Entertainment / Film & TV

France 24: 'medieval court' where rivalry with the Saxons fades as chiefs slug it out

www.guardian.co.uk - Sackings, strike threats and a bitter battle for supremacy engulfs French TV channelWhen launched four years ago France 24 was billed as a "CNN à la française": a television news channel that would counter the influence of Anglo Saxon media and make the voice of France heard around the world.In recent days, however, that voice has sounded rather more anguished than authoritative.Engulfed in rivalries and recriminations, the newsroom has been plunged into crisis, with one union threatening a  strike and another planning a vote of no- confidence. Journalists mutter about a "battle of the bosses" fuelling dissent. One even likened the atmosphere to the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre: vicious, unrelenting and very, very, bloody.Since last week, when rumours of sackings and suspensions at the highest level of editorial started flying round the newsroom, tensions that had long been bubbling under the surface have burst forth in spectacular fashion.At the heart of the latest troubles are the channel's two chiefs: Alain de Pouzilhac, the chief executive known to staff as "Poupou", and his second-in-command, Christine Ockrent, one of France's best-known journalists whose imperious persona and brusque leadership have earned her the nickname "the Queen".TargetMarried to the foreign minister, Bernard Kouchner, the formidable former news anchor Ockrent is no stranger to conflict: sources say that, during last year's surge of "bossnappings", she was terrified of being taken hostage by marauding journalists.According to Paris's media pundits, she and Pouzilhac are now engaged in a battle for influence over the state-funded television channel, which broadcasts in French, English and Arabic.While they slug it out the staff are becoming increasingly restless. "Editorial is falling victim to the battle of the bosses," one journalist told the daily newspaper Libération this week.Last Wednesday the knock-on effect of this rivalry, and the tensions it prompted, became clear when Albert Ripamonti, an editor popular among France 24 reporters and seen as a favourite of Pouzilhac, was rumoured to have been fired by Ockrent.The rumour turned out to be false; in fact, it was Vincent Giret, Ockrent's righthand man, who was reportedly suspended by the CEO. The reasons are unclear, and the management has refused to comment. The move by "Poupou", who took up his new position in July, has been greeted in media circles as a sign that the former adman is preparing to make his influence felt on the company.Without providing figures to back up their claims, union leaders say the channel saw a drop in viewing figures in the first half of this year. They also predict a budget deficit of between €5-€10m.Seeking to explain why the CEO targeted Giret and not Ockrent, some pundits suggested political reasons for his reticence, claiming that, as long as Kouchner was at the Quai d'Orsay, his wife would remain at France 24.One leading commentator, Emmanuel Berretta, evoked the subject on his Twitter page this week, alluding to expectations that Kouchner would be ousted by Nicolas Sarkozy in a November cabinet shake-up. "Hypothesis: does C Ockrent's disgrace herald the fact that Kouchner is going to be kicked out of government at the reshuffle?"While the open conflict between the bosses has emerged only recently, the dissent among France 24's staff is nothing new. Unions have complained for months that "malaise" at the heart of the editorial division has left journalists overworked, underpaid and badly treated.Sweatshop This week the CFDT union asked members to go on strike from Monday, while another, the CGT, has asked for a vote of no-confidence in the management. The CFDT said it was "worried" about the firm's circumstances, and denounced "the arbitrary and clannish management".Among employees, current and former, complaints about the treatment of France 24's staff are legion. Last year, during a change in the business structure, around 30 people applied to leave."It's like we were pawns, like we weren't treated as human beings but like mechanical parts of a sausage factory," one former journalist said. "France 24 is like a medieval king's court. People have patrons: you're so and so's guy or you're so and so's. It's all about alliances."Another former freelancer on the English language side said that "the sweatshop atmosphere" of the channel meant that journalists at Radio France International, part of the same public media group led by Pouzilhac and Ockrent, felt better off. "Journalists who have worked at both RFI and France24 consistently prefer the former to the latter, despite poorer pay," she said.FranceTelevisionTelevision industryLizzy Daviesguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

