Exclusive: James Graham sets a mental timer of strictly 45 minutes for a conversation that will encompass tonight’s gala opening at London’s National Theatre — en route to a run at the Garrick Theatre — of his sublime stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s landmark 1982 television drama Boys from the Blackstuff; followed by updates about the BBC TV version of his Olivier Award-winning soccer play Dear England, which will see him doing on-the-ground research at next month’s Euros in Germany; plus revelations about an epic new show he’s developing with House Productions that will explore the “mood sweeping across Europe.”
The 45-minute time-frame is kinda apt because each half of a soccer game is three-quarters of an hour.
So let’s kick off with the football, and I’ll fill you in on Boys from the Blackstuff farther down the column.
The playwright’s Dear England is ostensively about...
The 45-minute time-frame is kinda apt because each half of a soccer game is three-quarters of an hour.
So let’s kick off with the football, and I’ll fill you in on Boys from the Blackstuff farther down the column.
The playwright’s Dear England is ostensively about...
- 5/29/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
On Saturday 25 May Gary Lineker hosts live coverage of the Fa Cup final between holders Manchester City and twelve-time winners Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. This highly anticipated match marks the first time since 1885 that the same two clubs will contest the Fa Cup final in consecutive years. Last year’s final saw Manchester […]
Match of the Day: The Fa Cup 2023/24 Final: Manchester City v Manchester United...
Match of the Day: The Fa Cup 2023/24 Final: Manchester City v Manchester United...
- 5/25/2024
- by Izzy Jacobs
- MemorableTV
Channel 4 and The Rest is Politics have struck a first-of-its-kind deal that will see episodes of the smash hit podcast air on the network in the run up to the general election.
Rest is Politics hosts Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell are already going to be part of Channel 4’s general election night coverage and the deal deepens the relationship.
The first episode will go out on Channel 4 and Channel 4 streaming next Wednesday late at night, with subsequent episodes being broadcast each Tuesday up until the week of election day, which takes place on July 4. On that night, Campbell and Stewart are part of a team featuring the likes of Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Emily Maitlis and Cathy Newman. Clare Balding – who had previously been announced as part of the line-up – will not be able to join the studio team due to Wimbledon commitments, and her replacement will be announced in due course.
Rest is Politics hosts Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell are already going to be part of Channel 4’s general election night coverage and the deal deepens the relationship.
The first episode will go out on Channel 4 and Channel 4 streaming next Wednesday late at night, with subsequent episodes being broadcast each Tuesday up until the week of election day, which takes place on July 4. On that night, Campbell and Stewart are part of a team featuring the likes of Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Emily Maitlis and Cathy Newman. Clare Balding – who had previously been announced as part of the line-up – will not be able to join the studio team due to Wimbledon commitments, and her replacement will be announced in due course.
- 5/24/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Anthony Scaramucci To Host U.S. Edition Of ‘The Rest Is Politics’
Anthony Scaramucci is getting into podcasting. The former White House Director of Communications will host an American edition of British podcast The Rest is Politics alongside Katty Kay, U.S. Special Correspondent for BBC Studios. Starting Friday (April 26) The pair will look to uncover secrets from inside Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s inner circles, and take a wider look at the intricacies of U.S. society and how they shape the world’s most important economy. New episodes will be released every Friday. Produced by football veteran Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger Films, The Rest is Politics launched in the UK in 2022, with former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and former Cabinet Minister Rory Stewart at the helm. This week, hosts Campbell and Stewart were announced to be presenting UK network Channel 4’s...
Anthony Scaramucci is getting into podcasting. The former White House Director of Communications will host an American edition of British podcast The Rest is Politics alongside Katty Kay, U.S. Special Correspondent for BBC Studios. Starting Friday (April 26) The pair will look to uncover secrets from inside Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s inner circles, and take a wider look at the intricacies of U.S. society and how they shape the world’s most important economy. New episodes will be released every Friday. Produced by football veteran Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger Films, The Rest is Politics launched in the UK in 2022, with former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and former Cabinet Minister Rory Stewart at the helm. This week, hosts Campbell and Stewart were announced to be presenting UK network Channel 4’s...
- 4/24/2024
- by Hannah Abraham and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
James Graham’s double-OIivier Award winning play Dear England is hitting TV screens and the prolific creator is thinking about whether any former soccer players could make the cut.
Speaking to Deadline outside last night’s prestigious London theater awards, Graham floated the likes of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and former England goalkeeper David Seaman as potentials, although no approaches have been made. Watch the full clip below.
“It’s a drama first and foremost so of course we need good actors but [the question of having real soccer players in it is] a good question,” said Graham. “Do we get the real Gary Lineker? Do we get the real David Seaman? It’s a good question as [the show] should have that sense of fun and playfulness as well.”
Earlier this year, Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright featured in Daniel Kaluuya’s Netflix directorial debut The Kitchen, while footballers such as Vinnie Jones and Eric Cantona...
