The chairman of Channel 4 Lord Terry Burns leaves the organisation today. His departure has been seen by some as an indication that the government is favouring 'privatisation options' for the channel. On the last day of his second term, and in his final interview for The Media Show as chairman, we speak to him about the highs and lows of the job, his thoughts on how the broadcaster should be structured in the future, and his view on the BBC's Charter renewal.
Idris Elba has put diversity back on the agenda for UK broadcasters. The British actor said in a speech to MPs last week, "diversity in the modern world is more than just skin colour." New commitments were also announced by both the BBC & Channel 4. So, what's it like at the sharp end for diversity champions working for the broadcasters? Steve is joined by Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams, BBC Diversity Lead for Television & Channel 4's Creative Diversity Manager, Ade Rawcliffe, to discuss their roles, and the challenges they face when trying to make a positive change.
Financial Times journalists have voted in favour of a 24-hour strike over proposed changes to the newspaper's pension policy. It would be the first strike in 30 years if it goes ahead. Last July, Pearson struck a deal to sell the Financial Times to Japan's Nikkei Group for nearly 900 million pounds, after nearly 60 years of ownership. The purchase underscored the Nikkei's bid for a global expansion, but it also led to suggestions that the tie-up could lead to a clash of cultures. Since then, staff have expressed concern over a number of issues, including the editorial independence of the FT. Steven Bird is the National Union of Journalists representative at the FT. He joins Steve in the studio.
Producer: Katy Takatsuki.
The Media Show