What the Stig? | Afua Hirsch

www.guardian.co.uk - The BBC's attempted injunction against the Stig was a very bad ideaFirst, thanks to Siobhain Butterworth for doing such a fantastic job on my blog over the summer. I'm back, even if only to find old alliances upside down.The BBC, usually a staunch defender of free speech for obvious reasons, has just hit a serious low. The corporation tried and yesterday failed to obtain an injunction against the Stig - the elusive, helmet-clad racing driver who since 2007 has been a regular feature in its highly lucrative driving show, Top Gear. We all know the true identity of the Stig (if we believe the Sunday Times and the Daily Mail who both reported some time ago that it was racing driver and occasional stunt double Ben Collins).Ironically, to really appreciate why this is one of lowest moments in the BBC's record on press freedom, you just have to turn to one of the Guardian's finest hours. In the 1980s the Guardian and Observer were restrained from publication of allegations made by a former MI6 agent in his infamous Spycatcher memoir. The book was published all over the world but was banned in the UK. Eventually the House of Lords - in a ruling that still serves as a landmark media law - established that the press can be bound by secrecy if it gets hold of confidential information, but not when the information is already available to the general public. And that was way before the internet. The idea of the BBC trying to restrain publication of a book that reveals something now widely disseminated online is quite ridiculous. And there are other reasons why trying to silence the Stig was a massive error of judgment on the part of the corporation. First of all, it undermines its role as a defender of free speech, a deeply unhelpful move at a time when libel and press freedom is under so much scrutiny and has finally caught the imagination of politicians who are generally hardwired to avoid such a complex and emotive issue.And secondly, this is an extravagant waste of licence-payers' money, at a time when the BBC is scrapping services that audiences love and shunting its staff all over the country to save money. The full costs of this absurd attempted litigation won't be estimated until after the final hearing in a couple of weeks. But there must be some senior decision-makers at the corporation, including Pat Younge - the highly rated executive who took over as Chief Creative Officer earlier this year and a portfolio of programmes including the now egg-faced Top Gear. There has been speculation that this legal battle is simply a proxy war for the real battle between the BBC and Murdoch, who owns Harper Collins and is busy trying to take over the world. Those who would side naturally with the BBC in that war are now pretty disillusioned by its attempted use of an injunction - a dirty weapon at the best of times and in this case, utterly pointless.Freedom of speechTop GearTelevision industryBBCAfua Hirschguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

TV ratings: 1 September - Tony Blair takes 1.8 million on journey on BBC2

www.guardian.co.uk - Tony Blair Interview with Andrew Marr about former prime minister's memoirs A Journey attract 9.5% audience shareAndrew Marr's interview with Tony Blair about his memoir A Journey attracted just under 2 million viewers on BBC2 last night, Wednesday 1 September.The Tony Blair Interview with Andrew Marr was watched by 1.78 million viewers and attracted a 9.5% audience share from 7pm.Marr's encounter with Blair was head to head with the Channel 4 News Labour leadership debate, with the five candidates questioned in the studio by presenter Jon Snow.Channel 4 News was watched by 539,000 (2.9%), with a further 55,000 (0.3%) on Channel 4 +1.Last Wednesday a repeat of natural history documentary Mountain Gorilla had 1.625 million (8%) in the 7pm hour on BBC2, while Channel 4 News attracted 836,000 (4.2%, C4 +1 50,000/0.2%).ITV1/ITV1 HD's Emmerdale won the 7pm slot as usual, attracting 6.463 million (34.7%), while The One Show had 3.38 million (18.2%) on BBC1/BBC HD. Channel 5's 7pm Five News bulletin was watched by 189,000 (1%).Five main terrestrial analogue networksBBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4, Channel Five (available in all UK homes with TV, except Channel 5, which reaches about 95%)BBC18pm: Waterloo Road (new series) - 4.97 million/22.8%, BBC HD 79,000/0.4%BBC29pm: Alex Higgins: the People's Champion - 2.72 million/12.1%ITV1/ITV1 HD9pm: Agatha Christie's Poirot (rpt) - 2.863 million/12.9%Channel 410pm: Ultimate Big Brother - 2.526 million/14.6%, C4+1 183,000/2%Channel 58pm: Emergency Bikers - 896,000/4.1%All ratings are Barb overnight figures, including live and same day timeshifted (recorded) viewing, but excluding on demand, HD, +1 or other - unless otherwise stated To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".TV ratingsTelevision industryTony BlairJason Deansguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