Speaking to Deadline outside last night’s prestigious London theater awards, Graham floated the likes of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and former England goalkeeper David Seaman as potentials, although no approaches have been made. Watch the full clip below.
“It’s a drama first and foremost so of course we need good actors but [the question of having real soccer players in it is] a good question,” said Graham. “Do we get the real Gary Lineker? Do we get the real David Seaman? It’s a good question as [the show] should have that sense of fun and playfulness as well.”
Earlier this year, Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright featured in Daniel Kaluuya’s Netflix directorial debut The Kitchen, while footballers such as Vinnie Jones and Eric Cantona...
- 4/15/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The WME division that reps the likes of Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger and Alice Levine has signed up a digital agent.
Millie Webber has joined WME’s London team and will rep clients across the digital space, with a focus on creators and podcasting.
Webber joins from Channel 4-backed Bamous producer Spirit Studios where she was Head of Digital, closing deals for talent including Harry Potter star Tom Felton, Harry Styles’ sister Gemma Styles and Inbetweeners’ James Buckley’s In Sickness and in Health podcast. She previously worked at talent agency Gleam Futures for six years where she was Talent Director and Podcast Lead. A member of the Global Academy Industry Board, Webber has also consulted for talent agencies in the past.
Starting next week, Webber will be based in WME’s London office.
The WME digital department in the English capital, which most recently brought in former TikTok exec Lola Oyewole,...
Millie Webber has joined WME’s London team and will rep clients across the digital space, with a focus on creators and podcasting.
Webber joins from Channel 4-backed Bamous producer Spirit Studios where she was Head of Digital, closing deals for talent including Harry Potter star Tom Felton, Harry Styles’ sister Gemma Styles and Inbetweeners’ James Buckley’s In Sickness and in Health podcast. She previously worked at talent agency Gleam Futures for six years where she was Talent Director and Podcast Lead. A member of the Global Academy Industry Board, Webber has also consulted for talent agencies in the past.
Starting next week, Webber will be based in WME’s London office.
The WME digital department in the English capital, which most recently brought in former TikTok exec Lola Oyewole,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Tough choices and hard decisions” are to come at the BBC. That is the verdict of new Chair Samir Shah, who kicked off his tenure today by setting his stall out in an all-staff email that urged greater diversity of “class and thought” in the corporation’s news coverage.
The email, seen by Deadline, lays bare the tricky financial predicament the BBC finds itself in – having found itself shy of around £100M ($126M) due to the latest license fee settlement and facing rampant inflation – by saying “we will still need to live within our means in a tough financial situation.”
“That involves thinking very hard about what we should stop doing or do very differently,” it adds. “My role – and that of the Board – is to work with the organisation as we confront hard choices and tough decisions.”
Shah, who is replacing the disgraced Richard Sharp and has worked for...
The email, seen by Deadline, lays bare the tricky financial predicament the BBC finds itself in – having found itself shy of around £100M ($126M) due to the latest license fee settlement and facing rampant inflation – by saying “we will still need to live within our means in a tough financial situation.”
“That involves thinking very hard about what we should stop doing or do very differently,” it adds. “My role – and that of the Board – is to work with the organisation as we confront hard choices and tough decisions.”
Shah, who is replacing the disgraced Richard Sharp and has worked for...
- 3/4/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The boss of Gary Lineker’s podcast company has described making a show in the U.S. as “the holy grail.”
Tony Pastor, who launched Goalhanger Podcasts with the Match of the Day host and BBC exec Jack Davenport four years ago, said the company is pondering how to forge a podcast “directed at an American audience, because it is such a big and mature market.”
“[The U.S. is] probably something like 25 times the size of the UK podcast market,” Pastor told journalists at a Broadcasting Press Guild event today alongside Lineker. “People in America drive a lot and there is a lot of podcast listening, so we would love to make something over there.”
Repped by WME, Goalhanger produces some of the biggest podcasts in the UK including the Rest is History, Rest is Politics and the Lineker-hosted Rest is Football.
The former has a solid listener base in the U.S.
Tony Pastor, who launched Goalhanger Podcasts with the Match of the Day host and BBC exec Jack Davenport four years ago, said the company is pondering how to forge a podcast “directed at an American audience, because it is such a big and mature market.”
“[The U.S. is] probably something like 25 times the size of the UK podcast market,” Pastor told journalists at a Broadcasting Press Guild event today alongside Lineker. “People in America drive a lot and there is a lot of podcast listening, so we would love to make something over there.”
Repped by WME, Goalhanger produces some of the biggest podcasts in the UK including the Rest is History, Rest is Politics and the Lineker-hosted Rest is Football.
The former has a solid listener base in the U.S.
- 2/6/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Lineker, host of popular BBC soccer highlights show “Match of the Day,” said Tuesday he didn’t feel constrained at the broadcaster when it came to expressing his point of view, despite the BBC’s social media guidelines.
Speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, Lineker – who has attracted criticism for some of his Tweets on politics – said: “I don’t think I’m constrained. I think I’ve Tweeted now like I’ve always done: i.e. sensibly. I know the guidelines inside out, and the new guidelines actually allow you more freedom to Tweet. We’re allowed opinions on stuff.”
He added: “We know what it’s like with the BBC… that people will say we are biased this way or biased that way. But the truth is there are thousands of people who work there. It is an institution that has to try to be neutral...
Speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, Lineker – who has attracted criticism for some of his Tweets on politics – said: “I don’t think I’m constrained. I think I’ve Tweeted now like I’ve always done: i.e. sensibly. I know the guidelines inside out, and the new guidelines actually allow you more freedom to Tweet. We’re allowed opinions on stuff.”
He added: “We know what it’s like with the BBC… that people will say we are biased this way or biased that way. But the truth is there are thousands of people who work there. It is an institution that has to try to be neutral...
- 2/6/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Gary Lineker, the Match of the Day host whose solitary tweet led to dozens of fellow BBC presenters and staffers downing tools for a weekend last year, has said he barely uses X (formerly Twitter) anymore as it has become “increasingly toxic.”
The former England international soccer player, who has generated plenty of recent headlines due to his social media use, told a gathering of journalists that changes to Elon Musk’s platform including subscribers being given blue ticks if they pay a fee has led him to virtually quit X due to his mental health. He described himself as being in a “purdah” period on the platform – the term for when political parties’ communications are restricted in the run-up to a general election – and said this has “nothing to do with the BBC.”
“Obviously [Twitter has] always been a bit of a cesspit but it’s just become increasingly toxic,” Lineker...
The former England international soccer player, who has generated plenty of recent headlines due to his social media use, told a gathering of journalists that changes to Elon Musk’s platform including subscribers being given blue ticks if they pay a fee has led him to virtually quit X due to his mental health. He described himself as being in a “purdah” period on the platform – the term for when political parties’ communications are restricted in the run-up to a general election – and said this has “nothing to do with the BBC.”
“Obviously [Twitter has] always been a bit of a cesspit but it’s just become increasingly toxic,” Lineker...
- 2/6/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC director general has held “listening meetings” with staff as the British broadcaster seeks to address internal unrest over perceived bias in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza war.
Several BBC insiders said Tim Davie and other senior managers have sat down with employees in recent weeks, giving them the space to air concerns about the corporation’s output since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Deadline can reveal that one such meeting took place on January 12, when around two dozen employees, including senior presenters, challenged Davie with allegations that the BBC was being biased against Palestinians.
Similar meetings have taken place with workers who feel the BBC’s output has been unfavorable to Israel. The Daily Telegraph reported last week that at least 22 Jewish staff members have submitted formal complaints about antisemitism and the social media activity of presenter Gary Lineker, who recently reposted (and later deleted) a call...
Several BBC insiders said Tim Davie and other senior managers have sat down with employees in recent weeks, giving them the space to air concerns about the corporation’s output since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Deadline can reveal that one such meeting took place on January 12, when around two dozen employees, including senior presenters, challenged Davie with allegations that the BBC was being biased against Palestinians.
Similar meetings have taken place with workers who feel the BBC’s output has been unfavorable to Israel. The Daily Telegraph reported last week that at least 22 Jewish staff members have submitted formal complaints about antisemitism and the social media activity of presenter Gary Lineker, who recently reposted (and later deleted) a call...
- 1/31/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Event cinema title Dear England is the widest new release at this weekend’s UK-Ireland box office, playing in 716 UK venues through National Theatre Live.
The play first screened in 694 venues yesterday (Thursday 25), grossing £541,000 with several venues still to report. As well as cinemas, it is screening in many non-cinema venues such as community centres and village halls.
Dear England is a recording of James Graham’s play, following the fortunes of the England men’s football team across three tournaments: the 2018 World Cup, the 2020 European Championships, and the 2022 World Cup.
Directed by Rupert Goold and starring Joseph Fiennes as England manager Gareth Southgate,...
The play first screened in 694 venues yesterday (Thursday 25), grossing £541,000 with several venues still to report. As well as cinemas, it is screening in many non-cinema venues such as community centres and village halls.
Dear England is a recording of James Graham’s play, following the fortunes of the England men’s football team across three tournaments: the 2018 World Cup, the 2020 European Championships, and the 2022 World Cup.
Directed by Rupert Goold and starring Joseph Fiennes as England manager Gareth Southgate,...
- 1/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
Event cinema title Dear England is the widest new release at this weekend’s UK-Ireland box office, playing in around 800 UK cinemas through National Theatre Live.
The play first screened in 694 cinemas yesterday (Thursday 25), grossing £541,000 with several venues still to report. The exact weekend location number is to be confirmed; should it be above the 777 sites of James Bond film No Time To Die from 2021, it would be the widest opening ever in UK-Ireland cinemas.
