Incoming BBC chair Samir Shah has indicated the corporation’s finances and independence are at the top of his priority list.
In an internal memo, Shah said his role as chair was to “protect and champion the BBC” and ensure its future.
Of all his responsibilities in the role, the TV executive said “arguably the most important” was to “safeguard its independence.”
The BBC has been embroiled in an ideological battle over impartiality under director general Tim Davie, with some accusing the corporation of inaction in upholding this ideal.
That may change under Shah’s leadership. “It is the duty of the Chair and the Board to protect that independence – and it is a duty I promise to discharge,” he wrote in his email.
Shah, who founded TV production company Juniper, acknowledged that the BBC was also competing with both streamers and social media platforms for eyeballs and that being...
In an internal memo, Shah said his role as chair was to “protect and champion the BBC” and ensure its future.
Of all his responsibilities in the role, the TV executive said “arguably the most important” was to “safeguard its independence.”
The BBC has been embroiled in an ideological battle over impartiality under director general Tim Davie, with some accusing the corporation of inaction in upholding this ideal.
That may change under Shah’s leadership. “It is the duty of the Chair and the Board to protect that independence – and it is a duty I promise to discharge,” he wrote in his email.
Shah, who founded TV production company Juniper, acknowledged that the BBC was also competing with both streamers and social media platforms for eyeballs and that being...
- 3/4/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“Tough choices and hard decisions” are to come at the BBC. That is the verdict of new Chair Samir Shah, who kicked off his tenure today by setting his stall out in an all-staff email that urged greater diversity of “class and thought” in the corporation’s news coverage.
The email, seen by Deadline, lays bare the tricky financial predicament the BBC finds itself in – having found itself shy of around £100M ($126M) due to the latest license fee settlement and facing rampant inflation – by saying “we will still need to live within our means in a tough financial situation.”
“That involves thinking very hard about what we should stop doing or do very differently,” it adds. “My role – and that of the Board – is to work with the organisation as we confront hard choices and tough decisions.”
Shah, who is replacing the disgraced Richard Sharp and has worked for...
The email, seen by Deadline, lays bare the tricky financial predicament the BBC finds itself in – having found itself shy of around £100M ($126M) due to the latest license fee settlement and facing rampant inflation – by saying “we will still need to live within our means in a tough financial situation.”
“That involves thinking very hard about what we should stop doing or do very differently,” it adds. “My role – and that of the Board – is to work with the organisation as we confront hard choices and tough decisions.”
Shah, who is replacing the disgraced Richard Sharp and has worked for...
- 3/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has drafted in a senior partner from Deloitte to help with its high-profile review into protocols following the Huw Edwards scandal, which Tim Davie revealed should complete in the late Autumn.
Simon Cuerden, who leads the accounting giant’s Fraud, Data and Disputes team, will support BBC Group Chief Operating Officer Leigh Tavaziva and the Board’s Senior Independent Director Nick Serota on the review, which the Director General said will publish its terms of reference later this week but won’t be completed for several months.
Speaking to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee in the past few minutes, Davie said the review will “go through the process in terms of understanding what we do and whether we need to adjust protocols and procedures.”
“I have asked to see what is flagged [throughout] to ensure the consistency during the period we do the review,” he said.
Simon Cuerden, who leads the accounting giant’s Fraud, Data and Disputes team, will support BBC Group Chief Operating Officer Leigh Tavaziva and the Board’s Senior Independent Director Nick Serota on the review, which the Director General said will publish its terms of reference later this week but won’t be completed for several months.
Speaking to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee in the past few minutes, Davie said the review will “go through the process in terms of understanding what we do and whether we need to adjust protocols and procedures.”
“I have asked to see what is flagged [throughout] to ensure the consistency during the period we do the review,” he said.
- 7/18/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Football commentator Gary Lineker is set to return to hosting duties on the BBC after being pulled off air due to comments about the U.K.’s refugee policy that were deemed to have breached the broadcaster’s impartiality policy.
In a statement on Monday morning, the BBC revealed that it will conduct a review of its social media guidance “with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs,” which is the category for star talent such as Lineker. In the meantime, the host will return to the BBC in time for the weekend’s Fa Cup coverage.
The “Match of the Day” presenter said in a comment: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
Last week, Lineker — the BBC’s highest paid star, who earns around £1.35 million ($1.62 million...
In a statement on Monday morning, the BBC revealed that it will conduct a review of its social media guidance “with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs,” which is the category for star talent such as Lineker. In the meantime, the host will return to the BBC in time for the weekend’s Fa Cup coverage.
The “Match of the Day” presenter said in a comment: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
Last week, Lineker — the BBC’s highest paid star, who earns around £1.35 million ($1.62 million...
- 3/13/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Gary Lineker, the highest-paid TV host at the BBC, has been reinstated. Last week, the U.K. public broadcaster pulled him from presenting soccer show Match of the Day after he criticized the British government’s refugee and asylum policy on Twitter.
The BBC — which had been under severe pressure since the situation erupted — announced Monday that he would return as Match of the Day host, adding that it would launch an independent review on its existing social media guidance.
Lineker, a former soccer star and popular personality, remained off-air during negotiations about how he can use his social media presence without breaking the public broadcaster’s journalistic impartiality code. With many other pundits and hosts showing their solidarity with Lineker and refusing to appear for BBC work, the broadcaster’s weekend sports programming ended up in disarray.
The situation, which dominated news reports in the U.K., also shone...
The BBC — which had been under severe pressure since the situation erupted — announced Monday that he would return as Match of the Day host, adding that it would launch an independent review on its existing social media guidance.
Lineker, a former soccer star and popular personality, remained off-air during negotiations about how he can use his social media presence without breaking the public broadcaster’s journalistic impartiality code. With many other pundits and hosts showing their solidarity with Lineker and refusing to appear for BBC work, the broadcaster’s weekend sports programming ended up in disarray.
The situation, which dominated news reports in the U.K., also shone...
- 3/13/2023
- by Georg Szalai and Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The BBC has reached a deal with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker following crisis talks, paving the way for Lineker to return to air.
The corporation will independently review the social media guidelines relating to presenters such as Lineker, and the former England footballer has agreed to return this weekend to the show he has been hosting for almost a quarter of a century. He will host coverage of the Fa Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, followed by Match of the Day, after a weekend of intense disruption.
“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this,” BBC director general Tim Davie said Monday. “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
The corporation will independently review the social media guidelines relating to presenters such as Lineker, and the former England footballer has agreed to return this weekend to the show he has been hosting for almost a quarter of a century. He will host coverage of the Fa Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, followed by Match of the Day, after a weekend of intense disruption.
“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this,” BBC director general Tim Davie said Monday. “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
- 3/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
An unprecedented Match of the Day without presenters, pundits or commentators was watched by 500,000 more people last night than the previous week.
An average 2.6M viewers tuned in for the somewhat-bizarre 20 minute-long highlights show that comes with the BBC mired in one of its biggest crises of the past generation. Match of the Day, which airs for most of the year, tends to average around 2M viewers. Last night’s show hit its highest audience for four months.
A peak audience of almost 3M and share of nearly a quarter (23.5%) of people watching TV at the time tuned in for last night’s Match of the Day, which aired without presenters, pundits or commentators after host Gary Lineker was stood down by the BBC due to a breach of impartiality rules.
His fellow pundits refused to join him in solidarity following the controversy surrouding a tweet comparing the government’s...
An average 2.6M viewers tuned in for the somewhat-bizarre 20 minute-long highlights show that comes with the BBC mired in one of its biggest crises of the past generation. Match of the Day, which airs for most of the year, tends to average around 2M viewers. Last night’s show hit its highest audience for four months.