BSkyB signs up 3 millionth subscriber to high-definition television service

www.guardian.co.uk - More than 30% of Sky's total subscriber base, which stood at 9.86 million at the end of June, now watching in high definitionBSkyB has signed up the 3 millionth subscriber to its high definition (HD) television service just over four years after it was launched in the UK.Nearly 50 channels are available in high definition on the Sky digital satellite service, including BBC HD, ITV1 HD and five high-definition Sky Sports networks. Living became the latest broadcaster to join the HD platform today , with several more ITV channels due to join it before the end of the year.More than 30% of Sky's total subscriber base, which stood at 9.86 million at the end of June, is now watching in high definition, a key driver in boosting the satellite broadcaster's average revenue per user.Sophie Turner Laing, Sky's managing director of entertainment, news and broadcast operations, said the broadcaster had "recognised the potential of HD early", adding that the superior quality broadcasts had now "grown into something which our customers utterly love and now demand as standard".However, the latest milestone also suggests that the growth rate of HD has slowed after a bumper second quarter boosted by the football World Cup. An extra 429,000 customers were signed up in the three months to the end of June, taking total HD subscribers to 2.94 million.A slowdown was predicted by the BSkyB chief executive, Jeremy Darroch, who said in July that he expected to see a "pause for breath" in take-up of the new technology. The next set of subscriber figures, for the third quarter of 2010, will be announced at the end of October.Sky's high-definition service launched in May 2006. High-definition channels are also available on Virgin Media, Freeview, the BBC and ITV's free-to-air satellite joint venture, Freesat.Living HD, which broadcasts programmes including Britain's Next Top Model presented by Elle Macpherson, became the 46th high-definition channel on the Sky platform, following the launch of Good Food HD earlier this week.Jonathan Webb, managing director of the Living TV Group, said: "Living is home to some of the glossiest UK and US programmes on television and they deserve to be seen in their pin-sharp HD glory."Eden HD, ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD will all launch before the end of the year, taking Sky's total number of HD channels to more than 50. BBC1 will also be simulcast in high definition in its entirety for the first time this autumn.Sky Sports' biggest HD audience to date was Manchester United's 3-0 win over Newcastle in their opening Premier League fixture of the season last month, which was watched in more than 800,000 homes.Sky's next big marketing push will be 3D television, with the broadcaster set to launch Europe's first dedicated 3D channel on 1 October. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".HD TVTelevision industryBSkyBNews CorporationBSkyBMedia businessJohn Plunkettguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

Mark Lawson: Comparing the pilot of hit detective series Sherlock to the finished product is highly revealing

www.guardian.co.uk - Comparing the pilot of hit detective series Sherlock to the finished product is highly revealingTV networks are frequently sensitive about unscreened material: YouTube does a brisk business in contraband extracts from pilots that were dropped. So it's commendable and brave of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, creators of Sherlock, to include on the DVD box-set released this week not only the three lavishly acclaimed stories screened on BBC1 but also the un-aired pilot edition.What's fascinating about this frankness is that the trial programme led to BBC and media rumours that Sherlock was a potential disaster. When the glossy, confident, witty series was eventually shown, it seemed the gossip must have been wrong. But, as it turns out, it wasn't. Media studies courses should clear space on the syllabus for a remarkable illustration of the differences that creative rethinking and editorial intervention can make.Both the pilot and the transmitted open episode are called A Study in Pink, have the same plotline (a spate of suicides in London) and an almost identical cast. The second version, though, has been substantially expanded and rewritten, and completely reimagined in look, pace and sound.Most notably, the scene that made me think when watching a preview that the series might be something special - a blizzard of insolent text messages from Sherlock appearing on the screen during Lestrade's press conference - is missing from the pilot, as is a crucial subplot involving a confusion between Moriarty and Mycroft.The overall impact of the changes is to achieve the paradox for which crime fiction aims: making the story clearer in some ways but more mysterious in others. In the remake, we see more of the suicides, while the striking device of the text and email printouts on screen gives Benedict Cumberbatch's Holmes a looming, almost supernatural presence before he is formally introduced.Watching both versions side by side, viewers in effect eavesdrop on feedback and script-notes discussions, gaining an unusual entry to the nicotine-patch-filled rooms where television drama is made.TelevisionTelevision industryDramaMark Lawsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