Dear England is a recording of James Graham’s play, following the fortunes of the England men’s football team across three tournaments: the 2018 World Cup,...
The play first screened in 694 cinemas yesterday (Thursday 25), grossing £541,000 with several venues still to report. The exact weekend location number is to be confirmed; should it be above the 777 sites of James Bond film No Time To Die from 2021, it would be the widest opening ever in UK-Ireland cinemas.
Dear England is a recording of James Graham’s play, following the fortunes of the England men’s football team across three tournaments: the 2018 World Cup,...
- 1/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
The BBC has been plunged into crisis after its highest paid anchor has been accused of breaching the broadcaster’s impartiality rules for the second time in less than a year.
Variety understands that BBC director general Tim Davie and head of content Charlotte Moore “dropped everything” on Monday to have an urgent meeting about “Match of the Day” host Gary Lineker’s retweet of a post urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban Israel from football tournaments.
A BBC spokesperson denied that Davie and Moore had cleared their schedules to discuss the bubbling controversy and declined to confirm whether they had met.
“The Palestinian Football Association calls on @iocmedia, @FIFAcom and all regional and int’l sports bodies to take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures,” read the tweet, which was originally posted by the...
Variety understands that BBC director general Tim Davie and head of content Charlotte Moore “dropped everything” on Monday to have an urgent meeting about “Match of the Day” host Gary Lineker’s retweet of a post urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban Israel from football tournaments.
A BBC spokesperson denied that Davie and Moore had cleared their schedules to discuss the bubbling controversy and declined to confirm whether they had met.
“The Palestinian Football Association calls on @iocmedia, @FIFAcom and all regional and int’l sports bodies to take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures,” read the tweet, which was originally posted by the...
- 1/17/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
John McEnroe is part of BBC's Wimbledon coverage every year, and his earnings for his work have been made public.
The BBC has broadcast Wimbledon on UK television screens for more than 80 years. That brings an expectation and pressure to have some of the biggest names in the studio and commentary box.
McEnroe, who created headlines a few weeks ago for an argument he had with Travis Scott, certainly fits that category. He won seven Grand Slam titles, and his often fiery on-court outbursts brought much attention to tennis.
The 64-year-old also uses a distinctive style when he is in the commentary box. He combines forthright and honest appraisals of the matches he is watching with a more easygoing and self-deprecating sense of humor compared to his playing career.
McEnroe's comments during Grand Slam matches often divide fans and generate attention on social media. And it is now clear...
The BBC has broadcast Wimbledon on UK television screens for more than 80 years. That brings an expectation and pressure to have some of the biggest names in the studio and commentary box.
McEnroe, who created headlines a few weeks ago for an argument he had with Travis Scott, certainly fits that category. He won seven Grand Slam titles, and his often fiery on-court outbursts brought much attention to tennis.
The 64-year-old also uses a distinctive style when he is in the commentary box. He combines forthright and honest appraisals of the matches he is watching with a more easygoing and self-deprecating sense of humor compared to his playing career.
McEnroe's comments during Grand Slam matches often divide fans and generate attention on social media. And it is now clear...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
One of the BBC’s most established sports pundits, Ian Wright, has revealed he will be leaving his job on Match of the Day at the end of this year’s football season.
His decision comes after 27 years serving as one of the knowledgeable former football players turned pundits on the flagship BBC sports show.
Wright, who has turned 60 this year, made his announcement on social media, saying:
“After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC Motd at the end of this season.
“I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.”
“Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. Motd is my Holy Grail.
“On my first ever show, I told [host] Des Lynam, ‘This...
His decision comes after 27 years serving as one of the knowledgeable former football players turned pundits on the flagship BBC sports show.
Wright, who has turned 60 this year, made his announcement on social media, saying:
“After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC Motd at the end of this season.
“I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.”
“Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. Motd is my Holy Grail.
“On my first ever show, I told [host] Des Lynam, ‘This...
- 12/17/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest paid presenter and rider of many a controversial media storm, has been dubbed the “Tucker Carlson of the UK” by resentful colleagues, The Times reports.
This comes after Lineker this week waded into discussion of the government’s bill to send migrants arriving in the UK to Rwanda. The incoming BBC Chair of Governors, Samir Shah, gave an unequivocal verdict on Lineker’s latest social media posts.
Shah said Lineker’s posts on Twitter (now X) this week mocking Conservative politicians appeared to break new social media rules put in place in September.
“I would imagine the BBC is now looking into that and considering its response,” Shah told Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a hearing that precedes his formal appointment.
This weekend The Times reports that Lineker’s BBC colleagues have dubbed him “the Tucker Carlson of the UK,” quoting...
This comes after Lineker this week waded into discussion of the government’s bill to send migrants arriving in the UK to Rwanda. The incoming BBC Chair of Governors, Samir Shah, gave an unequivocal verdict on Lineker’s latest social media posts.
