear Jeremy Hunt, dear Ed Vaizey, despite two decades of Cameron and Hunt want a smaller more uncertain for broadcasting, but it conversing about convergence, no UK political party has set BBC and the corporation faces a far does put all bets off for the short-term out a long-term vision for the media. sterner assessment in every area: the until we know the team working with So when you want a rest from cost cutting, I would sug- Trust, executive salaries, the licence Jeremy Hunt. gest you think about where we want to be in 20 years time, fee level, commercial activities. Don’t In terms of priorities, the most think about the next Communications Act in the light of these assume the BBC’s current strategy re- pressing issue is for the government goals, and leave the short term details to Ofcom. view conclusions will find favour. to establish its attitude to the BBC and Are public service media basically a 20th century story? The key test will be the 2012 licence in particular the continuation (or not) Should public service intervention be restricted to the BBC? fee settlement. It is almost inevita- of the BBC Trust. Also urgent is how the government encour- And should it be only about content, or also about commu- ble the NAO will be empowered to scrutinise BBC accounts: ages broadband take up and product placement on tv. On a nication and connection? Until we can answer these basics, frankly the BBC’s executive board has tempted fate, with its personal note I’m keen to see continued momentum to sup- broadcasting policy will be criticised as realpolitik and short- glaring mistakes. port the creative industries, which was strong under the pre- termism, particularly if the government grabs it back from The most urgent issue for government is assisting com- vious administration, and also the battle by radio independ- Ofcom. mercial tv and print media, including changing competition ents for an increase in the BBC commissioning quota from its Senior lecturer, London School of Economics law/policy. It must strike a deal with ITV over far looser regula- current paltry 10 percent voluntary level. tion, in exchange for a rescue of ITV regional news, reinvigor- Managing director, Somethin’ Else ated national news and, maybe, children’s programming. simon shaps MediaGuardian writer and historian of Channel 4 The BBC cannot avoid getting ALEX CONNOCK caught up in the blast of ice cold wind that is going to sweep over the public BOBBY HAIN The media industry is always entirely uncertain, because sector. From executive pay, to what it is moved by the unpredictable tides of economy and pub- may appear to be marginal services, it The continued provision of news is important to STV and lic taste. will have to justify (again) every penny to the people of Scotland, and we need clarity on plans re- But everyone expected the story of this election to be so- it spends. For the commercial sec- garding how this will be delivered in future. Research has cial media, and then the tv leader debates made the early tor, there will be a willingness to see it shown that Scottish news and plurality of services in Scot- running. By the endgame, the real story was live blogging thrive, but a reluctance to grant it spe- land are highly valued and a sustainable solution to secure – integrating rolling video, newswire, blogs and audience cial favours. Jeremy Hunt will want to hear (again) ITV explain the supply of local news is imperative and needs to be iden- feedback. BBC, Sky and newspaper live blog sites had enor- why its regional programmes are not sustainable. tified promptly. mous traffic. What will be interesting now is how that shift Interestingly, it tends to be broadcasters who get the most I think it’s important that we create a relationship with to truly live, multiplatform and interactive news translates government attention. The new government might want to the government whereby they recognise the strategic and into media policy. For instance, what will the coalition do think urgently about how it stimulates the production sector. economic importance of the creative industries as a key on replacing the rather antique daily half hour regional tv Tax breaks, anybody? growth area, and in particular the nurturing of creative clus- news format, and how will they see new models resourced? Chairman, A Brand Apart TV and Mercury Media ters and promotion of innovation in the nations and regions. Chief executive, Ten Alps MD of Broadcasting and Regulatory Affairs, STV
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Archimedes by cutting Thompson W Dagnall WAlkway to edge BILL modern THOMPSON Wrong side of the line art by Rumeana Juhangir show you that there is much more one and it’s free.’ sculpture of a broom and dustpan Although pundits like me like to talk about to it – and the pieces are not always The walking guides lift your in the city’s bohemian Northern the ‘networked world’ and the ‘digital age’ ‘You lost? Need directions?’ asks ‘in-yer-face’. Examples of art works eyes from the pavement and help Quarter was influenced by Salva- it is important to remember that we remain a helpful passerby. Erm no, I’ve on the Manchester walk include you understand how artists have dor Dali and symbolises the effects divided by cultural, political, geographical only stopped to look around me water sculptures, an oak carving influenced the architecture and of regeneration sweeping through and economic borders, and they continue to due to a new-found artistic appre- of a Vimto bottle (which started skylines of our cities. Little did I re- old Victorian streets. exert a major influence on what comes down ciation of my home city. business in the northern metropo- alise how the sharp edges of Man- ‘Even if you do just a tiny part our broadband connections. I’m on an art walk in Manches- lis) and craftwork housed in one of chester’s modern apartments, the of any walk you’ll notice some- Take Hulu, for example, the US based ter using one of the guides availa- the city’s many art galleries. Beetham skyscraper and main thing,’ recommends Van beek. ‘I video streaming service that offers The Daily ble from the website of BBC One’s ‘I think there’s a kind of percep- convention centre (which regu- did one through London and I was Show, Glee and Saturday Night Live free to US Modern Masters series. Presented by tion that modern art is for the very larly hosts political party confer- astonished by some of the things subscribers and will soon be launching a pre- arts journalist Alastair Sooke, the elite,’ observes Van beek. ‘I just ences) are examples of the legacy I came across. It’s quite surprising mium service with no advertising. programmes depict the life of four wanted to dispel that notion and of Picasso and the Swiss architect because you’re thinking I probably Reports have emerged that it has aban- 20th century artists – Henri Mat- show that modern art is for every- Le Corbusier. Or that a large steel cycle past this everyday and never doned its planned expansion into Europe, isse, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali really looked at it.’ despite having had remarkable success and Andy Warhol. Van beek says that the walks since its launch in the US in 2007, finding a The work of these ‘masters’ is have been designed so that any- new market for television programmes that showcased in an online exhibi- one from the age of six to 65 can surprised the existing players, rather as the tion on the website, which also in- do them. ‘What we tried to achieve Huffington Post demonstrated the viability of cludes art walk guides for nine UK was accessibility so that, for exam- blog-based journalism to established news- cities. ple, my niece and I could go on a paper publishers. ‘We thought, wouldn’t it be walk together with my mother.’ Of course Hulu can serve programmes nice to get bums off seats and get The final artwork at the end of from its owners, Disney, NBC Universal and people seeing the art in their en- my jaunt was a red sculpture look- News Corporation, but it was also launched vironment,’ says series producer ing like two huge u-shaped mag- just at the point where home network con- Lucy Van beek. ‘We selected the ‘Modern nets. Inspired by the electromag- nections were common enough and fast cities which had the most mod- netic experiments of a Lancashire enough to make it a viable business. ern art in them and then devised art is for scientist, it’s called The Genera- Now it seems that the landscape in Europe a walk that makes you go, ‘Wow, tion of Possibilities. A nice symbol, is too different for it to feel able to compete I hadn’t even realised there was a maybe, of what modern art tries to with iPlayer, Sky Player, 4oD and ITV Player, connection there.’ everyone, reflect, especially as the country especially as they would surely resist any at- If you thought modern art con- heads into a new political era. tempts to have premium US content removed sisted of perplexing and controver- and it’s from their online offerings to give Hulu a sial work, from Cubism creating a The walking guides can be down- competitive advantage. furore in the early twentieth cen- free’ loaded in mp3 format, sent to mo- This sort of problem is not restricted to tury to Tracey Emin’s celebrated biles or printed from bbc.co.uk/ broadcasting. Authors still make territorial bed, then the walking guides will A mural on a shop wall on the Manchester Art Walk modernmasters/ deals with publishers, setting different prices for different markets to maximise revenues, the film industry locks dvds by region and the music industry limits streaming services according to geography. Of course this doesn’t work, and where World Service First with the Ladies the legitimate services refuse to meet the de- Five African First Ladies have spo- ties it came out really well, she re- mand then others will step in. Many compa- ken for the first time about what laxed and started chatting.’ nies now offer to redirect requests for iPlayer life is like in the State House, for a In fact, so relaxed did Mrs Mu- content from non-UK viewers via a ‘proxy Network Africa series. seveni become she revealed she server’ that gets around the geo-blocking The interviews, which run on would not be seeking re-election as that is supposed to keep streaming to UK the World Service from this week, an MP, a role which has attracted audiences, and of course unlicensed copies were the brainchild of reporter Ve- criticism of both herself and her downloaded via BitTorrent do not have any ronique Edwards and took several husband in Uganda. restrictions on where they can be played. years to come to fruition. Warungu says the programmes The BBC may have had some success re- Edwards persuaded the first la- are not interesting simply for what cently in persuading the Swiss-based Zattoo dies of Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leo- they reveal about the First Ladies, service to stop streaming BBC channels, but ne, Namibia and Zambia to show but also what those women reveal I imagine a significant number of viewers will her round their official residenc- about their powerful husbands. simply have sighed and headed off to one of es and talk about how their lives And the one theme that unites all the many peer-to-peer services to get their changed when their husbands the First Ladies is that their free- fix ofDoctor Who. came to power. dom to be individuals was cur- It is hard to believe that these restrictions Programme editor Joseph tailed when they moved into the will stay in place, as they are largely designed Warungu said: ‘We wanted the la- State House. to sustain the business models of established dies to walk around their houses, Penehupifo Pohamba, First Lady of Namibia, with Veronique Edwards Veronique Edwards’ interviews players, and the internet, as we all know, is no show us things, make it personal, with the First Ladies run on Net- respecter of tradition when it comes to the but it wasn’t always easy.’ uled interviews, which she insist- to talk to her,’ says Warungu. ‘We work Africa, Focus on Africa and Afri- market. Janet Museveni, first lady of ed must be in her office, surround- were determined to do the inter- can Perspective and will be available Bill Thompson is a technology writer Uganda was particularly difficult ed by heavy security. ‘Veronique view because she is an influential online. They will also be versioned to reach. She repeatedly re-sched- waited all over the Easter weekend woman, and after all the difficul- for World Today and Outlook. a 18·05·10 Features 7 What tells our history? Janet Ellis revisits much sums up our obsession with Lisette Johnston her childhood with being constantly in touch,’ enthused a hula hoop Paul Deal, news online sbj, referring looks at the to the Twitter logo. Huw Williams, reporter, Good Morn- everyday objects ing Scotland, backed a pair of Nike sports shoes made of Harris Tweed: picked by BBC ‘They are beautiful objects, and I think they say something about the staff to represent place of tradition, and the changes go- ing on in the Outer Hebrides.’ the spirit of Another suggestion was the blue LED, cited by Ant Miller, senior re- our Age search manager for FM&T. ‘Power switches, alarms, standby lights are all generally signposted by the red or yellow or green LEDs,’ he explained. ‘As such the blue lights are A bowler hat and suitcase, soap from perhaps the modern equivalent of the the World Trade Centre, a diabetic sy- cheap beads used to purchase Man- ringe. Standing alone these objects hattan Island from native Americans mean little, but assembled with hun- hundred of years ago.’ dreds of others they symbolise man- Some people were unable to whit- kind’s footprint – all captured in the tle it down to one item. Anne Jones, new series of A History of the World. office co-ordinator for Vision, nom- They are also some of the items inated USB memory sticks, phone uploaded to the History of the World chargers, light up rave sticks and Ales- website, which is showcasing more si designer ware. than 2000 objects from two million ‘Mine has to be the Ghetto Blaster years ago to the present day. soap from a World Trade Centre wash- enjoyed his days at school, worried at Radio Leicester, was one of many or Rubix Cube or my Action Man Jeep,’ The focus of the partnership be- room, given to him by a janitor from me on his nights out with his mates, who suggested satellite navigation commented Kevin Pashby, a producer tween the BBC and the British Muse- the fallen buildings who, sadly, took learnt to ski, travelled the world or be systems. ‘They sum up my generation, for Phil Upton at Breakfast. um is world history, and its centre- his own life shortly after Mayo inter- at university. It’s changed our lives.’ who have become lazy and reliant on The object chosen by Mark piece is Radio 4 series A History of the viewed him. Cambridgeshire presenter Sue Dou- technology. I prefer the old method of Damazer, controller of Radio 4, reso- World in 100 objects. ‘Every time I see the bar of soap, gan grew up in Northern Ireland in using my brain.’ nates with history, both personal and Written and narrated by director I think of Kenny, another victim of the 1980s and 90s and chose a plastic Gisele Della Bella, business assist- global: ‘My father fought with the of the British Museum Neil MacGre- 9/11,’ Mayo writes. baton round – a controversial weapon ant in comedy, opted for Sky+, calling Polish Brigade of the British Army in gor, the first instalment of the series Radio Suffolk presenter Lesley Dol- used throughout ‘The Troubles’. it ‘the best invention for years’ while the battle of Monte Cassino in 1944,’ proved a huge hit and will stay online phin uploaded an 0.5ml syringe which ‘The baton round has been in a Megan Ascroft, tour guide at BBC Man- he explained. It was a bloody affair alongside the new episodes. This time her son Tom uses to inject insulin. cupboard in my parents’ house in Bel- chester, cited hair straighteners as her which culminated in the assault of around, visitors to the site can use a ‘Without this fantastic bit of med- fast since the 1980s,’ she says. ‘Believe essential piece of kit. the monastery at the top of the moun- ‘deep zoom feature’ to focus in on up- ical equipment Tom wouldn’t have it or not, it was the local sport for chil- ‘I reckon this little birdie pretty tain, led by the Poles. For some reason loaded objects and watch short videos dren to go collecting these bullets af- my father ended up with a finely wo- relating to each one. ter a riot and I think I found this one ven and embroidered piece of altar BBC staff across the Nations and Huw Williams morning. The actual bullet is about Electronic cloth from one of the many chapels. I Regions have uploaded items close to backed a pair five inches long and is in a metal can- gadgets have no idea how.’ their hearts or relevant to where they of Nikes in ister, topped by a metal stopper.’ were a Whether all these items end up on are from alongside contributions Harris Tweed Beside the objects on the website, popular the website remains to be seen, but from people like Coast presenter Neil Ariel asked staff which items they choice for the current collection already pro- Oliver and Hardeep Singh Kohli. think sum up the present era. inclusion vides a fascinating snapshot of hu- Former Blue Peter presenter Janet El- Inevitably gadgets were a firm fa- man history and society. lis included the hula hoop, recalling vourite, with Blackberries and iPods her childhood in the late 1950s, while featuring heavily. To upload your object go to www. 5 live’s Simon Mayo chose a bar of Hasan Patel, broadcast journalist bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld
photograph: A photograph: reeling in the years
NN by Candida Watson then you’d have to start catch- of Broadcasting House, in front of that the archivists are the keepers A GOR ing up with the archive of the an invited audience in the radio of the BBC flame. I now really ap-
D What do a former trolley bus output you had missed while do- studio, will celebrate the project. preciate how hard they work.’ O N driver and his clippy, and a Lib- ing that.’ Mark Thompson will be there to Programme editor Joanna eral MP claiming victory in a by- The requests flooded in, most discuss the business issues for Carr has been entertained and in- election have in common? of them with personal associa- the BBC in making the mass of trigued by the clips Bradley un- They are both items retrieved tions for the petitioner. Archivist archive information more public- earthed. She says: ‘Archive materi- from the BBC archive at the spe- John Bradley set to work. One lis- ly accessible. Tony Ageh, archive al cheers people up.’ cial request of listeners to Radio tener is restoring an old trolley controller, is working on a larg- It also illustrates how much 4’s Broadcasting House. bus and asked for anything that er project to build a ‘digital pub- society has changed in the years At the beginning of the year would shed light on his project. lic space’ around it. He says: ‘This the BBC has been broadcasting. the programme asked its audi- Bradley dug up that driver and experiment has shown there is an All the team mention an inter- ence what they would like to clippy talking about their jobs. appetite for the material, and the view with Barbara Castle, when hear from the BBC’s mountain Victoria Lubbock wanted to majority of the interest is very per- she was Minister of Transport in of recorded, archived material. hear her father’s voice; Bradley sonal.’ the mid 1960s. A male present- There is so much ‘stuff’ stored tracked down a tape of Eric Lub- The entire Broadcasting House er challenges Castle over the in- that programme presenter Pad- bock winning his seat in Orping- team has been involved in the troduction of the breathalyser dy O’Connell says: ‘We worked ton in 1962, which Victoria had project, but John Bradley has been test, saying: ‘You are only a wom- Open House: Tony Ageh, John Bradley, Paddy O’Connell, out if you were to listen to it all never heard. key, digging up the material. an. You don’t drive, what do you Joanna Carr ask the public to pick from the archive it would take 300 years – and On May 23 a special edition O’Connell says: ‘I have learnt know about it?’
8 World Cup World Cup 9 p h oto g r a p h : pre ass ss oci a
tion Matt’s idea is just the ticket
‘I’m spending three weeks writing ature ahead of the 2005 election – match on its 6000km tour, which ities, tv editing gear and computers. Having a blast: the risk assessment,’ laughs Matt bears minimal BBC branding for can be tracked online. It will stop ‘We can edit features on board and Fans at last year’s Roberts, sport assistant producer. security reasons. ‘We have to be in the likes of Soweto, Sun City, and do live multi camera OBs from the Confederation Cup ‘It’ll be a mighty tome.’ careful,’ admits Roberts who, dur- Addo Elephant Park before wind- top of the bus,’ Roberts explains. After all, driving a double decker ing a six day recce, checked out the ing up in Durban for the semis and ‘We should get a lot of material for bus across South Africa is guaran- route and found safe places to park Jo’burg for the final. live matches and highlights shows.’ teed to cause a stir and is a potential the alarmed vehicle overnight. ‘We’ll On board will be two tv produc- Reports are likely to be less magnet for crime. Add to this the be travelling through rural areas, sce- ers (Roberts is one of them), two tv about the football and more about possibility of punctures, flat gener- nic spots, townships – although the reporters, a radio reporter, an on- the impact of the World Cup on ators and running out of diesel, and cities are more dangerous in terms line reporter, a satellite engineer, a people’s lives. ‘They won’t be about you can see why Roberts is reluctant of crime.’ local fixer, a rigger and three secu- injuries in the Portugal camp, but to accept any plaudits for his idea. The bus will leave Cape Town on rity guards. It’s equipped with mo- about how children in townships His bosses wanted the tv cover- the opening night of football and bile satellite, radio production facil- are following the tournament,’ age to reflect a broader South Afri- will visit every city hosting a Roberts says. ‘I’d like us to vis- ca than just Cape Town and Johan- it some of the orphanages, for in- nesburg, where the BBC studios stance, which house kids whose are sited. ‘We thought that a mo- parents have died from HIV. The bile studio would be the best way kids love football and we want to to get around the areas in between,’ reflect that.’ says Roberts. ‘I suggested a larg- Promising to ‘cover more miles er vehicle, like a bus, so that to show the real South Africa’ than we could work more close- anybody else, Roberts accepts it’s ly with colleagues in 5 live quite an undertaking for sport. and online.’ ‘But it’s also an opportunity to do The pure white bus – which in a something a bit different and con- previous life was used by BBC News vey how excited South Africans are to take the UK’s political temper- about the World Cup.’ Studio regulars pitch up this might blow your minds with World Cup wisdom a revolving set. If storm clouds obscure ent. ‘David Beckham in tears after being in the World Cup’s two main centres,’ style of driving to Europeans.’ The first World Cup in Africa will be noisy, Table Mountain, we can spin round for a sent off against Argentina in ’98… Beck- he reasons. A small area – 15 square me- Clement, who was in SA for last year’s massively important event for the view of the stadium which will be lit up ham again in 2002 consoling goalkeeper tres compared to the 100 square metre ex- Confederation Cup, advocates common Mark Lawrenson, audience at home and we’ve got to colourful and vibrant. With around 110 at night. It’s the most challenging envi- David Seaman after he was caught out panse in the nation’s legislative capital – sense; ‘don’t flash the cash, travel in groups co-commentator do it properly. ’ ronment I’ve worked in, but the studio by Ronaldinho – they were our shots.’ it can accommodate a presenter, a couple at night and take sensible precautions’. ‘It’s about keeping the England hours of coverage, BBC tv intends to soak could be the biggest and best yet.’ The BBC will dispatch fewer roving of guests and a maximum of two camer- Presenting teams, while rooted in eleven fit and having no wags down Alan Shearer, If they’re covering their bets on the crews than at previous World Cups, as. It will be used to present two games Cape Town, have been duly briefed, but the road. But on past results, you up the atmosphere. Claire Barrett reports weather, they are gambling on Eng- choosing instead to take advantage of live for BBC Three and for regular hits one key name brought his own sense of can’t back them to get to the final’ studio expert land’s success. The BBC splits the games the 12 hours per day of interviews and into live games and highlights shows. jeopardy to the BBC proposition. Adrian ‘Taking a penalty comes with with ITV, with the commercial broad- colour provided by Fifa tv’s 32 crews em- Chiles jumped ship to ITV just days be- enormous pressure. You’ve got 20 A guy pitches up beside you and sons Clement. ‘You feel dislocated if you caster showing England’s opening two bedded with the teams and around 10 Support for England fore the BBC launch. ‘He was a big part Alan Hansen, million people watching at home, begins to blow a metre long, plastic horn. are not there.’ group fixtures. ‘We get the afternoon out and about in South Africa. The BBC A mini studio in the England team of our plans,’ says Bigwood. ‘We will studio expert 80,000 watching in the stadium, The high pitched drone is as shrill as it Phil Bigwood, executive producer, kick-off against Slovenia, which is the also has agreements to exchange materi- hotel in Rustenberg – where England miss him on a personal level and wish ‘It’s not the end if England go out. ten guys behind you... England is unrelenting – like an elephant in dis- football, carried out the first recce back least appealing tie,’ explains Clement. al and share positions with other broad- camp correspondent Gabby Logan will him all the best, but Colin Murray is an The Premiership has so many needs to win one to get the load off tress. Make that a herd since the trum- in 2007. He dismissed the idea of basing ‘The trade off is that we get the last 16 casters, such as Brazil’s Globo network. be based – will be shared by the BBC and excellent presenter and more than capa- foreign players. The majority of our back.’ peters – or vuvuzelas – are as ubiquitous BBC coverage at the event headquarters and quarter final exclusively. We’re con- The multiple feeds will be hubbed at the ITV for two-ways with the players and ble of stepping into the void.’ Liverpool supporters will have at South African football matches as top- and home of the International Broad- fident that England will get out of the IBC and sent to the UK for broadcast via coach, while temporary, portakabin-type The studio panel will mix established Spain as their second team.’ Lee Dixon, less men with sagging guts at St James’s casting Centre in Johannesburg. It’s in facilities will be set up at stadiums for names like Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer Park in mid-winter. the middle of a former mining area and pitchside reports. and Lee Dixon with ‘a bit of stardust’ in studio expert Gary Lineker, ‘When England are playing, people Fair to say it’s an acquired taste. ‘We’ll lacks any picturesque qualities. As much as it is a celebration of the the form of Manchester City’s Emmanuel want to see a bit of patriotism. How undoubtedly get complaints from view- ‘If storm clouds world’s finest footballers, the World Cup Adebayor, World Cup winner and former presenter ‘The BBC wants to make the best weird would it be for an ex England ers,’ concedes World Cup editor An- Rooftop requests on the BBC will also embrace the host Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann possible programmes. That means captain [Alan Shearer] not to be drew Clement, who likens the noise to Once settled on Cape Town – which will country. The BBC Bus has been hailed to and four time Champions League winner obscure Table being on the spot and having a patriotic when the three lions are a swarm of bees, ‘but it is part of experi- stage as many games as Jo’burg’s Soc- show off an evolving nation and to meet Clarence Seedorf. But it’s on the pitch, base that reflects the country. It’s a on the pitch’ encing football in South Africa.’ cer City – it was a case of ‘knocking on its people. ‘You can’t show what the too, that viewers will want their stars to Atmosphere will be all at this first doors and asking to see their roofs’, un- Mountain, we World Cup means to South Africa from a shine. Audiences for England games can World Cup in Africa, which starts on til he spotted Somerset hospital. The studio in Cape Town or the IBC,’ says Big- top 20m. ‘You know the whole country is June 11. Expect a visual counterpart to fact that it was a public building trig- can spin round wood. ‘The majority of those I spoke to watching,’ says Bigwood, on his fifth BBC the stadium din in the oversized sun- gered due bureaucracy – ‘we even had out there have low expectations for their World Cup. ‘There’s no bigger thing to glasses and colourful hats favoured by to make presentations to Parliament’ – for a view of the home team and say they’ll support Eng- do in tv sport and it’s a great privilege.’ local supporters. ‘If Fifa sells enough tick- before an agreement was reached. The land. You see more Premiership shirts But the broadcaster must also strive to ets to the locals and the grounds are full, BBC will pay minimal rent – far less stadium’ PHIL BIGWOOD over there than South African ones.’ manage expectations. ‘England have won it should form a great backdrop,’ reckons than for similar space in Jo’burg – and But with travel comes risk. ‘I’ve been it once, when I was two, and reached one Clement, who will shape the BBC’s tv cov- it will leave the ground level produc- there nine or ten times and have not had semi final since,’ points out Clement un- erage from the event. tion gallery and office space it has al- group. ITV will start strongly, but after one main HD line and various SD circuits. the slightest problem,’ says Bigwood, ‘but sentimentally. ‘We mustn’t become too Other great backdrops will enhance ready built as a legacy to the hospital. England versus Algeria, we should take ‘A lot of people will be investing in having seen the crime figures, it would England obsessed. We want the audi- the BBC programmes to be anchored live Construction of the studio itself is now control. Nobody remembers the group high definition sets – like they invested be naïve to think safety wasn’t an issue.’ ence at home to be excited about seeing by Gary Lineker with assorted pundits under way. It was shipped in from Ger- games afterwards, so the big moments in colour sets for the Coronation,’ says All BBC people who will be on the road the likes of Messi, Kaka and Ronaldo. And from a purpose-built, glass studio atop many and will be shipped back to Europe should be on the BBC.’ Clement. ‘The only difference from our will complete safety and first aid cours- there are other stories – like how North a Cape Town hospital. It offers views of after the event. ‘That’s why it’s flat Fifa commissions Host Broadcast point of view is to make sure we get the es, while dedicated security personnel Korea and New Zealand got there.’ iconic landmark Table Mountain, Rob- packed,’ says Bigwood. ‘We have a view to Services to provide live pictures from all wardrobe, make-up and lighting right will accompany them on their journeys. You can’t stop a three lions supporter ben Island – where Nelson Mandela was use it in the future and get best value.’ the matches to which BBC commenta- since the poor people on screen will be ‘We’ve taken every step we can,’ insists dreaming, though. ‘I thought this could One to watch: Ivory Coast’s incarcerated for 27 years – and the city’s With the tournament taking place tors will add their words. A small BBC OB under such intense scrutiny.’ the exec, who is more concerned about be the one,’ recalls Bigwood of the last Didier Drogba is one of many football stadium. during South Africa’s winter, Bigwood unit will supplement the neutral cover- Bigwood has also commandeered a bad drivers than petty criminals. ‘Because World Cup. ‘Like everyone else, I had foreign stars at the finals who ‘Look back at the Berlin World Cup or is mindful of the likely rainfall in Cape age for the audience back home. ‘When ‘stand up position’ in Johannesburg, ad- of a lack of public transport, people will built it up, got excited and then England will be familiar to UK viewers the Beijing Olympics; there is an expec- Town and related wind and storms. ‘It’s Rooney gets injured or sent off, we can jacent to the IBC. ‘The final will be there take to their cars. And while the roads went out to Portugal – on penalties! Typ- tation that we are part of the event,’ rea- a big issue,’ he says. ‘That’s why we have get the shots we want,’ explains Clem- and it’s important we have a presence are good, South Africans have a different ical England fan…’ 10 World Cup a 18·05·10 Cards are on the Table
Collaboration between BBC tv, radio and online will help deliver plans to provide World Setting sights high: Table Mountain overlooking Cape Cup coverage wherever you watch or listen Town; the World Cup trophy; and (below) the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg 5 live fills a hole, Motson is multimedia man follows the flag and sees the funny side by Claire Barrett fans, whether the World Cup will have a legacy... ’ says Allen. The World Cup has already taken collab- Nicky Campbell’s breakfast show will oration between tv sport and 5 live to new come live from South Africa each day levels. When tv learnt that Adrian Chiles that England remain in the tournament. was off to ITV, leaving a hole in their pre- Following the team’s trail from Rusten- Sport Online has completed Ahead of the tournament, Hardy more easily disguised as work for senting plans, it turned to the radio net- burg to Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, he’ll its 21st century makeover of the – who modelled Motson’s trans- the desk-bound – will attract more work for a ready replacement. broadcast from cafes to cricket grounds, BBC’s veteran ‘voice of football’. formation on Murray Walker’s traffic. He’s sending them on the A day before the launch of its World speaking to as many local people and vis- John Motson, who has already evolution from seasoned Formula road for the first time thanks to a Cup manifesto – five months in the mak- iting fans as possible. One highlight is been remodelled as a download- 1 commentator to web pundit – is new web-based production sys- ing – 5 live commissioning editor Jonath- expected to be his show from Soweto on able desktop toy spouting the already capturing the old master’s tem developed by FM&T. ‘We want an Wall learnt that he’d lost one of his star June 16, which is South Africa Day. latest footie news and scores, has words of wisdom on anything from the text commentaries to capture presenters, Colin Murray, to the bright Alan Green, meanwhile, will chew the turned video blogger and twit- the greatest World Cup goals to the the local colour and flavour... and lights of tv. ‘Colin was one of three pre- fat with delighted or devastated England terer for the World Cup. wackiest World Cup kits. you can’t do that from Shepherd’s senters we were building our coverage in fans after each of their games in special Motty, who has spent 40-odd Once the action begins, Sport Bush,’ the editor reasons. South Africa around,’ he explains. ‘It was 606 editions, while Danny Baker will dou- years commentating in inimita- Online’s live match centre will be Also earning a seat on the plane too good an opportunity for Colin to stand ble up with two World Cup slanted shows ble style for tv and radio on major at the heart of operations, stream- to South Africa will be Chris Bevan, in his way, so we had to act quickly.’ each week of the finals. footballing showdowns, will be a with a brief to maximise talent con- Mark Chapman was soon signed up to ‘Of course England are a major part of regular tv pundit in South Africa as tributions online from anyone from join Mark Pougatch and Nicky Campbell the World Cup,’ admits Allen, ‘but they well as being part of a three-man Lee Dixon to Jurgen Klinsmann; and take Murray’s place presenting from weren’t at the European Championships online team. Editor Lance Hardy football blogger Paul Fletcher who stadiums across South Africa. two years ago and there was still huge and assistant producer Jonathan will be filing from the BBC Bus; and Star poaching aside, 5 live football ed- interest in that competition. In the last Rawcliffe will shoot and edit his chief football writer Phil McNulty itor Matthew Allen insists that the days ten years we’ve seen so many overseas views on the big stories and his who’ll be on the England trail. when radio was on its own are long gone. players in the Premiership, listeners will previews of the big games for reg- Map in a live stats service – ‘We worked very closely with tv and on- be familiar with many of those playing ular video blogs. They will also fa- team line-ups, shots on target, line at the European Championships two for the likes of Spain, Italy and France.’ cilitate his quizzing by fans via the ing all BBC matches live and car- missed England penalties, team years ago, and we will be sharing stories, And if it all gets too much, tune in for online site and on Twitter (twitter. rying highlights of both BBC and guides together with video of ideas and talent at the World Cup.’ Alan Davies’s ‘sideways look’ at the foot- com/worldcupmotty). ITV clashes. For the first time, high their qualifying campaigns, pho- With its production base in the IBC in ie. He’ll be joined for six live shows from ‘We want to maximise his con- quality will be the default setting tos, reports, reaction and blogs Johannesburg, 5 live will send commen- London by some funny mates for a bit of tributions,’ says Sport Online edi- for live streams. ‘We reckon most and it adds up to pretty compre- tators and summarisers to the games, but fan’s eye banter in Armchair World Cup. tor Lewis Wiltshire. ‘This is a man people will have the extra band- hensive service. ‘Every four years the station’s 250 hours of programming ‘The live commentaries remain as im- who has been to every World Cup width required,’ says Wiltshire.’ we throw the kitchen sink at the will be about more than 90 minute slices portant as ever,’ judges Wall, ‘but Nicky since 1970, who’s interviewed Live video will enhance the World Cup,’ says Wiltshire. ‘We use of ball play. ‘From first thing in the morn- Campbell’s outside broadcasts I think will every England manager since Alf experience and set the BBC apart every resource available to show- ing until last thing at night we’ll be out really capture the mood and feel of the Ramsey, who knows all the players from its rivals, reckons Wiltshire, case in the best possible way the in South Africa, painting a picture of the host nation, and Danny Baker and Alan and who has a huge reservoir of who also acknowledges that the fantastic content and talent our football, what it’s like to live and work in Davies will make sure we don’t take it all memories and knowledge.’ popular live text commentaries – tv colleagues provide us with.’ the country, what it’s like for travelling too seriously.’ a 18.05.10 11