Discovery Channel hostage taker shot dead by police

www.guardian.co.uk - Hostage crisis at Discovery Channel headquarters in Maryland ends with safe escape of all three hostagesA man has been shot and killed by police after taking three people hostage in the headquarters of the Discovery Channel in the US.Police said all the hostages had escaped safely following the siege, which began when a man entered the building in Silver Spring, Maryland, waving a handgun and with canisters strapped to his chest.Officers spent several hours negotiating with the man, who was reported to be unhappy with the network's programming schedule.Montgomery County Police Chief, Thomas Manger, said an explosive device detonated on the gunman's body when they shot him, and they were working to determine whether two boxes and two backpacks he also had with him were explosives.The man, who is yet to be formally identified, entered the building at around 1pm local time.Manger said officers were monitoring Lee on building security cameras and tactical officers moved in when they saw him pull out the handgun and point it at one of the hostages.Police believe the 1,900 people who work in the building were able to get out safely.While police are yet to name the man, a law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity said authorities have identified James Lee, who has a track record of protesting against the Discovery Corporation, as the likely perpetrator.Visitors to Lee's MySpace profile were invited to see "The idea I had to save the planet" by visiting a website apparently set up by the 43-year-old called savetheplanetprotest.com. It was unclear whether the length posting on the website was recent, but it railed against Discovery Communications at length, calling on it to broadcast "programs encouraging human sterilization and infertility".Discovery Communications operates cable and satellite networks in the US and elsewhere, including the Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. The network's schedule includes a programme following the fortunes of a couple whose family included sextuplets and twins and another which follows the fate of a family of nine boys and 10 girls.Adam Dolan, a sales director in Discovery's education division, said he was heading to lunch with a colleague when he heard there was a situation in the building.He was told to go back up to the top floor, lock the door and turn off the lights. Eventually the workers were herded down a stairwell and told to go home.Dolan said: "Everyone was very scared, but at the same time ... I think people were calm and collected and responded as one would expect in this situation."United StatesGun crimeTelevision industryAdam Gabbattguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