Shah said Lineker’s posts on Twitter (now X) this week mocking Conservative politicians appeared to break new social media rules put in place in September.
“I would imagine the BBC is now looking into that and considering its response,” Shah told Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a hearing that precedes his formal appointment.
This weekend The Times reports that Lineker’s BBC colleagues have dubbed him “the Tucker Carlson of the UK,” quoting...
- 12/16/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Samir Shah “did not sufficiently demonstrate the strength and character needed to challenge BBC leadership” in areas such as political interference, the UK parliamentary committee that grilled him this week has said.
The Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc) said it has “serious reservations” about Shah’s “ability to provide the robust challenge that the BBC leadership requires at this time.” Its report on Shah’s three-hour hearing was critical of his refusal to engage with questions on BBC board interference in the Ofcom chair role, along with cuts to local radio and Newsnight.
Shah was questioned several times on allegations that BBC board member Robbie Gibb pressured Ofcom to hire his preferred choice as chair, an accusation made in a recent book by former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and confirmed by a senior source to Deadline yesterday.
Shah, who used to work with Gibb, said he would have to wait...
The Culture, Media & Sport Committee (Cmsc) said it has “serious reservations” about Shah’s “ability to provide the robust challenge that the BBC leadership requires at this time.” Its report on Shah’s three-hour hearing was critical of his refusal to engage with questions on BBC board interference in the Ofcom chair role, along with cuts to local radio and Newsnight.
Shah was questioned several times on allegations that BBC board member Robbie Gibb pressured Ofcom to hire his preferred choice as chair, an accusation made in a recent book by former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and confirmed by a senior source to Deadline yesterday.
Shah, who used to work with Gibb, said he would have to wait...
- 12/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
New BBC Chair Samir Shah laid down a marker across multiple topics this morning, announcing his intentions to review the corporation’s reporting guidelines on the Israel-Hamas war, addressing concerns around financing and saying he was told he is “mad” to be taking on the role.
While questioning whether Gary Lineker had broken social media guidelines with his latest Twitter (now X) scandal, he also acknowledged “criticism” over the way the broadcaster has covered the Israel-Hamas war, a highly charged topic since October 7.
Were he to be appointed chair, the former head of the BBC’s political news programs said he would “review” the matter, especially whether the BBC should be referring to Hamas as “terrorists,” a source of controversy that the BBC has faced up to over past weeks.
“It seems to me there is enough in terms of criticism of the way the BBC has covered this war,...
While questioning whether Gary Lineker had broken social media guidelines with his latest Twitter (now X) scandal, he also acknowledged “criticism” over the way the broadcaster has covered the Israel-Hamas war, a highly charged topic since October 7.
Were he to be appointed chair, the former head of the BBC’s political news programs said he would “review” the matter, especially whether the BBC should be referring to Hamas as “terrorists,” a source of controversy that the BBC has faced up to over past weeks.
“It seems to me there is enough in terms of criticism of the way the BBC has covered this war,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC’s incoming chairman has yet to step foot on the corporation’s premises, but he has already waded into his first scandal.
Samir Shah, a long-time UK media executive, gave an unequivocal verdict on the latest social media posts of Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
Shah said Lineker’s posts on Twitter (now X) this week mocking Conservative politicians appeared to break new social media rules put in place in September.
“I would imagine the BBC is now looking into that and considering its response,” Shah told Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a hearing that precedes his formal appointment.
Lineker signed a letter calling on the government to create a “fair new plan for refugees,” prompting an outcry among Conservative lawmakers, who said he was jeopardizing the BBC’s impartiality.
Lineker bit back at the comments in quote tweets to Jonathan Gullis MP and Grant Shapps,...
Samir Shah, a long-time UK media executive, gave an unequivocal verdict on the latest social media posts of Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
Shah said Lineker’s posts on Twitter (now X) this week mocking Conservative politicians appeared to break new social media rules put in place in September.
“I would imagine the BBC is now looking into that and considering its response,” Shah told Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a hearing that precedes his formal appointment.
Lineker signed a letter calling on the government to create a “fair new plan for refugees,” prompting an outcry among Conservative lawmakers, who said he was jeopardizing the BBC’s impartiality.
Lineker bit back at the comments in quote tweets to Jonathan Gullis MP and Grant Shapps,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
British TV vet Samir Shah has been unveiled as the new BBC Chair, coming with a major decision on the licence fee imminent.
Shah, who runs production company Juniper TV and used to be a senior BBC News exec, has been appointed by the government several months after the resignation of Richard Sharp, who left the corporation after just two years amidst the conflict-of-interest scandal involving the facilitation of a potential loan for Boris Johnson.