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Break it up about the election night celebrity and staying wherever they arein style. after receiving hospital treatment in I’d like to complain about the unwel- boat party. The BBC News reply an- Belt-tightening is for everyone else. Jordan. But before reading it on the come interruption on the Ariel mail swered none of them. When asked why the rules BBC, I learnt some things that the page of letters about the unwelcome I’m still struggling to see why should be different for those at the BBC did not report. interruption of Graham Norton on anyone might care what Brucie, Bill top end of the BBC, I think it would The website of Israel Today report- Doctor Who. It’s doing my head in. Wyman and Kirstie Allsop thought, be fair to say Mark’s response could ed that the girl was ‘first rushed to Dave Lee as we watched them enjoy the vittles be summed up by the tag line for Barzilai Hospital in the nearby Israeli World Service licence fees paid for. the L’Oreal advert: ‘Because we’re coastal city of Ashkelon, where doc- Public value test? I don’t think so. worth it’. tors worked for hours to repair the Ian Timms of the servants ‘downstairs’ and Heidi Williams damage of her earlier surgery and In the line of fire sbj, Radio Cumbria their masters ‘upstairs’. It ran on ITV producer, Cardiff stabilize her’. It went on to say that for five series from 1971 to 1975’. Jordanian media had cut out the part n Why, in their list of ‘politicians, My personal choice for an item to that the girl’s life was saved by Israeli commentators and well known keep is the Breakfast Time sofa, first No staying power doctors, and that Israel had ‘not hesi- personalities and opinion formers’ graced by Frank and Selina 27 years Twice now I’ve heard members of tated to allow the unfettered trans- aboard the BBC boat on the Thames ago. I last saw it on one of the up- network programme teams talk port through its territory of a family on election night, did BBC News not per floors of Stage 6 in TVC, offering about the plush accommodation member of one of its most dedicated include the names of Joan Collins a source of respite for hard-pressed they’ve stayed in, while filming in enemies’, from its reports. and Bruce Forsyth? Didn’t they fit News staff. Liverpool. Two of the best boutique If what Israel Today claims is true, into any of the categories listed? Andy Davy hotels were used. then why did the BBC fail to mention William G Stewart project director, FM&T North & W1 Working at the BBC doesn’t make the Israeli hospital involvement? Did tv/radio producer/presenter us VIPs. It isn’t just senior managers the BBC just take what the Jordanian who need to be reminded of this. media said and report that as fact? If Sitting comfortably Jayne Barrett, North West Tonight, eco- so, then that is not in the interests of This picture was doing the rounds. It Trip on the stairs Mark Thompson recently came to nomics and social affairs correspondent unbiased reporting. made me chuckle. I do hope Robert Seatter doesn’t Cardiff to talk about ‘Putting Quality Nigel Murray Tim Harness look too hard in ‘the BBC’s vast pro- First’ and the ‘tough choices’ involved. Southampton lead technologist gramme archive’ for material relat- Most staff will no doubt read Israel role left out ing to Upstairs, Downstairs, as I think this as service losses and budget or job ‘Hamas minister’s sick daughter al- Tarik Kafala, Middle East editor, he may draw a blank (Ariel, May 4). cuts. But it seems that whatever aus- lowed out of Gaza.’ This was the ti- online, replies: Our reporting of this Nice to see them? To quote from Wikipedia, Upstairs, tere times lie ahead for most people tle of a recent story on the BBC web- story was in line with the reporting I’m a little bit angry. Eric Smith Downstairs ‘is a British drama televi- in the BBC, the dg and senior manag- site. It was pleasing to read that the of the Israeli mainstream media and asked three questions last week sion series ... that depicted the lives ers seem happy to continue travelling minister’s daughter was recovering the international news agencies. 12 Classified 020 7878 2313 a 18.05.10 a 18.05.10 www.bbcarielads.com Classified 13
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14 Jobs See Attachment
Making an impact Asian Network reporter Rahila Bano found a Pathfinder role a great learning experience ‘Come armed with stories and try to get as much research and setting up done as possible before you arrive because you’re only here for three months.’ Sound advice from my new boss as I prepared for a Pathfinder attachment to the News Programmes Planning Dept as a multimedia reporter. I made a good start on my first piece, or so I thought. My remit was to turn around big impact Asian stories for radio, tv and online. I did some reporting about ten years ago for re- gional tv, but most of my experience is in radio. I’d set up and run the Radio Lancashire and Manches- ter Asian Programmes Unit and then joined the Asian Network as its North West reporter. But just a fortnight after starting my attach- Police refusal stymied first piece ment, my first piece came a cropper when the po- lice refused to take part until a particular report had been published. I’d spent weeks trying to per- suade my case studies to talk. Eventually they agreed, but now the whole piece was to be ‘parked’ until next year. Not good news. That meant getting my next piece, about radi- calised British Asian women, up and running fast. It was extremely time consuming and the hard- est part was trying to persuade Muslim women to agree to an interview on camera. The piece was well received and ran on World TV, 5 live, which set up a discussion around it, and the Asian Network, which led on the story. I also did illustrated two-ways for GNS, made a video for on-demand and the story was also online. In comparison, my next two pieces, about South Asian brides being abused by their in-laws and the first Asian female MP, were a breeze. They also ran across outlets, including the News Channel, Break- fast, World and GNS. ‘You should be pleased,’ said assistant editor Iain Croft: ‘Were you expecting a slot on Newsnight?’ Perhaps not yet, but maybe I could apply there for my next attachment? It has been a huge learning curve. The whole proc- ess of getting my stories commissioned by at least two outlets, then having to sell them to programme editors after the filming and get everyone to agree on a joint transmission date, was completely alien to me. Being a radio reporter I am used to working by myself, so it was great to work with a producer and other very talented people. The attachment really boosted my confidence, improved my outlook and led to new contacts. Been anywhere nice? Send your attachment stories to Clare Bolt