BBC staff vote for strike over pensions

www.guardian.co.uk - Members of three unions at the BBC have voted by more than 90% for strike action over changes to their pensionsBBC staff in the unions Bectu, Unite and the National Union of Journalists have voted by more than 90% in favour of strike action over proposed changes to the corporations's pension scheme.Today's overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action could threaten BBC coverage of the closing stages of the Proms and the pope's visit to the UK later this month.However, with BBC management understood to be planning concessions on its controversial proposals to overhaul the final salary pension scheme, the unions held back from naming strike dates in order that talks can be held over the next two weeks to resolve the dispute.Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of Bectu, said: "This is a significant mandate for strikes, which demonstrates how out of touch BBC executives are with their staff. We hope they will now come up with more realistic proposals, otherwise we will have no alternative but to call industrial action."Jeremy Dear, general secretary of the NUJ, added: "This is an unprecedented result in favour of strike action and a clear rejection of the BBC's proposals."We have agreed to give the BBC two weeks to come back with an improved offer or face a concerted campaign of industrial action."The Unite national officer, Peter Skyte, said: "Our members have decisively demonstrated their opposition to the BBC's pensions and pay proposals. The BBC needs to think again about stealing pension benefits already earned and retaining a defined benefit pension scheme in order to regain the trust and support of its workforce for the challenging times that face the organisation in the future."BBC management has been facing the biggest staff revolt in years over the proposals to cap final salary pension benefits for existing members from April 2011 and to close the scheme to new employees.Changes proposed in late June include breaking the link between final salary and pension benefits by capping pensionable salary growth at 1% a year, whatever pay increases an employee received. BBC management said the changes were required to try and tackle a £1.5bn-£2bn pension deficit.Generous pension provision has long been regarded by BBC staff as compensation for salaries generally lower than those at its commercial rivals.The BBC's director general, Mark Thompson, launched a round of consultation to hear staff grievances about the planned pension scheme changes last month and is due to make a further announcement when the process is concluded at the end of September.In an email sent to all BBC staff today after the strike ballot result, Thompson said: "As I said in August, our room for manoeuvre is limited. We are facing a large pension deficit and must act now to reduce it. But we would like to meet your concerns as far as we can."During the last few weeks, we have been talking to the joint unions to discuss the areas where there may be scope for alternatives. We've looked at a number of options and are now in the process of working up the details of what we believe could be an additional workable proposal. We expect to be ready to announce full details in the middle of September and we anticipate that this will trigger an additional consultation period."There is also a meeting between staff and BBC pension trustees on 14 September in central London. This follows a recent petition, organised by the NUJ, to force the trustees to hold a meeting.The motion being proposed is that: "This meeting of members of the BBC pension scheme calls on the trustees to perform their duties to protect the benefits of the members. Specifically, we call on them to oppose the BBC's plan to reduce the eventual value of contributions already made to the scheme." To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".BBCTelevision industryNational Union of JournalistsPensionsJason Deansguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

BBC staff vote for strike over pensions by more than 90%

www.guardian.co.uk - Members of three unions at the BBC have voted overwhelmingly for strike action over changes to their pensionsBBC staff in the unions Bectu, Unite and the National Union of Journalists have voted by more than 90% in favour of strike action over proposed changes to the corporations's pension scheme.Today's overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action could threaten BBC coverage of the closing stages of the Proms and the pope's visit to the UK later this month.However, with BBC management understood to be planning concessions on its controversial proposals to overhaul the final salary pension scheme, the unions held back from naming strike dates in order that talks can be held over the next two weeks to resolve the dispute.Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of Bectu, said: "This is a significant mandate for strikes, which demonstrates how out of touch BBC executives are with their staff. We hope they will now come up with more realistic proposals, otherwise we will have no alternative but to call industrial action."Jeremy Dear, general secretary of the NUJ, added: "This is an unprecedented result in favour of strike action and a clear rejection of the BBC's proposals."We have agreed to give the BBC two weeks to come back with an improved offer or face a concerted campaign of industrial action."More details soon... To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".BBCTelevision industryNational Union of JournalistsPensionsJason Deansguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

Video: 'Are you the Stig?' Driver Ben Collins leaves court

www.guardian.co.uk - Ben Collins, the former Formula Three racer widely reported to be Top Gear's mystery driver the Stig, leaves the high court after a battle over the character's anonymity More... (Film & TV)

Video: 'Are you the Stig?' 'You're trying to tempt me'

www.guardian.co.uk - Ben Collins, the former Formula Three racer widely reported to be Top Gear's mystery driver the Stig, leaves the high court after a battle over the character's anonymity More... (Film & TV)