A peak audience of almost 3M and share of nearly a quarter (23.5%) of people watching TV at the time tuned in for last night’s Match of the Day, which aired without presenters, pundits or commentators after host Gary Lineker was stood down by the BBC due to a breach of impartiality rules.
His fellow pundits refused to join him in solidarity following the controversy surrouding a tweet comparing the government’s...
- 3/12/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC director general Tim Davie has apologized over the ongoing fracas around star soccer player turned sports pundit Gary Lineker, but will not resign.
Last Tuesday, Lineker, commenting on the U.K. government’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill, tweeted, describing it as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
Lineker is a star presenter on the BBC’s “Match of the Day” soccer program.
Lineker’s tweet raised government hackles and on Friday, the BBC suspended him, saying: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting ‘Match of the Day’ until we’ve got an agreed and clear...
Last Tuesday, Lineker, commenting on the U.K. government’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill, tweeted, describing it as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
Lineker is a star presenter on the BBC’s “Match of the Day” soccer program.
Lineker’s tweet raised government hackles and on Friday, the BBC suspended him, saying: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting ‘Match of the Day’ until we’ve got an agreed and clear...
- 3/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Director General Tim Davie has apologized to audiences for the disruption caused to the organization’s sports programming but said he won’t resign following the unprecedented talent walkout over the Gary Lineker row.
“I’m sorry audiences have been affected, and they haven’t got the programming,” Davie said in an interview with BBC News in Washington DC, where he is, somewhat ironically, speaking to journalists about impartial news.
“As a keen sports fan, I know to miss programming is a real blow, and I’m sorry about that. We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.”
When quizzed if he had considered resigning following the dispute, Davie confirmed that he would not be leaving the organization but said he is currently in “listening mode” with the aim of resolving issues on all sides.
“I want to make sure that going forward,...
“I’m sorry audiences have been affected, and they haven’t got the programming,” Davie said in an interview with BBC News in Washington DC, where he is, somewhat ironically, speaking to journalists about impartial news.
“As a keen sports fan, I know to miss programming is a real blow, and I’m sorry about that. We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.”
When quizzed if he had considered resigning following the dispute, Davie confirmed that he would not be leaving the organization but said he is currently in “listening mode” with the aim of resolving issues on all sides.
“I want to make sure that going forward,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Lineker: BBC Staff Furious At Star’s “Egregious” Tweet On UK Asylum Policy Echoing Nazi Germany
Exclusive: Senior BBC journalists are furious at Gary Lineker’s “egregious” breach of impartiality rules after he compared UK government asylum policy to 1930s Nazi Germany.
Deadline has spoken to a number of sources in the BBC newsroom who said that their mission to cover news objectively had been damaged by Lineker’s tweets on Tuesday. They urged Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, to take action against the Match of the Day host.
Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, railed at “beyond awful” government plans to stop small boats carrying asylum seekers from arriving on British shores. He later added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
One BBC presenter said it was “such an egregious breach” of the broadcaster’s standards on impartiality,...
Deadline has spoken to a number of sources in the BBC newsroom who said that their mission to cover news objectively had been damaged by Lineker’s tweets on Tuesday. They urged Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, to take action against the Match of the Day host.
Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, railed at “beyond awful” government plans to stop small boats carrying asylum seekers from arriving on British shores. He later added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
One BBC presenter said it was “such an egregious breach” of the broadcaster’s standards on impartiality,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Chair Richard Sharp has been urged to resign by almost all the plus-1,000 respondents to a staff survey at the corporation as pressure ramps up following the Boris Johnson loan scandal.
The survey, conducted by the National Union of Journalists (Nuj) which represents hundreds of BBC journalists, found 95% thought Sharp should immediately resign. Even more (97%) said revelations over Sharp’s actions and behavior at the time of his appointment and since have caused damage to the BBC’s reputation and 91% said the scandal served to undermine trust in BBC journalism.
Nuj General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet said Sharp has “lost the dressing room.” “Journalists working at the BBC no longer have confidence in their chairman,” she added. “Revelations of Sharp’s role as financial matchmaker for Boris Johnson and his decision to keep his actions under wraps have caused anger and frustration amongst Nuj members.”
Sharp is currently subject to two separate investigations,...
The survey, conducted by the National Union of Journalists (Nuj) which represents hundreds of BBC journalists, found 95% thought Sharp should immediately resign. Even more (97%) said revelations over Sharp’s actions and behavior at the time of his appointment and since have caused damage to the BBC’s reputation and 91% said the scandal served to undermine trust in BBC journalism.
Nuj General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet said Sharp has “lost the dressing room.” “Journalists working at the BBC no longer have confidence in their chairman,” she added. “Revelations of Sharp’s role as financial matchmaker for Boris Johnson and his decision to keep his actions under wraps have caused anger and frustration amongst Nuj members.”
Sharp is currently subject to two separate investigations,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s something I can’t get my head around.
Two of the biggest and most technically complicated television events the BBC would ever have to broadcast — the King’s Coronation and the Eurovision Song Contest — are both taking place back-to-back over an eight-day period this May.
The King’s Coronation will involve considerable outside broadcast resources to cover events at Westminster Abbey, a procession through the heart of London and an appearance by the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The Coronation will conclude on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 with a concert for the King and Queen Consort at Windsor Palace, featuring stars from across the contemporary arts. And, in a similar vein to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert in 2022, events will conclude with a laser and drone show.
Then, just two days later, the Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Liverpool. Two semi-finals,...
Two of the biggest and most technically complicated television events the BBC would ever have to broadcast — the King’s Coronation and the Eurovision Song Contest — are both taking place back-to-back over an eight-day period this May.
The King’s Coronation will involve considerable outside broadcast resources to cover events at Westminster Abbey, a procession through the heart of London and an appearance by the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The Coronation will conclude on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 with a concert for the King and Queen Consort at Windsor Palace, featuring stars from across the contemporary arts. And, in a similar vein to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert in 2022, events will conclude with a laser and drone show.
Then, just two days later, the Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Liverpool. Two semi-finals,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Scott Bryan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: When the British government launched its £500M (601M) Film & TV Production Restart Scheme (Prs) in October 2020, independent producers breathed a sigh of relief. The scheme promised to kickstart film and TV production by offering cover for Covid-related costs that was necessary to getting the cameras rolling again.
Upon launch, then Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak (who is now Prime Minister) was effusive in his praise of the targeted scheme, saying it would “help fill the gap created by the lack of available insurance and get our world renowned film and TV industry back up and running” – a gap that had been created due to private insurers refusing to provide for Covid-related issues.
Producers would sign up to the scheme prior to entering production and, if any such issue marred their productions and led to additional costs, they would be able to submit a claim for reimbursement. Multiple senior...
Upon launch, then Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak (who is now Prime Minister) was effusive in his praise of the targeted scheme, saying it would “help fill the gap created by the lack of available insurance and get our world renowned film and TV industry back up and running” – a gap that had been created due to private insurers refusing to provide for Covid-related issues.
Producers would sign up to the scheme prior to entering production and, if any such issue marred their productions and led to additional costs, they would be able to submit a claim for reimbursement. Multiple senior...
- 2/14/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC chairman Richard Sharp undermined public trust in the BBC and more widely the public appointments system with his failure to reveal he had been involved in arranging a loan of £800,000 for then UK prime minister Boris Johnson, politicians have concluded in a damning report published today.
The contents of the report, which found Sharp “guilty of a serious error of judgment,” will heap more pressure on the Corporation’s chairman as he awaits the results of two other enquiries into the matter.
The Sunday Times newspaper revealed a few weeks ago that Sharp – previously the boss of current UK prime minister Rishi Sunak – had been involved in discussions leading to the arrangement of a loan for Johnson, at the same time as he was applying to become the BBC chairman. Johnson awarded him the role a fortnight later.
