Alan Rusbridger, Leveson laws, PinkNews, ITV buys UTV
Oct 21, 2015
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Former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger discusses media confidence, Leveson laws debated, PinkNews CEO talks LGBT representation, ITV's acquisition of UTV discussed.
Fleet Street's reputation wanes post-phone hacking scandal; emphasis on public interest over industry bunker mentality.
Concerns over Leveson's legacy with punitive costs for publishers; debates on human rights violations and government stance.
Need for improved LGBT representation in media; Pink News' success in serious news coverage and continued relevance in the industry.
Deep dives
Impact of Leveson Inquiry on Fleet Street
Alan Rusbridger reflects on the aftermath of the Leveson inquiry, highlighting the loss of confidence in Fleet Street post-phone hacking scandal. He criticizes the industry's bunker mentality and mentions the ethical disaster faced by newspapers. Rusbridger emphasizes the importance of focusing on the public interest, suggesting a dip in Fleet Street's performance over the past few years.
Cost Provisions of Leveson Inquiry
Discussions on the punitive and toxic legacy of Lord Justice Leveson's report surface, particularly regarding cost provisions for non-compliant publishers. Helen Antony's report deems the legislation as breaching human rights principles, emphasizing the harsh penalties for publishers in libel and privacy cases. John Whittingdale's hesitation in implementing the cost regime raises questions about the government's stance on the recommendations.
Evolution of Pink News Website
Benjamin Cohen discusses the journey of Pink News over the past decade, highlighting its role in providing serious LGBT news content unlike the seedy portrayal in other media. Despite competing with mainstream outlets on stories, Pink News garners more page views and aims for 100 million readers monthly. Cohen addresses the continued need for LGBT representation in media, noting advancements in broadcasting but acknowledging further progress to be made.
ITV's Acquisition of UTV
ITV's purchase of UTV in Northern Ireland for £100 million completes the consolidation of ITV's UK network. The deal signals UTV's financial struggles and ITV's strategic move to enhance its regional presence. While short-term viewer experience remains unchanged, long-term impacts on local programming under ITV's ownership could potentially alter the broadcasting landscape.
Future of BBC and BBC Radio 4 Media Show
Upcoming discussions on the future of the BBC will feature Culture Secretary John Whittingdale and BBC's Director of Strategy James Purnell in a special program. The debate will address key aspects of the BBC's direction and challenges in a changing media landscape. The Radio 4 Media Show will delve into crucial industry topics with notable guests to explore the evolving role of the BBC.
Fleet Street's confidence has "worn thin", says the former editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger. In a wide ranging speech at the Society of Editors' annual conference, he also took a swipe at the rest of the UK media by criticising their lack of interest in the Snowden revelations and the subsequent debate about the issue of surveillance. Steve Hewlett talks to him about his legacy and asks where next for the Guardian?
The culture secretary John Whittingdale says he is not convinced the time is right to introduce laws forcing publishers to pay both sides' legal costs in libel and privacy cases, even if they win. Most of the industry has argued that the measures undermine press freedom. However, the prospect of Mr Whittingdale abandoning this key element of the Leveson regime drew criticism from campaign group Hacked Off. Steve speaks to Helen Anthony, author of recent report "Leveson's Illiberal Legacy" and Evan Harris of Hacked Off.
The portrayal of LGBT issues in the media still needs improving, according to the Chief Executive of the online site PinkNews which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Steve hears from Ben Cohen, Chief Executive, about how media outlets are covering LGBT issues today, and whether there is still a need for specialist sites like his now.
ITV has bought the Northern Ireland broadcaster UTV for a reported £100 million. UTV's television division, which operates in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland accounted for 36 per cent of its revenue last year, according to Thomson Reuters data. The deal will put 13 of 15 channel 3 licences in the hands of ITV. Media analyst Alex DeGroote explains how media, money and politics have converged to influence the sale.
Producer: Katy Takatsuki.
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