ITV1 to air Tonight special on Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Britain

www.guardian.co.uk - Julie Etchingham to front show but, unlike BBC, broadcaster will not alter schedule to air live coverage of the papal tripITV1 is to air a Tonight special edition covering Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Britain but, unlike BBC1, will not be changing its schedule to air live coverage of the papal trip.Julie Etchingham has been investigating what kind of reception the Pope will receive when he arrives, for Tonight: Leeping the Faith, which will air on the first day of the papal visit, Thursday 16 September.Tonight has also commissioned a nationwide poll to reveal "what impact abuse allegations have had on the reputation of the Catholic church and the Pope".ITV news provider ITN will be covering the papal visit in a number of ways but unlike the BBC which is planning around 12 and a half hours of live network television coverage on BBC1 and BBC2, will leave most of its coverage to its news bulletins.Etchingham will kick off proceedings by sub-anchoring ITV News at Ten from Rome on 15 September as the Pope leaves Italy.Some of ITV News's most experienced correspondents will then be covering the visit for the bulletins - including, according to ITV, "the reception among the UK Catholic community at various events, the context of the Catholic church abuse scandals, and the security operation in place to ensure the visit goes smoothly".New ITV breakfast show Daybreak will also air coverage of the visit.ITV News is also undertaking numerous pooled filming obligations with other broadcasters to cover live events during the visit. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".ITVTelevision industryITV1Pope Benedict XVICatholicismChristianityTara Conlanguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

The Stig: BBC loses injunction battle

www.guardian.co.uk - High court judge refuses temporary injunction against autobiography that reveals who plays the Stig on Top GearThe BBC's legal move to stop publication of an autobiography revealing the identity of Top Gear's mystery driver the Stig was blocked in the high court today.Mr Justice Morgan declined to give the BBC a temporary injunction preventing publication of the HarperCollins book on the second day of the hearing, after weighing up legal arguments from both sides in private.Speaking outside the high court after Morgan announced his decision, HarperCollins solicitor Robin Shaw said: "The judge has said he is not going to grant an injunction in this case. Reasons are to follow and will be given in a private judgment."He added that there was unlikely to be a further public statement or another court hearing today.A spokeswoman for the BBC said today's judgment did not prevent it from pursuing the matter to a full trial of the issues.The BBC claimed the man who plays the Stig is bound by a confidentiality agreement and that revealing who he is would spoil viewers' enjoyment of the hit BBC2 show.HarperCollins criticised the corporation for using licence fee cash on the legal move to block the book and said it would "vigorously defend" its right to publish it.Last month the Sunday Times named a former Formula Three driver, Ben Collins, as the Stig after it emerged that he was writing an autobiography, although the BBC has never confirmed the claim. Collins was in court for part of today's hearing before leaving to return home to Bristol.The Top Gear executive producer, Andy Wilman, promised in a blogpost on the show's website on Friday that: "if we lose at this stage... It won't be over but the book will be published and the papers will have a field day with a barrage of headlines about 'humiliating climbdowns' etc. But so be it. Bring it on."The anonymity of the Stig has remained intact for eight years because viewers and the media enjoy the mystique, Wilman added, branding HarperCollins "a bunch of chancers".The identity of the Stig, famous for his white race overalls and helmet, has long been a closely guarded Top Gear secret, spawning T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as "My Dad is The Stig".Only a few BBC executives, including Wilman, and the Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are said to know who he is.The current Stig is the second in the role. The first Stig, Perry McCarthy, was dropped in 2003 after his identity was uncovered.Collins's name has been put forward as the Stig before but it failed to end speculation as to the identity of the test driver. People have suggested that several drivers may share the role.In January last year, local papers in Bristol reported that Collins was the Stig, after he allegedly told a gallery owner his secret while asking him to help produce a limited-edition print of the Stig in action. Collins has raced in Nascar and Le Mans sportscars and tested Formula One cars. He was a double for Daniel Craig driving James Bond's Aston Martin in Quantum of Solace.The Stig character was introduced as part of a revamp of Top Gear in 2002, the name deriving from the nickname given to new pupils at Repton, Jeremy Clarkson's former school.He test drives cars around the Top Gear track in Dunsfold, Surrey, and trains each week's guest for their lap in the "Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car" feature.Several racing drivers have been linked with the current Stig, including the former Formula One world champion Damon Hill. In a Top Gear edition broadcast in June last year, the Stig took off his white helmet to reveal the seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, in what was widely believed to be a red herring devised by the programme as a publicity stunt. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".BBCTelevision industryTop GearFactual TVTelevisionMedia lawJason Deansguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