Shah has been working on and off in TV for four decades and is well known in industry circles. He used to run the BBC’s political journalism shows and was a non-exec director during the ‘Crowngate’ affair involving Queen Elizabeth II, at which point he advised Director General Mark Thompson over a scandal that led to the resignation of BBC One Controller Peter Fincham. He bought Juniper in 1998 and has made shows for the likes of the BBC,...
Shah, who runs production company Juniper TV and used to be a senior BBC News exec, has been appointed by the government several months after the resignation of Richard Sharp, who left the corporation after just two years amidst the conflict-of-interest scandal involving the facilitation of a potential loan for Boris Johnson.
Shah has been working on and off in TV for four decades and is well known in industry circles. He used to run the BBC’s political journalism shows and was a non-exec director during the ‘Crowngate’ affair involving Queen Elizabeth II, at which point he advised Director General Mark Thompson over a scandal that led to the resignation of BBC One Controller Peter Fincham. He bought Juniper in 1998 and has made shows for the likes of the BBC,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Plop plop – you’re listening to Turdcast!
Award winning comedian Joe Lycett is launching a brand new podcast - a safe space for your favourite celebrities to flush out their most satisfying, horrifying and frankly awful toilet stories.
Turdcast will launch at 9am on Friday 24th November, available from wherever you get your podcasts.
Joe has always been fascinated by the great leveller that is going to the toilet. From King Charles to Gary Barlow, we all need to jump to do a dump, flee to do a wee or grit to do a shit - literally nobody is too hot to squat. But we Are all collectively terrified at the prospect of discussing our toilet habits - that time you got caught short, walked in on your mate or realised the loo roll had run out.
From bog standards to demon dumps, we all have a toilet story to...
Award winning comedian Joe Lycett is launching a brand new podcast - a safe space for your favourite celebrities to flush out their most satisfying, horrifying and frankly awful toilet stories.
Turdcast will launch at 9am on Friday 24th November, available from wherever you get your podcasts.
Joe has always been fascinated by the great leveller that is going to the toilet. From King Charles to Gary Barlow, we all need to jump to do a dump, flee to do a wee or grit to do a shit - literally nobody is too hot to squat. But we Are all collectively terrified at the prospect of discussing our toilet habits - that time you got caught short, walked in on your mate or realised the loo roll had run out.
From bog standards to demon dumps, we all have a toilet story to...
- 11/24/2023
- Podnews.net
Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, has been criticized after appearing to endorse a claim that Israel is committing “textbook genocide” in Gaza.
Lineker, who was briefly suspended in March for breaking BBC social media rules, shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which academic Raz Segal outlined what constituted genocide.
Lineker said the video was “worth 13 minutes of anyone’s time” and many of his nearly 9M followers thanked him for sharing the clip, originally posted by The Guardian columnist Owen Jones.
Segal, professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Stockton University, told Jones: “We have both the intent and dynamics of violence on the ground [in Gaza], and because the intent is expressed so explicitly and so directly [by Israel] in such unashamed ways, and it’s continued to be expressed in this way, then I do think that what we’re seeing in front of our eyes is a textbook case of genocide.
Lineker, who was briefly suspended in March for breaking BBC social media rules, shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) in which academic Raz Segal outlined what constituted genocide.
Lineker said the video was “worth 13 minutes of anyone’s time” and many of his nearly 9M followers thanked him for sharing the clip, originally posted by The Guardian columnist Owen Jones.
Segal, professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Stockton University, told Jones: “We have both the intent and dynamics of violence on the ground [in Gaza], and because the intent is expressed so explicitly and so directly [by Israel] in such unashamed ways, and it’s continued to be expressed in this way, then I do think that what we’re seeing in front of our eyes is a textbook case of genocide.
- 11/22/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Carol Vorderman has become the first presenter to leave a BBC role over its new social media guidelines.
The presenter, who is a frequent political poster on X/Twitter, revealed she is leaving her Saturday morning radio show on BBC Radio Wales after five years after — aptly with a social media post.
“The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines which I respect. However despite my show being lighthearted with no political content, it was explained to me that as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines apply to all and any content that I post all year round,” she wrote.
“since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social medial, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil [the UK] finds itself in.
The presenter, who is a frequent political poster on X/Twitter, revealed she is leaving her Saturday morning radio show on BBC Radio Wales after five years after — aptly with a social media post.
“The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines which I respect. However despite my show being lighthearted with no political content, it was explained to me that as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines apply to all and any content that I post all year round,” she wrote.
“since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social medial, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil [the UK] finds itself in.
- 11/8/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC host Carol Vorderman has claimed she has been sacked by the broadcaster over her public criticism of the U.K. government.
On Wednesday afternoon local time Vorderman published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming management at BBC Wales had “decided I must leave” because she had breached the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines with her social media posts.
Vorderman, who rose to fame on Channel 4 gameshow “Countdown,” has presented an entertainment show on BBC Radio Wales for five years. She has been outspoken in her criticism of the U.K. Government, in particular of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on social media and in interviews.