In its report, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) select committee,...
The contents of the report, which found Sharp “guilty of a serious error of judgment,” will heap more pressure on the Corporation’s chairman as he awaits the results of two other enquiries into the matter.
The Sunday Times newspaper revealed a few weeks ago that Sharp – previously the boss of current UK prime minister Rishi Sunak – had been involved in discussions leading to the arrangement of a loan for Johnson, at the same time as he was applying to become the BBC chairman. Johnson awarded him the role a fortnight later.
In its report, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) select committee,...
- 2/12/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC chairman Richard Sharp made “omissions” and “significant errors of judgment,” the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons, one of the two chambers of the British parliament, has found.
Led by acting committee chair Damian Green, it published a report on his conduct and the process behind the appointment of Sharp to his BBC role amid recent accusations that he failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest. The report became public just after midnight London time on Sunday, days after the committee had questioned the 66-year-old.
In his Tuesday appearance in front of it, Sharp had defended himself after recent news reports said that he had helped to arrange a loan guarantee for Boris Johnson just weeks before the then-u.K. prime minister recommended Sharp for his current role at the British public broadcaster. With its chair under fire, the BBC board then unveiled...
Led by acting committee chair Damian Green, it published a report on his conduct and the process behind the appointment of Sharp to his BBC role amid recent accusations that he failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest. The report became public just after midnight London time on Sunday, days after the committee had questioned the 66-year-old.
In his Tuesday appearance in front of it, Sharp had defended himself after recent news reports said that he had helped to arrange a loan guarantee for Boris Johnson just weeks before the then-u.K. prime minister recommended Sharp for his current role at the British public broadcaster. With its chair under fire, the BBC board then unveiled...
- 2/12/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC chair Richard Sharp made “significant errors of judgement” when he did not declare his role in the facilitation of a loan in 2020 to the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a U.K. parliamentary inquiry has found.
Sharp, a banker and former chair of the Royal Academy of Arts, was appointed in January 2021 on the recommendation of Oliver Dowden, then Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) secretary, and Boris Johnson, who was still Prime Minister at the time.
A report in U.K.’s The Sunday Times in January alleged that Johnson put forward the recommendation just weeks after Sharp “helped to arrange a guarantee on a loan of up to £800,000 [990,000 ]” for Johnson.
According to The Sunday Times, Sharp was drawn into Johnson’s finances while dining with the Prime Minister and businessman Sam Blyth, a friend and “distant cousin” of Johnson’s. The report stated that Blyth...
Sharp, a banker and former chair of the Royal Academy of Arts, was appointed in January 2021 on the recommendation of Oliver Dowden, then Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) secretary, and Boris Johnson, who was still Prime Minister at the time.
A report in U.K.’s The Sunday Times in January alleged that Johnson put forward the recommendation just weeks after Sharp “helped to arrange a guarantee on a loan of up to £800,000 [990,000 ]” for Johnson.
According to The Sunday Times, Sharp was drawn into Johnson’s finances while dining with the Prime Minister and businessman Sam Blyth, a friend and “distant cousin” of Johnson’s. The report stated that Blyth...
- 2/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“I have never given Boris Johnson financial advice and know nothing about his affairs,” BBC Chair Richard Sharp declared this morning repeatedly of his relationship with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Sharp also revealed he was working in Johnson’s Downing Street Home in the months leading up to applying for the BBC Chair role.
Sharp was pushed repeatedly by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) on the way in which he is reported to have helped facilitate a circa-£800,000 loan for Johnson via their mutual associate Sam Blyth, who is Johnson’s distant cousin and an old friend of Sharp’s. Reports emerged late last month that Sharp helped facilitate the loan just prior to his appointment as BBC Chair. Blyth is acting as guarantor of the loan.
Under stringent questioning this morning, he strenuously denied that he had done anything else apart from connect Johnson with...
Sharp was pushed repeatedly by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) on the way in which he is reported to have helped facilitate a circa-£800,000 loan for Johnson via their mutual associate Sam Blyth, who is Johnson’s distant cousin and an old friend of Sharp’s. Reports emerged late last month that Sharp helped facilitate the loan just prior to his appointment as BBC Chair. Blyth is acting as guarantor of the loan.
Under stringent questioning this morning, he strenuously denied that he had done anything else apart from connect Johnson with...
- 2/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC chairman Richard Sharp defended himself against accusations of a conflict of interest during a U.K. parliamentary committee hearing on Tuesday.
He appeared in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons after recent news reports that he had helped to arrange a loan guarantee for Boris Johnson just weeks before the then-u.K. prime minister recommended Sharp for his current role at the British public broadcaster. With Sharp under fire, the BBC board then unveiled that it would investigate the issue.
“I have never given financial advice to the former prime minister,” Sharp said on Tuesday, reiterating a previous statement on the issue. “I know nothing about his personal financial affairs,” he later added. “I didn’t facilitate a loan,” he also said in answering a question.
“I believe I was appointed on merit,” Sharp also said at one point during Tuesday’s committee grilling.
He appeared in front of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons after recent news reports that he had helped to arrange a loan guarantee for Boris Johnson just weeks before the then-u.K. prime minister recommended Sharp for his current role at the British public broadcaster. With Sharp under fire, the BBC board then unveiled that it would investigate the issue.
“I have never given financial advice to the former prime minister,” Sharp said on Tuesday, reiterating a previous statement on the issue. “I know nothing about his personal financial affairs,” he later added. “I didn’t facilitate a loan,” he also said in answering a question.
“I believe I was appointed on merit,” Sharp also said at one point during Tuesday’s committee grilling.
- 2/7/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC chair Richard Sharp has denied allegations that he helped “arrange” a loan for the then U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2020.
Appearing before a parliamentary enquiry convened by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) Committee on Tuesday, Sharp said: “I’ve never given the [former] Prime Minister advice. He’s never sought it. I know nothing about his personal financial affairs.”
Under the BBC’s Royal Charter, which governs the broadcaster, the position of BBC Chair is appointed by the British monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Dcms.
Sharp, a banker and former chair of the Royal Academy of Arts, was appointed in Jan. 2021 on the recommendation of Oliver Dowden, then Dcms secretary, and Boris Johnson, who was still Prime Minister at the time.
A report in U.K.’s The Sunday Times in January alleged that Johnson put...
Appearing before a parliamentary enquiry convened by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) Committee on Tuesday, Sharp said: “I’ve never given the [former] Prime Minister advice. He’s never sought it. I know nothing about his personal financial affairs.”
Under the BBC’s Royal Charter, which governs the broadcaster, the position of BBC Chair is appointed by the British monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Dcms.
Sharp, a banker and former chair of the Royal Academy of Arts, was appointed in Jan. 2021 on the recommendation of Oliver Dowden, then Dcms secretary, and Boris Johnson, who was still Prime Minister at the time.
A report in U.K.’s The Sunday Times in January alleged that Johnson put...
- 2/7/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
For underground music talent, it’s back to the BBC barricades. In 2010, a high-profile campaign was launched to save leftfield-leaning new music station 6 Music. Were it not for the 25,000 emails that bombarded the BBC in support of the station, we might never have heard of Fontaines DC, Idles or Jockstrap. And now a similar groundswell of objection is rising to the news that all 32 of the station’s talent-hunting BBC Introducing DJs nationwide have been put on notice of redundancy, following leaked proposals that suggest the Beeb is considering culling two-thirds of their output, or merging shows into larger regional broadcasts.
Now this might, at first glance, look like a very post-Brexit sort of streamlining; cutting down on frivolous, niche-interest expenditure so that more of our precious license fee can be syphoned into Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors knitwear budget. Plus, the most high-profile acts discovered through the network – Ed Sheeran,...