Warner strikes UK deal with John de Mol's Talpa

www.guardian.co.uk - Formats of Big Brother founder's Dutch venture to be developed for UK broadcasters, in echo of US Warner dealWarner Bros has struck a deal with Talpa Media, the company run by Big Brother creator John de Mol, to develop and produce its formats for UK broadcasters. Warner Bros International Television Production, which is based in London, will have the exclusive UK rights to sell, adapt and produce all Talpa formats.These include Dating in the Dark - already made into a UK version for Living - as well as The Golden Cage, Viper's Nest and Pretty Smart.Andrew Zein, WBITP's senior vice president, creative, format development and sales, will oversee the London-based activities of the two companies.Earlier this year Warner Bros signed a similar deal to develop Talpa's formats for the US.Last month Warner Bros bought a controlling interest in the UK super-indie Shed Media, producer of such shows as Supernanny and Waterloo Road, in a deal that values it at £100m. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".Independent production companiesTelevision industryMedia businessJason Deansguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

BBC employee paid £30,000 over bullying claims

www.guardian.co.uk - Employee settles with BBC after dropping tribunal claim that she was bullied for querying senior manager's redundancy payoutA BBC employee who claimed she was bullied after querying a £250,000 redundancy payout to a senior marketing manager has been paid £30,000 by the corporation after she dropped her claim at a tribunal.Indira Histon, a human resources and development manager, told Watford employment tribunal that she challenged the £256,750 payment to Sue Lynas - equivalent to two years' salary - because BBC guidelines said "management interest terminations" should be capped at one year's pay, according to today's Times.Lynas, the BBC's former director of marketing, communications and audiences in the BBC's audio and music division, was paid an annual salary of £128,375 until her departure last year.Histon claimed she suffered "detrimental treatment and bullying" after telling management the payment was excessive and a "misuse of licence fee payers' money"."The team and I were shocked by the suggestion that we would pay this amount of money to an individual, particularly as we believed the payoff was excessive for a management interest termination and amounted to a misuse of licence fee payers' money," she said."In addition to this, the member of staff was due to retire on June 5, 2010. I also believed that the payoff was inappropriate given that the individual wanted to leave voluntarily."The BBC said Lynas had reached a "consensual termination agreement on the basis of redundancy" after a staffing review. It said senior executives "considered that there was a business case for not imposing the limit of 12 months' pay, which was usually applied by the BBC to compromise agreements in cases of consensual termination".Histon withdrew her claim after reaching agreement with the BBC, the tribunal was told yesterday.A BBC spokesman said: "We are pleased that this matter has been resolved. The allegations, which have been withdrawn by the claimant, were without merit and strongly denied by the BBC throughout."On this occasion, with legal costs threatening to exceed the value of any claim, the BBC agreed a quick settlement in order to make best use of licence fee payers' money." To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".BBCBBC licence feeTelevision industryMarketing & PRJohn Plunkettguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