BBC director general Tim Davie has been an ardent champion of impartiality at the broadcaster although it is a philosophy that is applied patchily across the corporation’s many employees and freelancers. Last month the BBC introduced new social media guidelines following controversy over sports anchor Gary Lineker,...
On Wednesday afternoon local time Vorderman published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming management at BBC Wales had “decided I must leave” because she had breached the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines with her social media posts.
Vorderman, who rose to fame on Channel 4 gameshow “Countdown,” has presented an entertainment show on BBC Radio Wales for five years. She has been outspoken in her criticism of the U.K. Government, in particular of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on social media and in interviews.
BBC director general Tim Davie has been an ardent champion of impartiality at the broadcaster although it is a philosophy that is applied patchily across the corporation’s many employees and freelancers. Last month the BBC introduced new social media guidelines following controversy over sports anchor Gary Lineker,...
- 11/8/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Rest is Politics, The Rest is History and Political Currency have taken the British podcasting world by storm of late and one man connects them all – Alex Bewley.
The podcast supremo launched WME’s London digital department a decade ago and has pivoted over the past few years to focus almost solely on the audio format. The past year has seen his team’s methods seriously begin to bear fruit, with Bewley’s clients Goalhanger and Persephonica occupying a front row seat to the runaway success of informal political chatshows The News Agents and The Rest is Politics, which continue to dominate the weekly UK charts. The former is hosted by ex-BBC heavyweights Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, taking an in-depth look at daily talking points in the world of current affairs, while the latter has seen the oddball pairing of former Labour Party spin doctor Alastair Campbell...
The podcast supremo launched WME’s London digital department a decade ago and has pivoted over the past few years to focus almost solely on the audio format. The past year has seen his team’s methods seriously begin to bear fruit, with Bewley’s clients Goalhanger and Persephonica occupying a front row seat to the runaway success of informal political chatshows The News Agents and The Rest is Politics, which continue to dominate the weekly UK charts. The former is hosted by ex-BBC heavyweights Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, taking an in-depth look at daily talking points in the world of current affairs, while the latter has seen the oddball pairing of former Labour Party spin doctor Alastair Campbell...
- 11/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s Friday, aka Insider Day. Jesse Whittock back again to run you through the international film and TV stories dominating the headlines this week.
BBC’s Social Media Guide
Steadying the flagship: Easily one of the BBC’s biggest ongoing headaches is around how the broadcaster’s most popular stars and presenters engage on social media platforms. The issue blasted back into life earlier this year when Match of the Day presenter and Twitter/X fanatic Gary Lineker tweeted to liken the language used by the British government around its asylum seeker policy to that of Germany in the 1930s and was temporarily suspended by the BBC. After an outcry over the suspension, which included many of Lineker’s colleagues stopping work in solidarity, he was reinstated and the BBC plunged into an existential crisis over how it remains impartial while allowing freedom of expression to its biggest stars.
BBC’s Social Media Guide
Steadying the flagship: Easily one of the BBC’s biggest ongoing headaches is around how the broadcaster’s most popular stars and presenters engage on social media platforms. The issue blasted back into life earlier this year when Match of the Day presenter and Twitter/X fanatic Gary Lineker tweeted to liken the language used by the British government around its asylum seeker policy to that of Germany in the 1930s and was temporarily suspended by the BBC. After an outcry over the suspension, which included many of Lineker’s colleagues stopping work in solidarity, he was reinstated and the BBC plunged into an existential crisis over how it remains impartial while allowing freedom of expression to its biggest stars.
- 9/29/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Star BBC presenters such as Gary Lineker should avoid overt “political campaigning,” according to new rules recommended in an independent report for the UK’s public broadcaster.
As we tipped yesterday, the results of former ITN boss John Hardie’s report into how BBC presenters, stars and journalists should use social media have been unveiled today.
Among the key recommendations are a set of guidelines for “flagship-brand presenters” such as Match of the Day host Lineker and The Apprentice‘s Alan Sugar. Those included would come from “an evolving list at its discretion by the BBC” and would be expected to pay “particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality” due to their profiles.
While presenters should be allowed to enjoy freedom of expression on social media, they should not be involved in “party political campaigning, support for or attacks on political parties, individual politicians, governments or activist organisations,” the report states.
As we tipped yesterday, the results of former ITN boss John Hardie’s report into how BBC presenters, stars and journalists should use social media have been unveiled today.
Among the key recommendations are a set of guidelines for “flagship-brand presenters” such as Match of the Day host Lineker and The Apprentice‘s Alan Sugar. Those included would come from “an evolving list at its discretion by the BBC” and would be expected to pay “particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality” due to their profiles.
While presenters should be allowed to enjoy freedom of expression on social media, they should not be involved in “party political campaigning, support for or attacks on political parties, individual politicians, governments or activist organisations,” the report states.