Now this might, at first glance, look like a very post-Brexit sort of streamlining; cutting down on frivolous, niche-interest expenditure so that more of our precious license fee can be syphoned into Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors knitwear budget. Plus, the most high-profile acts discovered through the network – Ed Sheeran,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Mark Beaumont
- The Independent - Music
Updated: 7:18 Am: The UK Commissioner for Public Appointments is to review the process behind the appointment of BBC Chair Richard Sharp as the fallout from the Boris Johnson loan scandal continues to be felt.
In the past few minutes, UK Commissioner William Shawcross has confirmed that he will look into Sharp’s hire, which was rubberstamped more than two years ago by the government. Shawcross said the review will ensure the process to hire Sharp was “run in compliance” with government rules.
The influential Commissioner for Public Appointments is appointed by the King and has a primary role of independently making sure appointments abide by the UK’s Cabinet Office code.
Previous: BBC Chair Richard Sharp has asked the BBC Board to review conflicts of interest in the wake of the Boris Johnson loan scandal that broke over the weekend.
Sharp has been under pressure since a bombshell Sunday...
In the past few minutes, UK Commissioner William Shawcross has confirmed that he will look into Sharp’s hire, which was rubberstamped more than two years ago by the government. Shawcross said the review will ensure the process to hire Sharp was “run in compliance” with government rules.
The influential Commissioner for Public Appointments is appointed by the King and has a primary role of independently making sure appointments abide by the UK’s Cabinet Office code.
Previous: BBC Chair Richard Sharp has asked the BBC Board to review conflicts of interest in the wake of the Boris Johnson loan scandal that broke over the weekend.
Sharp has been under pressure since a bombshell Sunday...
- 1/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Update:
Broadcasting union Bectu has called for Richard Sharp’s appointment as BBC Chair to be investigated by the U.K.’s Commissioner for Public Appointments.
“As a public service broadcaster it is absolutely essential that the public and Parliament can trust the BBC to carry out its duties and appointments free from any real or perceived conflict of interest,” said Bectu head Philippa Childs. “The corporation has been vocal about the importance of impartiality and transparency across all levels of the organisation and in its output, and Bectu members and other staff at the BBC face intense scrutiny to this effect in carrying out their roles. The corporation must be equally scrupulous in applying these standards to members of its Board, who set its strategic vision and must ensure BBC decisions are made in the interests of the public.”
“While we note confirmation that the BBC Board will review the conflict of interest claims,...
Broadcasting union Bectu has called for Richard Sharp’s appointment as BBC Chair to be investigated by the U.K.’s Commissioner for Public Appointments.
“As a public service broadcaster it is absolutely essential that the public and Parliament can trust the BBC to carry out its duties and appointments free from any real or perceived conflict of interest,” said Bectu head Philippa Childs. “The corporation has been vocal about the importance of impartiality and transparency across all levels of the organisation and in its output, and Bectu members and other staff at the BBC face intense scrutiny to this effect in carrying out their roles. The corporation must be equally scrupulous in applying these standards to members of its Board, who set its strategic vision and must ensure BBC decisions are made in the interests of the public.”
“While we note confirmation that the BBC Board will review the conflict of interest claims,...
- 1/23/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC chairman Richard Sharp helped to arrange a loan guarantee for Boris Johnson just weeks before the then-U.K. prime minister recommended Sharp for his current role at the British public broadcaster, The Sunday Times reported.
It said that the former Goldman Sachs banker Sharp, 66, who has also been a donor to Johnson’s Conservative Party, was involved in arranging a guarantor for a loan of up to £800,000 (990,000) for now ex-prime minister Johnson after he had reached the final stages of the BBC chair recruitment process.
Sharp said he “simply connected” people, so there was no conflict of interest. A Johnson representative, cited by the BBC, said that he did not receive financial advice from Sharp. A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC plays no role in the recruitment of the chair, and any questions are a matter for the government.”
The U.K. opposition is calling for a probe. Labour Party...
It said that the former Goldman Sachs banker Sharp, 66, who has also been a donor to Johnson’s Conservative Party, was involved in arranging a guarantor for a loan of up to £800,000 (990,000) for now ex-prime minister Johnson after he had reached the final stages of the BBC chair recruitment process.
Sharp said he “simply connected” people, so there was no conflict of interest. A Johnson representative, cited by the BBC, said that he did not receive financial advice from Sharp. A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC plays no role in the recruitment of the chair, and any questions are a matter for the government.”
The U.K. opposition is calling for a probe. Labour Party...
- 1/22/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Chairman Richard Sharp helped to arrange a guarantee on a loan of up to £800,000 for Boris Johnson weeks before the then-prime minister recommended him for the role at the broadcaster, according to a new report.
Sharp, a former Goldman Sachs banker, was involved in talks about how to help fund the former Prime Minister’s lifestyle in late 2020. At the time, Johnson was facing financial trouble due to a divorce, childcare costs, and bills for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, The Sunday Times Reported.
The newspaper continued to report that in 2020 Sharp met Sam Blyth, a Canadian businessman and distant cousin of the former prime minister, who is said to have raised the idea of acting as a guarantor on a credit facility for Johnson and asked Sharp for advice on the best way forward. The now BBC chairman agreed to help Blyth and introduced him to Simon Case,...
Sharp, a former Goldman Sachs banker, was involved in talks about how to help fund the former Prime Minister’s lifestyle in late 2020. At the time, Johnson was facing financial trouble due to a divorce, childcare costs, and bills for the refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, The Sunday Times Reported.
The newspaper continued to report that in 2020 Sharp met Sam Blyth, a Canadian businessman and distant cousin of the former prime minister, who is said to have raised the idea of acting as a guarantor on a credit facility for Johnson and asked Sharp for advice on the best way forward. The now BBC chairman agreed to help Blyth and introduced him to Simon Case,...
- 1/22/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Introducing shows across the UK are facing proposed cuts that would mean local shows would merged or be axed by the broadcaster.
Last Friday (13 January), local presenters announced the news that they were being faced with redundancy and urged listeners, artists and industry professionals to share their stories.
“The Backbone Of BBC Introducing... If you’ve appreciated our network of local BBC Introducing shows across England and the Channel Islands over the past 15 years, here’s a chance to say so” wrote 6 Music presenter Tom Robinson on Twitter alongside an online form.
Local BBC Introducing shows currently help support new and emerging talent by accepting submissions from regional areas and reviewing songs for radio play.
This enables emerging local artists to gain exposure and radio play, with the potential for their music to be fed into BBC national radio.
The introducing shows are responsible for championing artists such as Arlo Parks,...
Last Friday (13 January), local presenters announced the news that they were being faced with redundancy and urged listeners, artists and industry professionals to share their stories.
“The Backbone Of BBC Introducing... If you’ve appreciated our network of local BBC Introducing shows across England and the Channel Islands over the past 15 years, here’s a chance to say so” wrote 6 Music presenter Tom Robinson on Twitter alongside an online form.
Local BBC Introducing shows currently help support new and emerging talent by accepting submissions from regional areas and reviewing songs for radio play.
This enables emerging local artists to gain exposure and radio play, with the potential for their music to be fed into BBC national radio.
The introducing shows are responsible for championing artists such as Arlo Parks,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Click here to read the full article.
Richard Sharp, chairman of the BBC, on Friday unveiled the appointment of Damon Buffini to the new role of deputy chair of the BBC board.
“Sir Damon was a founding partner of international investment firm Permira, where he was managing partner from 1997 to 2010,” the U.K. public broadcaster said. “He has been chair of the Royal National Theatre since 2015 and has held multiple non-executive directorships across various industries.”
