The Media Show

Ed Vaizey, minister for UK Culture, Communications and Creative Industries is today asking senior figures in TV, film and arts to explain the lack of diversity in their industries. We talk to two people attending that meeting; playwright and actor Kwame Kwei Armah and senior TV executive Pat Younge, and ask the founder of the Cultural Diversity Network, Clive Jones, why he thinks black, asian and minority ethnic representation in the creative world is low and is actually going down.Tony Gallagher, editor of The Daily Telegraph, left the newspaper yesterday as part of an editorial restructure. The Telegraph Media Group said that Mr Gallagher was leaving the company as the business "moves to the next phase of its digital transformation". The newspaper has introduced new apps and subscription packages, and last year began using a metered model for access to its internet edition, which gives readers a numbers of articles for free. So, what further changes does it want to make to remain viable?With Birds of a Feather, writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran bucked the trend and found a formula to create a much-loved ratings smash. The British sitcom placed as its heart the adventures of a group of female lead characters; and now Dorian, Sharon and Tracy are back on our screens. The new series, being shown on ITV, has been the highest rating comedy launch on ITV in over a decade, with every episode drawing audiences way above the slot average. Laurence Marks joins Steve to discuss the success of the new series, the public's enduring love of the original Essex girls, and his views on why the biggest barrier to successful comedy is fear.Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

Former Head of Strategy John Tate discusses the importance of safeguarding BBC's independence. Debate on Benefits Street explores portrayal of benefit claimants and challenges stereotypes in TV programming.

A leading lawyer and the editor of The Times have joined the panel that will appoint the members of the new press regulatory board. Lord Browne of Eaton-under-Heywood and journalist John Witherow are joined on the panel by the former editor-in-chief of the Manchester Evening News, Paul Horrocks, and the former chairwoman of the Commission for Social Care Inspection Dame Denise Platt. However, the Hacked Off campaign group says the appointments have failed to meet independence criteria set out by Lord Justice Leveson. Steve Hewlett asks Sir Hayden Phillips, the chairman of the appointment panel, about the measures in place to ensure the process is independent.There have been reports this week that Richard Desmond, chairman of Northern and Shell, may be looking to sell Channel 5. Having bought the TV station for £103.5?million in 2010, he subsequently secured deals with shows like Big Brother which have helped the channel turn a profit. Steve Hewlett talks to chairman of DCD Media David Elstein, who launched Channel 5 as its Chief Executive in 1997, about the impact Mr Desmond has made, and about which players might be interested in buying the terrestrial broadcaster.A new natural history series starts on the BBC next week. Described as 'Pixar meets Life', Hidden Kingdoms is, 'the untold story of the natural world's most fascinating diminutive characters'. Filming techniques include using blue screens to superimpose animals into scenes, and mocking up natural habitats. Steve Hewlett talks to the head of the BBC's Natural History Unit Wendy Darke, about why natural history producers now feel the need to use artifice to draw in audiences.Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

TV presenter chemistry is explored in this podcast, discussing the importance of finding the right mix between hosts. The guests share insights on how TV executives determine if a presenter combination will work and the special something needed to create on-screen magic. The discussion includes successful duos like Richard and Judy, highlighting the significance of chemistry, professionalism, and audience perception in television partnerships.

Journalist Simon Jenkins and Media History Professor Jean Seaton discuss BBC governance issues. BuzzFeed's transition to serious news is explored with UK Editor Luke Lewis. Danish writer's rooms' success is attributed to writer's position in production culture. TV scriptwriter Anthony Horowitz shares insights on UK writing process.

Mike Darcey, CEO of News UK, discusses Sun digital subscriptions, press reform, and competing with Daily Mail. Impress Project aims for independent press regulation. Advertiser-funded programs spark debate on editorial integrity. Audience perception of ad-funded content is more tolerant than expected.

Eleanor Mills discusses exporting British TV to China, challenges of macho news desks. Gary Barlow's BBC Radio 2 feature sparks debate. Johnston Press's user-generated content newspaper raises concerns about local journalism. Podcast explores women's representation in media leadership.

The first of a new network of up to 30 local TV stations proposed by the government in areas including Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and London, launched this week in Grimsby. Estuary TV will be available to 350,000 homes in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. It's hoped other services will open over the next year. Steve Hewlett asks Lia Nici, Executive Producer at Estuary TV, about what's on offer and questions the Chair of the Local TV Network Nigel Dacre on whether the stations present viable business opportunities.Also in the programme, Ian Jones, the Chief Executive of the welsh language channel S4C, talks about the success of its new drama series 'Hinterland', and the importance of having a service despite falling numbers of welsh speakers. And freelance journalist Peter Jukes on how he is being crowdfunded to live tweet from the hacking trial.Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

Scottish minister Fiona Hyslop discusses plans for a Scottish Broadcasting Service using BBC Scotland's resources post-independence. The audit of the BBC's move to Salford raises questions about cost efficiency. Young journalists from developing countries compete for an award to enhance their careers in journalism.

BT TV's chief executive discusses BT Sport's long-term plans after winning Champions League rights. Nicholas Coleridge reflects on magazines' history and future amid the industry's centenary. Small local commercial radio stations fear survival during digital switchover.