14 OCTOBER 08 ARIEL a 18·05·10 What am I doing here 15 photog r aph : J H ohn
ipkiss foreign bureau
BEN THOMPSON Middle East Business Reporter, dubai The road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi often resembles a racetrack. Five lanes in either direction, with Maseratis, Lamborghinis and Ferraris all vying for position in the outside lane. There’s usually a lot of tailgating, beeping and flashing of lights. Just mix in a few locals in Land Cruisers, with the obligatory blacked-out windows, and it’s a typical commute into the UAE’s capital city. For those, like me, living in Dubai, that two-hour trip is becoming increasingly regu- lar. Once the traffic streamed from Abu Dhabi into Dubai; now it’s going the other way – a ham College, and I went on What are the challenges for sign that the balance of power has shifted. secondment to London. It’s the charity? Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Monica Brown really hard to go back af- We are not a lobbying organi- Emirates. It’s one of seven city-states that ter you’ve been away, and sation, we are part of the BBC. make up the UAE, of which Dubai is just one. Head of Children in Need then I saw the BBC advert. But what we can do is edu- Until recently Dubai, with its palm-shaped I thought the job was interest- cate and help other organisa- islands and record breaking towers, acted in England ing but was quite a jump, be- tions to lobby for change. like the capital. The excesses came to a halt cause of the salary and because It is not just about the pound last November. Short of cash, investors fled What did you want to be when headhunted, is that how I didn’t have a degree. I remem- that someone gives us, that and Dubai was you were younger? you became involved in ber my colleague saying, ‘you pound can have residual Cohabiting forced to go cap I was very studious and enjoyed fundraising? are being stupid, look at the value from work we do in in hand to Abu learning but didn’t really think South Birmingham College job and look at what you do’. bringing people together. outside Dhabi. But the about it. A careers advisor said asked me to come and set up a $10 billion bailout I could be a teacher or a nurse. pre-vocational course. When I What was it like joining What does your job involve marriage can didn’t come with- I was horrified and went and started there I was teaching, and Children in Need? now? out conditions. studied beauty and hairdress- began studying for a Masters in It was difficult because I The second half of my land people There is much ing – it was my way of rebel- Education, but then I became came in with an agenda tenure has been very talk of what Dubai ling. But after three years in involved in finding money for for change. Back then we different from the first. in prison conceded to Abu college, I got my first proper community provision and got were grant administrators, A lot of it involves develop- Dhabi in return for job in a salon and hated it. quite skilled at securing fund- now I would say we are re- ing relationships with groups. that cash. Did they hand over Emirates air- We make extensive visits to line or the 7-star Burj Al Arab? We’ll probably So you hated hairdressing, projects to see they are hav- never know, but after the hasty renaming of what did you do instead? CV ing the intended effect on the world’s tallest tower, from Burj Dubai to I travelled for six months Education: I studied for a Masters degree in Education children and young people. Burj Khalifa (Sheikh Khalifa is the ruler of Abu and then I decided I’d played Dhabi), it’s clear where the power now lies. enough. At some point you re- as a mature student while working full time at South How do you decide how to As well as the power, Abu Dhabi also has alise people around you can- Birmingham College. distribute the money? the money. Its one million residents sit on nine not pay rent or buy food, and Career Highlight: Securing this role as National Head We get thousands of applica- percent of the world’s oil, putting them among you realise you have do some- (England) for BBC Children in Need. tions in and even though we the richest people in the world. Locals pay no thing to change the situation. have raised £39 million, last tax, rent or electricity and few other bills. My mother died when I was Family: Single, no children, but three fabulous nieces year we had applications for Businesses are shunning Dubai and set- quite young and that had a ma- and five great god-children. £170 million and someone ting up in the capital. Abu Dhabi has lured jor impact on me. I have strong has to decide what we are go- the Guggenheim museum as well as the feelings about the difficulties ing to spend the budget on. first Louvre outside Paris. Then there’s the I saw around me growing up. ing. However, to get my Masters I ally great grant makers. We now divide England into world’s largest mosque and the world’s needed teaching experience and One of the first projects I vis- four regions and sub-con- most expensive hotel. What kind of work did you do? at that point I was not teach- ited funded counselling for tract with 95 freelance asses- But for all the influence and control it has I worked with community ing so I couldn’t complete it. children through Cruse, the sors who look at the appli- wrestled back from Dubai, there is still one projects – I was about 21 and bereavement charity, and it cations – we received 2494 concern: Dubai’s morals. In the good times, working with the type of peo- Do you regret that? really brought back the sor- last year from organisations a blind eye was turned to ‘questionable be- ple I grew up with. One job was I always said I would go back row of losing my mother. They working with disadvantaged haviour’, accepted as the price to pay for with NACRO, working with and do it but other opportuni- were working with this young children and young people. attracting thousands of expats and tourists. young offenders, and I abso- ties came up so it has not been black girl and one issue she Each region also has a region- But since January the decency laws have felt lutely loved it. I think it was possible. That said, although I was struggling with was her al committee made up of local Abu Dhabi’s influence. Dubai’s jails are full one of the jobs that laid the did not get the formal qualifi- hair. There is this bond you volunteers who give their time of people who’ve made rude gestures, been foundation for where I am cation, the experience and the have as a black child with your for free and they meet four caught drinking without a permit or co- now. I always liked helping learning I did receive was in- mother because she braids times a year to recommend habiting outside marriage. people and wanted to make strumental in helping me to get your hair. It really resonated how funding is allocated. Appli- So as Dubai struggles to readjust to the things better for those who where I have with my career. with me because it was some- cations are sent to them in ad- new order, Abu Dhabi ploughs on ahead. didn’t have the best situation. thing I went through. Back vance so it probably takes up 15 There’s no writing off Dubai just yet of course. What brought you to the BBC? then there was no counsel- days a year of their time and we But the changes mean I’ll be spending more You worked in various projects, I worked for the National Lot- ling, so it was heartening to see could not do it without them. time on the road to Abu Dhabi, negotiating the and were then tery after South Birming- how much we have moved on. Interview by Lisette Johnston expensive cars and occasional camel herder.
