Peston's move to ITV, Desmond newspaper prices, Dennis Publishing CEO on Coach
Oct 7, 2015
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Mark Watts, Editor in Chief of Exaro News, discusses the Panorama investigation on VIP Paedophile rings. The podcast also covers Robert Peston's move to ITV, Desmond newspaper price cuts, and Dennis Publishing's launch of Coach magazine targeting men. The episode explores media shake-ups, pay rates, and future BBC debates.
Investigative journalism must prioritize fair treatment and consideration of credible evidence.
Strategic newspaper price cuts reflect dynamic industry competition and merger negotiations.
New magazine 'Coach' targets men's health with accessible content and free distribution strategy.
Deep dives
Panorama's Investigation into VIP Pedophile Rings Questioned
Panorama's recent broadcast on alleged VIP pedophile rings, involving senior political and security figures, raised concerns about the reliable evidence supporting these claims. The program suggested that the police may have misled the public on the credibility of the allegations, leading to concerns about future witness participation. The editor of XRO News criticized the bias and predetermined agenda of the program, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and consideration of credible evidence.
Richard Desmond's Newspaper Price War Strategy
Richard Desmond's decision to slash cover prices of his newspapers, including the Daily and Sunday Express and the Daily and Sunday Star, is seen as a strategic move amidst potential merger discussions. The price reduction aims to potentially influence Trinity Mirror to reconsider a deal, despite the anticipated financial costs. While Desmond may gain marginal circulation, the move reflects a dynamic shift in the newspaper industry and competition for market share.
Launch of 'Coach' Magazine for Men's Health and Fitness
'Coach', a new publication targeting men's health and fitness aimed at a broader audience, emphasizes accessibility and lifestyle changes for readers looking to improve their well-being. Positioned as a distinct offering compared to traditional fitness magazines, 'Coach' provides a diverse range of content appealing to men of various age groups seeking achievable health goals. The free distribution strategy, including placement in gyms and public locations, aims to break barriers and encourage reader engagement.
Robert Peston's Move to ITV as Political Editor
Robert Peston's transition to ITV as political editor offers him the opportunity for a dedicated Sunday lunchtime show, enhancing his visibility and influence in the political sphere. Joining ITV signifies a shift towards broader audience reach and regular appearances, potentially surpassing his previous role as a BBC economics editor. Peston's unique style and insider knowledge are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to political discussions on screen, contributing to ITV's strategic focus on quality programming.
Strategic Shifts in ITV's Programming Approach
ITV's recent programming decisions, including the reintroduction of political shows like the Sunday morning politics program featuring Robert Peston, reflect a strategic pivot towards offering diverse and engaging content. Investments in investigative journalism and current affairs signify a renewed commitment to quality programming and audience engagement. The move aligns with ITV's efforts to cater to changing viewer preferences and regain relevance in the media landscape.
Potential Impact of Increased Competition in Media Industry
The competitive dynamics in the media industry, exemplified by ITV's strategic moves and programming decisions, indicate a shifting landscape with a focus on engaging content and audience retention. Robert Peston's transition to ITV as a political editor highlights the intensifying competition for talent and audience share among media organizations. As ITV aims to expand its political coverage and viewership, the industry's response to changing media consumption patterns and content preferences remains crucial for sustaining relevance and growth.
An investigation by BBC's Panorama into alleged VIP Paedophile rings has questioned whether there was in fact any reliable evidence to support claims. It questioned the methods of investigative website Exaro News - who have led the way in covering this story. Mark Watts, Editor in Chief of Exaro News, gives his response to Steve Hewlett.
BBC journalist and presenter Robert Peston is to join rival broadcaster ITV as its new political editor. The BBC's economics editor has been lured to switch networks with a reported salary of around £350,000 and the promise of a Sunday morning chatshow. Steve Hewlett talks to former Editor-in-Chief and CEO of ITN news Stewart Purvis about the reasons why ITV is so keen to hire him.
Express Newspapers, the newspaper arm of Desmond's Northern & Shell, has cut the cost of the weekday Daily Star, and the Saturday and Sunday editions. The move, which the company has described as a "very bold move to inject some overdue sales and excitement to the category", will challenge rivals including Trinity Mirror's Mirror and Sunday People and News UK's Sun. Douglas McCabe from Enders Analysis explains the thinking behind the decision.
Dennis Publishing today makes its first foray into the freemium magazine market with Coach, a title aimed at 'ABC1 men in the 24-55 age range.' Founded in 1974, Dennis Publishing's magazine portfolio includes the paid-for titles The Week, Viz and Men's Fitness. Coach comes less than 3 weeks after the re-launch of The NME as a free title. The CEO of Dennis Publishing in the UK, James Tye, joins Steve to examine the strategy behind the freemium model for Dennis.
Producer: Katy Takatsuki.
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