BBC pensions ballot results due today

www.guardian.co.uk - BBC staff had been balloted over industrial action, but the management are expected to offer an olive branch to disgruntled employeesThe BBC is expected to offer an olive branch to staff today over controversial plans to change the corporation's pension scheme as the results of a ballot over industrial action that could affect the Proms and coverage of the pope's visit are revealed.Balloting over the BBC's proposals to reform its final salary pension scheme opened on 5 August and closes at noon today.BBC management is facing a revolt from staff over the proposals to cap final salary pension benefits for existing members from April 2011 and to close the scheme to new employees.Changes proposed in late June include breaking the link between final salary and pension benefits by capping pensionable salary growth at 1% a year, whatever pay increases an employee received. BBC management said the changes were required to try and tackle a £1.5bn-£2bn pension deficit.Generous pension provision has long been regarded by BBC staff as compensation for the fact that salaries at the corporation are generally lower than those at its commercial rivals.The broadcasting unions Bectu and the National Union of Journalists will receive the results of the ballot at 12.30pm today and then talk to their members at a meeting at 2pm, with an announcement due out at 3.30pm.It is thought there has been a high turnout as feelings are running high within the corporation about the way the BBC has introduced the proposals and the effect they will have on people's pensions. Both unions have been in constant talks with BBC executives over the last few weeks.It is expected that the BBC will offer concessions including possibly using its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, and BBC Television Centre as asset backing for an equity bond to try and close the deficit.However, as one source close to the talks said: "That's not going to cut any ice with staff. They are concerned with the issue of protecting past benefits and the protection of what people have earned."The BBC's director general, Mark Thompson, is due to make a further announcement about pensions when the BBC's consultation with staff is concluded at the end of September.There is also a meeting between staff and BBC pension trustees on 14 September in central London. This follows a recent petition, organised by the NUJ, to force the trustees to hold a meeting.The motion being proposed is that: "This meeting of members of the BBC pension scheme calls on the trustees to perform their duties to protect the benefits of the members. Specifically, we call on them to oppose the BBC's plan to reduce the eventual value of contributions already made to the scheme." To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".BBCRadio industryTelevision industryTara Conlanguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

Trinny and Susannah return to TV

www.guardian.co.uk - Their spoof online documentary, Trinny and Susannah: What They Did Next, has been snapped up by Channel 4The TV stylists Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine will return to mainstream television this month after Channel 4 snapped up their spoof web documentary, Trinny and Susannah: What They Did Next.The pair's plan to reinvent their careers after they were axed from ITV last year appears to have paid off. The former What Not to Wear presenters made an internet-only "mockumentary", which has proved a hit.What They Did Next was aired in 16, six-minute episodes this summer on the website ivillage.co.uk.It is understood that the web show will be reversioned for the one-off C4 programme.A C4 spokeswoman said: "Trinny and Susannah: What They Did Next will air at the end of September."The fly-on-the-wall documentary, modelled on Larry David's acclaimed US comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm, shows them poking fun at themselves as they "journey to get back to the top and re-establish themselves as Britain's lifestyle queens".What They Did Next combines scripted and ad-libbed scenes including one in which their agent dumps them and they lose a lucrative advertising contract.Constantine and Woodall had a TV series together in the UK since ITV decided not to recommission their makeover show last year.They were hired from the BBC in 2005 but their series of ITV shows, such as Undress the Nation, did not deliver high enough ratings. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".Channel 4Television industryOnline TVDigital mediaFashionReality TVTelevisionTara Conlanguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)

ITN to open ITV News bureau in Dubai

www.guardian.co.uk - The new operation will be overseen by ITV News' new international correspondent, John Irvine, who previously reported from WashingtonITN is to open a new ITV News bureau in Dubai under its newly appointed international correspondent John Irvine, and will downgrade its presence in South Africa.Irvine, ITV News's former Washington correspondent, will have a role covering stories across the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Gulf region.The South Africa bureau will be closed but ITV News will retain a production presence in Johannesburg. The Dubai bureau is ITV News's first new operation overseas since the opening of its China bureau in 2006.Irvine's appointment to the newly created position is part of a reshuffle of the broadcaster's foreign correspondents after a review of its international operations.ITN's former South Africa correspondent Martin Geissler replaces Robert Moore as Europe correspondent, with Moore switching to the Washington job, a role he previously held between 2001 and 2006.John Ray becomes Middle East correspondent, having overseen the launch of ITN's China operations in advance of the Beijing Olympics, with the UK editor, Angus Walker, taking his first foreign role as China correspondent.The ITV News deputy editor, Jonathan Munro, said: "We have some of the most experienced and talented correspondents in the business who have won a host of awards between them."This new line-up will refresh our on-screen reporting and play to the strengths of our correspondents. The strategic decision to open the Dubai bureau will improve our longer-term newsgathering and ability to get teams on the ground for breaking stories in a wide area from Pakistan to Southern Africa." To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". ITNTelevision industryTV newsITVJohn Plunkettguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Film & TV)