The broadcaster also appointed former Fox top executive Gary Newman, Ian Griffiths and Claire Hungate to the BBC Commercial Board as non-executive directors, effective April 1, for an initial term of three years.
The BBC Commercial Board oversees the public broadcaster’s commercial activities, including BBC Studios and BBC Studioworks, which provides studio and post-production services to the British broadcast and production sector.
Buffini joined the BBC board as a non-executive director in November 2021 and was...
Richard Sharp, chairman of the BBC, on Friday unveiled the appointment of Damon Buffini to the new role of deputy chair of the BBC board.
“Sir Damon was a founding partner of international investment firm Permira, where he was managing partner from 1997 to 2010,” the U.K. public broadcaster said. “He has been chair of the Royal National Theatre since 2015 and has held multiple non-executive directorships across various industries.”
The broadcaster also appointed former Fox top executive Gary Newman, Ian Griffiths and Claire Hungate to the BBC Commercial Board as non-executive directors, effective April 1, for an initial term of three years.
The BBC Commercial Board oversees the public broadcaster’s commercial activities, including BBC Studios and BBC Studioworks, which provides studio and post-production services to the British broadcast and production sector.
Buffini joined the BBC board as a non-executive director in November 2021 and was...
- 12/9/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former Fox Television Chair and CEO Gary Newman has joined the BBC Commercial Board along with UK TV vet Claire Hungate, while Damon Buffini has been upped to Deputy Chair of the BBC Board.
Newman and Hungate are two of a trio of appointments that also include Ian Griffiths, the former deputy CEO of market intelligence agency Kantar.
From April 2023 for a term of at least three years, they will sit on the BBC’s board that oversees commercial activities including producer-distributor BBC Studios and post-production outfit BBC Studioworks at a time of change for the pubcaster.
Newman is a huge appointment for the BBC and represents another foray into the commercial world by Director General Tim Davie, who has been steadily bringing in more execs from the private sector since he took over two years ago. Newman was Chairman & CEO of Fox Television Group, which included Fox Broadcasting Co.
Newman and Hungate are two of a trio of appointments that also include Ian Griffiths, the former deputy CEO of market intelligence agency Kantar.
From April 2023 for a term of at least three years, they will sit on the BBC’s board that oversees commercial activities including producer-distributor BBC Studios and post-production outfit BBC Studioworks at a time of change for the pubcaster.
Newman is a huge appointment for the BBC and represents another foray into the commercial world by Director General Tim Davie, who has been steadily bringing in more execs from the private sector since he took over two years ago. Newman was Chairman & CEO of Fox Television Group, which included Fox Broadcasting Co.
- 12/9/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
New UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has indicated she will take up the mantle of firebrand predecessor Nadine Dorries by insisting it is “impossible” to sustain the BBC license fee after 2027, while distancing herself from the former I’m a Celebrity… contestant’s views on impartiality.
Appearing for the first time in front of the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc), Donelan stressed that she will push on and seek alternatives to the fee that emerge from a review into the £159.50 (195) annual charge – the BBC’s funding model for the past century.
Questioned on what she would do if the review recommends no change to the funding model, Donelan said this would be “impossible” due to the fact that “increasing the license fee will further drive down” the number of people who pay the fee. It is currently frozen but will return to rising with inflation in two years’ time.
Appearing for the first time in front of the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Dcmsc), Donelan stressed that she will push on and seek alternatives to the fee that emerge from a review into the £159.50 (195) annual charge – the BBC’s funding model for the past century.
Questioned on what she would do if the review recommends no change to the funding model, Donelan said this would be “impossible” due to the fact that “increasing the license fee will further drive down” the number of people who pay the fee. It is currently frozen but will return to rising with inflation in two years’ time.
- 12/6/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC turns 100 today and it appears the centenary is helping to build bridges between the UK public and the Conservative government — at least in the short term.
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan struck a conciliatory tone in a statement released in the past hour noting the anniversary, pointing to several achievements from the BBC’s history and its outsized impact on the world beyond the UK.
“Since the first BBC broadcast hit the airwaves 100 years ago, few could have imagined that BBC broadcasting history would become British history,” she wrote, while also pointing to shows such as Doctor Who and classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses as cultural milestones in the UK.
Donelan said the BBC “became a crucial method for keeping up morale” during World War II, adding: “Now, as Russia targets the media in Ukraine, the BBC has once again stepped up to serve war-torn Europe.
She referenced...
Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan struck a conciliatory tone in a statement released in the past hour noting the anniversary, pointing to several achievements from the BBC’s history and its outsized impact on the world beyond the UK.
“Since the first BBC broadcast hit the airwaves 100 years ago, few could have imagined that BBC broadcasting history would become British history,” she wrote, while also pointing to shows such as Doctor Who and classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses as cultural milestones in the UK.
Donelan said the BBC “became a crucial method for keeping up morale” during World War II, adding: “Now, as Russia targets the media in Ukraine, the BBC has once again stepped up to serve war-torn Europe.
She referenced...
- 10/18/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
As the BBC celebrates its one hundredth anniversary today (Oct. 18), the broadcaster’s top executives have paid tribute.
“The BBC is one hundred today – it’s a time to celebrate, but also to embrace the future,” said BBC chairman Richard Sharp. “I believe its best days are ahead. We have always innovated, changed and adapted. Our path has always been guided by the needs of audiences. We are just as mindful of that today as we have always been. By continuing to put the public first, we will continue to inform, educate and entertain for another century.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie added: “With the BBC reaching the milestone of 100 years, our mission to inform, educate, and entertain, has never been more relevant or needed. For a century, the BBC has been a beacon of trusted news and programming across the world, as well as being part of the fabric of the U.
“The BBC is one hundred today – it’s a time to celebrate, but also to embrace the future,” said BBC chairman Richard Sharp. “I believe its best days are ahead. We have always innovated, changed and adapted. Our path has always been guided by the needs of audiences. We are just as mindful of that today as we have always been. By continuing to put the public first, we will continue to inform, educate and entertain for another century.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie added: “With the BBC reaching the milestone of 100 years, our mission to inform, educate, and entertain, has never been more relevant or needed. For a century, the BBC has been a beacon of trusted news and programming across the world, as well as being part of the fabric of the U.
- 10/17/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The board of Britain’s main public service broadcaster, the BBC, has called Queen Elizabeth II “a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders,” as bosses paid tribute to the monarch, who died today aged 96.
The broadcaster has cleared its schedules this evening as the UK comes to terms with a future without Elizabeth on the throne for the first time since 1953 and has switched to rolling news coverage as crowds gather around Buckingham Palace in London to pay tribute. Its bosses have this evening followed up by releasing a heartfelt statement.
“On behalf of everyone at the BBC we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” said BBC Chairman Richard Sharp and Director General Tim Davie.
“Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service. She was a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders, who represented the very best of our nation.
The broadcaster has cleared its schedules this evening as the UK comes to terms with a future without Elizabeth on the throne for the first time since 1953 and has switched to rolling news coverage as crowds gather around Buckingham Palace in London to pay tribute. Its bosses have this evening followed up by releasing a heartfelt statement.
“On behalf of everyone at the BBC we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” said BBC Chairman Richard Sharp and Director General Tim Davie.
“Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service. She was a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders, who represented the very best of our nation.
- 9/8/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Chair Richard Sharp has said MacTaggart lecturer Emily Maitlis was “completely wrong” to say due process was not followed after her now-infamous Dominic Cummings Newsnight rant, and rubbished her claim that a Conservative Party agent sits on the BBC Board.
Maitlis, who has now left the BBC and is fronting a Global podcast, made the comments during last month’s Edinburgh TV Festival address, stating that the BBC had “sought to pacify the complaint” immediately, which she disagreed with.
Speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) this morning, Sharp said Maitlis was “completely wrong” to say due process was not followed.
“While I thought the issues raised were worthwhile, I disagree with her view of impartiality which may mean she led with opinions, not facts. We found Newsnight had not appropriately addressed the issue because she led with her opinions.”
The now-infamous opening segment led with...
Maitlis, who has now left the BBC and is fronting a Global podcast, made the comments during last month’s Edinburgh TV Festival address, stating that the BBC had “sought to pacify the complaint” immediately, which she disagreed with.
Speaking to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (Dcmsc) this morning, Sharp said Maitlis was “completely wrong” to say due process was not followed.
“While I thought the issues raised were worthwhile, I disagree with her view of impartiality which may mean she led with opinions, not facts. We found Newsnight had not appropriately addressed the issue because she led with her opinions.”
The now-infamous opening segment led with...
- 9/6/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC and Channel 4 may fear the worst as the anti-Public Service Broadcasting agenda led by Boris Johnson’s administration looks set to continue under a Liz Truss premiership, with all eyes trained on whether Nadine Dorries remains Culture Secretary.
As expected, Truss comfortably won the race to be the next Conservative Party leader earlier this afternoon and Prime Minister this afternoon and multiple connected sources have indicated they expect arch-bbc sceptic Dorries to remain in post.
Dorries is feared by the public broadcasters. She pushed through the start of Channel 4’s privatization, signalled she wants the BBC license fee to be abolished after 2027 and has made multiple inflammatory remarks throughout her year-long tenure, including her accusation that a Channel 4 reality show she took part in a decade ago used actors instead of ordinary people. This was heavily disputed by Tower Block of Commons‘ producer Love Productions. On the latter,...
As expected, Truss comfortably won the race to be the next Conservative Party leader earlier this afternoon and Prime Minister this afternoon and multiple connected sources have indicated they expect arch-bbc sceptic Dorries to remain in post.
Dorries is feared by the public broadcasters. She pushed through the start of Channel 4’s privatization, signalled she wants the BBC license fee to be abolished after 2027 and has made multiple inflammatory remarks throughout her year-long tenure, including her accusation that a Channel 4 reality show she took part in a decade ago used actors instead of ordinary people. This was heavily disputed by Tower Block of Commons‘ producer Love Productions. On the latter,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Question Time
The U.K.’s cross-party Dcms Committee, which scrutinizes the spending, policies and administration of the government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, is set to interrogate BBC bosses on impartiality, the license fee and earnings.
The committee, which is chaired by Julian Knight, is set to convene on Tuesday, Sept. 6 to question BBC director general Tim Davie, BBC chair Richard Sharp and BBC COO Leigh Tavaziva. They will ask questions on topics including how the corporation “plans to remain relevant and effective in the modern media landscape,” “how the BBC’s offering is impacted by a more polarised political atmosphere” and the future of the license fee in light of soaring inflation rates.
Questions about impartiality will be particularly of interest to BBC watchers following a recent lecture by former “Newsnight” host Emily Maitlis at the Edinburgh TV Festival, where she used her platform to suggest the BBC was too objective.
The U.K.’s cross-party Dcms Committee, which scrutinizes the spending, policies and administration of the government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, is set to interrogate BBC bosses on impartiality, the license fee and earnings.
The committee, which is chaired by Julian Knight, is set to convene on Tuesday, Sept. 6 to question BBC director general Tim Davie, BBC chair Richard Sharp and BBC COO Leigh Tavaziva. They will ask questions on topics including how the corporation “plans to remain relevant and effective in the modern media landscape,” “how the BBC’s offering is impacted by a more polarised political atmosphere” and the future of the license fee in light of soaring inflation rates.
Questions about impartiality will be particularly of interest to BBC watchers following a recent lecture by former “Newsnight” host Emily Maitlis at the Edinburgh TV Festival, where she used her platform to suggest the BBC was too objective.
- 9/5/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Making a BBC documentary, Psychosis and Me, about his experience with his mental health struggles made him confront his lowest lows, actor and author David Harewood (Homeland, The Night Manager, Supergirl) told a TV industry gathering on Thursday. “It scared the shit out of me,” he told the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Asked about the overall experience of coming out about his mental health problems and sharing his experience in a doc, he said: “It was the toughest thing I have ever done.”
Recalling specifically going through documents featuring his comments from his time in a psychiatric hospital, Harewood said, “You are reading your disturbed self.”
After “a very difficult period,” he went through “a period of healing” and is now feeling comfortable discussing the topic, he shared.
Questioned whether he was ever worried that his career would be affected by the doc, he shared: “Oh my God,...
Making a BBC documentary, Psychosis and Me, about his experience with his mental health struggles made him confront his lowest lows, actor and author David Harewood (Homeland, The Night Manager, Supergirl) told a TV industry gathering on Thursday. “It scared the shit out of me,” he told the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Asked about the overall experience of coming out about his mental health problems and sharing his experience in a doc, he said: “It was the toughest thing I have ever done.”
Recalling specifically going through documents featuring his comments from his time in a psychiatric hospital, Harewood said, “You are reading your disturbed self.”
After “a very difficult period,” he went through “a period of healing” and is now feeling comfortable discussing the topic, he shared.
Questioned whether he was ever worried that his career would be affected by the doc, he shared: “Oh my God,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has put a doc series about British pop superstar Robbie Williams into production, as its UK original series chief Anne Mensah doubled down on the streamer’s commitment to the UK despite the incoming cost of living crisis and concerns over drops in share price.
The multi-part music doc will launch in 2023 and contain exclusive access to Williams. It is billed as “an unfiltered, in-depth examination of a global icon and natural-born-entertainer who had to navigate the highs and lows of being in the limelight for more than 30 years.”
Show will look at the media scrutiny that has followed the former Take That singer’s career, his relationship with adulation and addiction and his professional and personal break ups. Footage captured over more than 25 years will be included in the no-holds-barred look at the entertainer and will reveal a more nuanced and multifaceted character.
“He’s really willing to go there,...
The multi-part music doc will launch in 2023 and contain exclusive access to Williams. It is billed as “an unfiltered, in-depth examination of a global icon and natural-born-entertainer who had to navigate the highs and lows of being in the limelight for more than 30 years.”
Show will look at the media scrutiny that has followed the former Take That singer’s career, his relationship with adulation and addiction and his professional and personal break ups. Footage captured over more than 25 years will be included in the no-holds-barred look at the entertainer and will reveal a more nuanced and multifaceted character.
“He’s really willing to go there,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore has hit back at Channel 4’s Ian Katz’s view on TV reboots by stating “well, Channel 4 bought The Great British Bake Off back.”
Katz used his Edinburgh TV Festival session this morning to describe the current penchant for reboots as “depressing” but Moore said reboots take “creativity and are challenging.”
Questioned on Katz’s comments, she reminded the Edinburgh audience that Channel 4 had commissioned Great British Bake Off, it’s top-rated show, soon after the show stopped airing on the BBC last decade.
The issue has become a key talking point at Edinburgh and reboots were also criticized by former Channel 4 CEO David Abraham a day before Katz.
“I don’t think it’s easy to bring titles back and make them successful,” said Moore. “It would be a problem if it was all we were doing but if you’re going...
Katz used his Edinburgh TV Festival session this morning to describe the current penchant for reboots as “depressing” but Moore said reboots take “creativity and are challenging.”
Questioned on Katz’s comments, she reminded the Edinburgh audience that Channel 4 had commissioned Great British Bake Off, it’s top-rated show, soon after the show stopped airing on the BBC last decade.
The issue has become a key talking point at Edinburgh and reboots were also criticized by former Channel 4 CEO David Abraham a day before Katz.