> CONTACT CLARE BOLT to suggest a colleague for this feature 16 a 18·05·10 green room ▲ THE ARIELAT0R WE HEAR THAT. . . A weekly take on life at the BBC: Three Counties Radio presenter Jonathan ▲ who’s up, who’s down, who’s off running Vernon-Smith has a moving effect on his audi- ence – and not always in the ways you might ▲ imagine. Jonathan, or JVS as he’s known to his listeners, posed a ques- ▲ away to tion on his lunchtime phone-in, ‘Is it irre- ▲ sponsible to have a home birth’, and got a ▲ the circus robust response from Celia Enyioko-Hanni- UPSIDE The call of the wild wood brought ‘Roll up, roll up!’ came the cry ford who phoned in to ▲ thousands of people to Nottingham City centre, from radio presenter John Barnes explain why she after Radio Nottingham breakfast show pre- when he fulfilled a long-held dream was determined ▲ senter Andy Whittaker broke out the Lincoln of becoming a circus ringmaster. to have a home green pointy hats and organised a Robin Hood Two months ago, the late show pre- birth. A mere ▲ themed Big Night Out to coincide with the senter for Radios Lancashire and three hours opening of the latest film about the area’s most Manchester revealed his ambition later Celia went ▲ famous outlaw. Whittaker [bottom left, holding during an interview with the director into labour, and the mic] says: ‘I was delighted with the support of Circus Starr – who promptly invited all her carefully for the idea – restaurants offered special menus, John to have a go. laid plans went ▲ the Sheriff of Nottingham’s private rooms were So, putting on the top hat and awry as she opened, the Castle showed off its movie exhibi- red tails and with only a 20 minute had to be tak- ▲ tion and the city centre was buzzing.’ There’s no rehearsal behind him, he recently en to hospital. mention of whether any of the revellers took hosted a whole show in front of 500 5lb 6oz Evan- ▲ the theme to extremes and attempted to gallop people in Blackburn. Rae Hanniford ar- off to Sherwood Forest with the Sheriff’s silver- ‘The last time I went to a circus, rived at 4.12am the ▼ ware or the restaurant takings… there were about 20 people,’ John following day. says. ‘I was terrified. There was so ▼ DOWNSIDE much stuff to learn – where you are Word reaches us from Cape Town, via the Staying with Robin Hood; Front Row present- going to stand, the names of the per- News of the World, that the views from the BBC’s er Mark Lawson, a man well used to the slings formers...’ Indeed, you wouldn’t want shiny new World Cup studio may not be quite ▼ and arrows of dealing with stars and their to be within hurling range of knife- as spectacular as originally hoped. Apparently egos, came squarely into Russell Crowe’s throwers if you got their names as it’s currently ‘the middle of winter’ in South ▼ crosshairs when he asked the Australian ac- wrong. But other acts on the Africa, the looming Table Top mountain – which tor about his accent in the film. Lawson sug- show included acrobats, high- was one of the reasons the studio was built ▼ gested it sounded a little Irish. Crowe, who’d wire artists and motorbike there in the first place – will more often than not been aiming for Yorkshire, was very much stunt riders – not the usual be obscured by clouds and mist. But never fear ▼ less than amused, and fired a few verbal guest list for a radio show. – a BBC spokesman told the paper that the stu- barbs at Lawson. Eventually, after another au- ‘For someone who’s used dio’s furniture could be moved to allow different ▼ dacious question – about an alleged dispute to working from a small dark backdrops if fog proved to be a problem. on the set of Gladiator – Crowe removed his room, it was a very different ex- ▼ mic and walked out, still muttering about the perience,’ John admits. ‘But by the ‘Irish’ accent. The Today pro- second half, I was enjoying it more. I The duck rescuers gramme then quickly sent wish I could have gone on to present ▼ Evan Davis to interview another show – I felt like I was still Last week we told you about owls, bats and the voice coach for Robin cooking.’ dormice in the White City canteen, this week ▼ Hood and try his hand it’s ducks on a balcony at the Broadcast Centre. at accents ranging from The mother mallard moved onto the fifth floor ▼ Yorkshire to Australia. balcony a month ago, and last week the eggs hatched. Staff in the FM&T legal and business my friend the affairs team, whose office adjoins the balcony, brought in a paddling pool to provide the new arrivals with some home comforts and duck marrow food to keep them quacking. PA Jayne de Ville EARWIGGING was on hand with a towel to try and capture the mother as part of the relocation programme OVERHEARD AT THE BBC It’s amazing the effect that eyes to a nearby animal sanctuary. Alas, it wasn’t to can have (just ask Nick Clegg). Stick be: ‘Unfortunately we weren’t able to capture ...I’ll finish off David Cameron them onto some vegetables and her,’ she said, ‘but they will rear them by hand in the morning... then suddenly they become more at the sanctuary and we were assured that she appealing. Staff went all gooey last wouldn’t come back for them if she couldn’t ...if I met David Milliband in week as the team behind CBee- hear them.’ The chicks should look on the bright bies commission Veggiemates went side – thanks to new fencing on the balcony they a dark alley I wouldn’t say around their new home in Manches- didn’t all swiftly plunge to their doom like last no... ter introducing themselves to col- year’s brood... leagues and giving away freebies to ...I didn’t know it was going to excitable parents. got some great comedy writers be a hung parliament when I booked it... The series, which will show chil- on board so we’re going for some dren how to grow vegetables with Muppets anarchy.’ ...Nothing really says ‘silly’ like a floating the help of ‘gardening nanny’ Mr Staff seemed to (literally) em- Bloom, will combine live action brace the creations as Mr Bloom, dog head... and puppets when it airs next year. aka actor Ben Faulks, pushed his ...If there aren’t any angry, tattooed, Scottish Producer Jon Hancock says: ‘Future pram of baby veggies through the stars will include Colin the runner offices. ‘It’s rather alarming how policemen, it doesn’t really run as a story, bean, Margaret the cabbage and quickly people warm to cuddling a does it?... Raymond the butternut squash. It marrow,’ Jon told Green Room. All should be a giggle – and we’ve together now, aaaah.
> IF YOU HAVE A STORY FOR THE GREEN ROOM, CONTACT ADAM BAMBURY