“I don’t think it’s easy to bring titles back and make them successful,” said Moore. “It would be a problem if it was all we were doing but if you’re going...
- 8/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The BBC can succeed despite “significant” competition from global streamers, chairman Richard Sharp said on Wednesday. The U.K. public broadcaster may be “challenged,” but “benefits from not being in the capitalist model,” he argued at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
It will also look to “weaponize impartiality” under incoming BBC News boss Deborah Turness, one of its key values that can become a key selling point at a time when commercial news providers have seemed to become more polarized, he said.
Asked about the BBC’s diversity push, Sharp said he was “absolutely committed” to it, highlighting he doesn’t see it as a “box tick,” because it has to be and “it is existential to the BBC,” even though “we haven’t” gotten it right in the past.
Diversity and representation has been a big topic for the BBC. Earlier this year,...
The BBC can succeed despite “significant” competition from global streamers, chairman Richard Sharp said on Wednesday. The U.K. public broadcaster may be “challenged,” but “benefits from not being in the capitalist model,” he argued at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
It will also look to “weaponize impartiality” under incoming BBC News boss Deborah Turness, one of its key values that can become a key selling point at a time when commercial news providers have seemed to become more polarized, he said.
Asked about the BBC’s diversity push, Sharp said he was “absolutely committed” to it, highlighting he doesn’t see it as a “box tick,” because it has to be and “it is existential to the BBC,” even though “we haven’t” gotten it right in the past.
Diversity and representation has been a big topic for the BBC. Earlier this year,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Chair Richard Sharp said he has U-turned on feeling the BBC was “bloated, self important and heard too much of its own voice” when he took on the job two years ago, as he argued he can stave off government interference.
In conversation with Homeland star David Harewood, Sharp revealed he had a highly negative view of the corporation prior to joining but was told by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to “treat making the BBC great as his mission.”
He has since engaged with the BBC’s critics and seen that the corporation is “quite extraordinary in how it bats above its budget.”
“The bang for the buck it creates speaks to the extraordinary quality and talented people who are making good decisions,” he added. “In addition, as a brand I hope we can attract talented people who want to work here. We benefit from not being in a capitalist model.
In conversation with Homeland star David Harewood, Sharp revealed he had a highly negative view of the corporation prior to joining but was told by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to “treat making the BBC great as his mission.”
He has since engaged with the BBC’s critics and seen that the corporation is “quite extraordinary in how it bats above its budget.”
“The bang for the buck it creates speaks to the extraordinary quality and talented people who are making good decisions,” he added. “In addition, as a brand I hope we can attract talented people who want to work here. We benefit from not being in a capitalist model.
- 8/24/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is to spend the coming weeks delivering a review into complaints against disgraced former DJ Tim Westwood and setting out the principles that it believes should apply to a future funding model.
During today’s Annual Report press briefing, Dg Tim Davie revealed two pieces of work are to be expected over the summer. The first, due within a fortnight, will “summarize exactly how we got to where we got” on Westwood, who was recently accused by seven Black women of sexual misconduct, allegations that he denies in their entirety.
Davie has faced tricky questions on the subject after he used an April speech to say the BBC had “seen no evidence of complaints” against Westwood before, several weeks later, the BBC revealed it had in fact received six, including one historic case that was referred to the police. The BBC is not saying whether the other five...
During today’s Annual Report press briefing, Dg Tim Davie revealed two pieces of work are to be expected over the summer. The first, due within a fortnight, will “summarize exactly how we got to where we got” on Westwood, who was recently accused by seven Black women of sexual misconduct, allegations that he denies in their entirety.
Davie has faced tricky questions on the subject after he used an April speech to say the BBC had “seen no evidence of complaints” against Westwood before, several weeks later, the BBC revealed it had in fact received six, including one historic case that was referred to the police. The BBC is not saying whether the other five...
- 7/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has declared a record income of £5.33 billion (6.4 billion) for the 2021/2022 period, up from £5.06 billion last year, and a surplus of £206 billion.
In the corporation’s annual report, which was published on Tuesday, it was revealed that the bulk of the income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.8 billion, £50 million up from last year. The licence fee has been frozen for two years as revealed earlier this year. BBC chair Richard Sharp termed this as “disappointing.”
“The working assumption is that this will open up an income gap, which is modelled to be at least £285 million a year by 2027-2028. Clearly, this is disappointing,” Sharp told a media briefing. “However, the BBC recognises that the licence fee is a privilege, and that the funding settlement offers certainty against which we can plan.”
Addressing the future funding model of the BBC, Sharp said,...
In the corporation’s annual report, which was published on Tuesday, it was revealed that the bulk of the income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.8 billion, £50 million up from last year. The licence fee has been frozen for two years as revealed earlier this year. BBC chair Richard Sharp termed this as “disappointing.”
“The working assumption is that this will open up an income gap, which is modelled to be at least £285 million a year by 2027-2028. Clearly, this is disappointing,” Sharp told a media briefing. “However, the BBC recognises that the licence fee is a privilege, and that the funding settlement offers certainty against which we can plan.”
Addressing the future funding model of the BBC, Sharp said,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
No doubt that Sean Bean, depending on your age, will be long remembered for his roles as British officer Lt. Col. Richard Sharpe in the Sharpe series of TV films, Sean Miller in Patriot Games and Boromir, Son of Gondor, in 2001’s Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring. His dying line to Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), “I would have followed you, my brother… my captain… my king,” has become one of the most quotable lines and one of the best death scenes in movie history.
A Yorkshire, UK native, Sean Bean’s screen credits, both on TV and in movies, are countless.
Opening in theaters Memorial Day weekend is the upcoming thriller Drone, starring Bean and Mary McCormack.
Check out the trailer now.
Drone pilot and family man Neil (Sean Bean) has spent his career conducting deadly, covert missions overseas all from the comfort of his suburban hometown.
A Yorkshire, UK native, Sean Bean’s screen credits, both on TV and in movies, are countless.
Opening in theaters Memorial Day weekend is the upcoming thriller Drone, starring Bean and Mary McCormack.
Check out the trailer now.
Drone pilot and family man Neil (Sean Bean) has spent his career conducting deadly, covert missions overseas all from the comfort of his suburban hometown.
- 5/17/2017
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Warner Bros.
The man who has died on screen more than twenty times (around an astonishing one third of all his film credits) has had a career spanning a diverse selection of roles in vastly different worlds.
His unfortunate label of ‘spoiler on legs’ has slightly overshadowed the acclaimed roles Sean Bean has undertaken and he will forever be associated with some of the best on screen deaths of all time. Not the worst legacy to leave behind but it perhaps doesn’t do justice to his acting ability.
Hailing from Sheffield in Yorkshire, the son of a welder and a passionate supporter of Sheffield United football club, he is a true man’s man. His roles could tell you that much; Richard Sharpe made him a British heartthrob, while his performances as Odysseus and Zeus affirmed his ability to take on powerful, masculine roles.
However, his career certainly hasn’t been plain sailing.
The man who has died on screen more than twenty times (around an astonishing one third of all his film credits) has had a career spanning a diverse selection of roles in vastly different worlds.
His unfortunate label of ‘spoiler on legs’ has slightly overshadowed the acclaimed roles Sean Bean has undertaken and he will forever be associated with some of the best on screen deaths of all time. Not the worst legacy to leave behind but it perhaps doesn’t do justice to his acting ability.
Hailing from Sheffield in Yorkshire, the son of a welder and a passionate supporter of Sheffield United football club, he is a true man’s man. His roles could tell you that much; Richard Sharpe made him a British heartthrob, while his performances as Odysseus and Zeus affirmed his ability to take on powerful, masculine roles.
However, his career certainly hasn’t been plain sailing.
- 2/6/2015
- by Fred Humphries
- Obsessed with Film
Andrew counts down some of the best roles of Sean Bean's career, from the ones you'll know to the ones you probably won't...
Top 10
Sean Bean.
Love him, fear him, smell him: the man breathes fire. And acting.
But what is Sean Bean? Well, adhering to a skeptical epistemology, we simply don't know, but for the purposes of this article he's the bloke who played Errol Partridge in Equilibrium, still to this day his defining role in Equilibrium.
While everyone at Den of Geek loves Equilibrium slightly more than they love each other, Sean Bean is only in it but for a moment. Unfortunately he mistakenly believes that holding up a book in front of his face will stop a bullet, when all he had to do to stop Christian Bale from shooting him was impersonate a puppy. Really, it's hard to argue that the film wouldn't be considerably...
Top 10
Sean Bean.
Love him, fear him, smell him: the man breathes fire. And acting.
But what is Sean Bean? Well, adhering to a skeptical epistemology, we simply don't know, but for the purposes of this article he's the bloke who played Errol Partridge in Equilibrium, still to this day his defining role in Equilibrium.
While everyone at Den of Geek loves Equilibrium slightly more than they love each other, Sean Bean is only in it but for a moment. Unfortunately he mistakenly believes that holding up a book in front of his face will stop a bullet, when all he had to do to stop Christian Bale from shooting him was impersonate a puppy. Really, it's hard to argue that the film wouldn't be considerably...
- 5/30/2014
- by sarahd
- Den of Geek
Earlier this month, Doctor Who history was made with the unveiling of the mini-episode 'The Night of the Doctor', which finally answered fans' questions about the fate of the eighth Doctor, played by Paul McGann.
As the actor with the shortest run in Doctor Who, we had less of an opportunity to get to know him, so we thought it a good time to round up ten things you might not already know about Paul McGann.
1. Paul McGann was born in 1959 in Kensington, Liverpool. He was the third of six children to his teacher mother and metallurgist father. His three brothers, Joseph, Mark and Stephen, are also actors and have starred alongside Paul in the series The Hanging Gale as well as the TV film Catherine the Great.
2. It's not just acting that interests Paul, he's also a keen singer. In fact, having been heard singing in the TV series The Monocled Mutineer,...
As the actor with the shortest run in Doctor Who, we had less of an opportunity to get to know him, so we thought it a good time to round up ten things you might not already know about Paul McGann.
1. Paul McGann was born in 1959 in Kensington, Liverpool. He was the third of six children to his teacher mother and metallurgist father. His three brothers, Joseph, Mark and Stephen, are also actors and have starred alongside Paul in the series The Hanging Gale as well as the TV film Catherine the Great.
2. It's not just acting that interests Paul, he's also a keen singer. In fact, having been heard singing in the TV series The Monocled Mutineer,...
- 11/22/2013
- Digital Spy
Sean Bean is enjoying one of the biggest successes of his career in HBO's current hit series "Game of Thrones," but fans may have to wait awhile to see the British actor again in his signature TV role as dashing soldier Richard Sharpe.
"I'd like to think [there will be more 'Sharpe's Adventures'], but we have been through so many wars in that series, and perhaps the Battle of Waterloo was the last major battle in that time [period]," Bean tells Zap2it.
"But we did go to India, which was fun, and we may be doing another one where I look for my long-lost daughter.
"I think it's just the expense of things, especially in England right now with the recession and people cutting back on things. 'Sharpe' is quite a big production, when you think of television ... British television anyway."...
"I'd like to think [there will be more 'Sharpe's Adventures'], but we have been through so many wars in that series, and perhaps the Battle of Waterloo was the last major battle in that time [period]," Bean tells Zap2it.
"But we did go to India, which was fun, and we may be doing another one where I look for my long-lost daughter.
"I think it's just the expense of things, especially in England right now with the recession and people cutting back on things. 'Sharpe' is quite a big production, when you think of television ... British television anyway."...
- 5/1/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Photo by Helen Sloan – © 2011 – HBO Sean Bean in “Game of Thrones”
In the last two weeks we’ve been hit with a glut of period pieces: “Camelot,” “The Borgias,” and now “Game of Thrones.” “Thrones” also doles out a healthy dose of fantasy–executive producer/writer David Benioff called the show “The Sopranos meets Middle Earth” a while back, and now regrets it–but he’s really not that far off in his description.
Like “The Lord of the Rings,...
In the last two weeks we’ve been hit with a glut of period pieces: “Camelot,” “The Borgias,” and now “Game of Thrones.” “Thrones” also doles out a healthy dose of fantasy–executive producer/writer David Benioff called the show “The Sopranos meets Middle Earth” a while back, and now regrets it–but he’s really not that far off in his description.
Like “The Lord of the Rings,...
- 4/17/2011
- by Susan Michals
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
It's a tough life being a committed fan of British thespian Sean Bean, much of which can be brutal and frequently crushing. It's a cold existence, marked by long stretches of harsh, barren wilderness and punctuated by episodes of wailing despair and bleak, existential darkness from which there can often seem to be no respite. It's a lot like Cormac McCarthy's The Road, only less jolly. But you make do. A classically trained Shakespearian actor of substantial ability, Sean Bean's weathered physicality and gruff, Sheffield accent has seen him forever sidelined to the fringes, playing hardcases (Outlaw), headcases (The Hitcher), and rent-a-villains (National Treasure), occasionally managing to score a truly great role (Richard Sharpe, Boromir, John Dawson) along the way. This, sadly, is not one of those roles. Although, to his credit, Bean makes a far better fist of it than such pedestrian material typically permits.
A somewhat...
A somewhat...
- 8/24/2010
- by Neil Pedley
- JustPressPlay.net
Since 1992, actor Sean Bean has portrayed Richard Sharpe - a .working class. British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars who saves the Duke of Wellington and for his troubles is made an officer. The last Sharpe drama was in 1996, before Sharpe.s Challenge was filmed in 2006. Like fine wine, Sharpe just gets better with age. The adventures of Richard Sharpe are based on a series of novels by Bernard Cornwell, and this latest installment covers those stories that take place in India. The three India novels are Sharpe.s Tiger, Sharpe.s Triumph, and Sharpe.s Fortress - which have been adapted by Russell Lewis into the screenplay. Sharpe.s Challenge begins with a scene in India around 1803 when...
- 4/24/2010
- by June L.
- Monsters and Critics
Chicago – Sean Bean is an actor who naturally exudes menace. His dark squinting eyes always seem to be up to something, and surely assisted him in getting cast as the bad guy in a variety of blockbusters. While American moviegoers know him primarily for roles such as Jack Ryan’s adversary in “Patriot Games,” British audiences view Bean as their equivalent to a heroic Jack Ryan-type everyman, thanks to his portrayal of swashbuckling soldier Richard Sharpe.
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s series of historical fiction novels, the “Sharpe” film saga was originally broadcast in the mid-90s, consisting of no less than fourteen installments. Sharpe starts out as a British sergeant who receives a promotion after saving the life of the future Duke of Wellington. The books, and their subsequent television adaptations, chronicle Sharpe’s adventures in the Napoleonic Wars, climaxing at the Battle of Waterloo. Two more “Sharpe” films were shot a decade later,...
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s series of historical fiction novels, the “Sharpe” film saga was originally broadcast in the mid-90s, consisting of no less than fourteen installments. Sharpe starts out as a British sergeant who receives a promotion after saving the life of the future Duke of Wellington. The books, and their subsequent television adaptations, chronicle Sharpe’s adventures in the Napoleonic Wars, climaxing at the Battle of Waterloo. Two more “Sharpe” films were shot a decade later,...
- 4/14/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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