- 9/28/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has published revised guidance on the personal use of social media for everyone working at the U.K. public broadcaster, including emphasizing that hosts of flagship shows can “not endorse nor attack political parties” or “campaign by proxy” by “posting frequently on a range of issues that resemble one party’s manifesto and presents sustained criticism to a government or opposition policy agenda.” The update, unveiled Thursday, comes after a controversy about a post by sports pundit Gary Lineker on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The broadcaster said its new list of rules “focuses on everyone working for the BBC respecting ‘high standards of civility in public discourse’ and not bringing the organization into disrepute.” It follows a review by former TV executive John Hardie, which looked at the BBC’s guidance covering “individual use of social media.”
The debate about Lineker put the BBC into crisis mode.
The broadcaster said its new list of rules “focuses on everyone working for the BBC respecting ‘high standards of civility in public discourse’ and not bringing the organization into disrepute.” It follows a review by former TV executive John Hardie, which looked at the BBC’s guidance covering “individual use of social media.”
The debate about Lineker put the BBC into crisis mode.
- 9/28/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Months after controversy erupted around a political tweet by star soccer player turned sports pundit Gary Lineker, the BBC has published revised social media guidelines for its presenters.
Post that controversy, the BBC commissioned a review by former TV executive John Hardie, which looked at the corporation’s guidance covering “individual use of social media” in relation to those working as on-air freelancers outside of news, current affairs and factual journalism – in other words, someone like Lineker.
Informed by Hardie’s Review, the BBC has updated its social media guidance for staff and freelancers, which was first published three years ago in 2020. There are now specific guidance for those presenting the so-called ‘Flagship Programs.’
The guidance states that those working in news and current affairs across all divisions and factual journalism production, along with all senior leaders, have a particular responsibility to uphold the BBC’s impartiality through their actions...
Post that controversy, the BBC commissioned a review by former TV executive John Hardie, which looked at the corporation’s guidance covering “individual use of social media” in relation to those working as on-air freelancers outside of news, current affairs and factual journalism – in other words, someone like Lineker.
Informed by Hardie’s Review, the BBC has updated its social media guidance for staff and freelancers, which was first published three years ago in 2020. There are now specific guidance for those presenting the so-called ‘Flagship Programs.’
The guidance states that those working in news and current affairs across all divisions and factual journalism production, along with all senior leaders, have a particular responsibility to uphold the BBC’s impartiality through their actions...
- 9/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC is preparing to set out new rules that will govern what its biggest stars can post on social media after a debacle over a Gary Lineker tweet earlier this year.
BBC insiders said the results of an independent review by former ITN CEO John Hardie could be published as early as Thursday. The BBC declined to comment on the timing of an announcement but did not deny that it was imminent.
It is not clear if the BBC will publish Hardie’s findings in full alongside changes to social media guidance. The last time the BBC ordered a social media review in 2020, the broadcaster did not make public the conclusions of Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive.
Hardie was drafted in to clarify how the BBC’s social media rules should apply to freelance presenters as the broadcaster attempts to uphold strict standards on impartiality. BBC...
BBC insiders said the results of an independent review by former ITN CEO John Hardie could be published as early as Thursday. The BBC declined to comment on the timing of an announcement but did not deny that it was imminent.
It is not clear if the BBC will publish Hardie’s findings in full alongside changes to social media guidance. The last time the BBC ordered a social media review in 2020, the broadcaster did not make public the conclusions of Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive.
Hardie was drafted in to clarify how the BBC’s social media rules should apply to freelance presenters as the broadcaster attempts to uphold strict standards on impartiality. BBC...
- 9/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday September 14, Spotify hosted its annual Spotify Supper in London, which saw Mercury Music Prize nominated artist and Spotify Equal ambassador for UK & Ireland Olivia Dean perform.
Guests were treated to a multisensory experience with theatrical cocktails inspired by Spotify’s Blend feature and mood-boosting desserts from Soft Serve Society.
Soundtracked expertly by DJ Tiffany Calver, the evening kicked off with a panel session featuring Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussing their new The Rest is Football podcast with broadcaster Robert Peston during networking drinks ahead of dinner.
In a discussion with Ed Couchman, Head of Ad Sales for Northern Europe at Spotify, the trio revealed the genesis of their new podcasts and how the medium allows them to be more free.
Gary Lineker spoke about how their podcast was born from being sat in the green room while watching matches before Match of the Day “Podcasting is an...
Guests were treated to a multisensory experience with theatrical cocktails inspired by Spotify’s Blend feature and mood-boosting desserts from Soft Serve Society.
Soundtracked expertly by DJ Tiffany Calver, the evening kicked off with a panel session featuring Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer discussing their new The Rest is Football podcast with broadcaster Robert Peston during networking drinks ahead of dinner.
In a discussion with Ed Couchman, Head of Ad Sales for Northern Europe at Spotify, the trio revealed the genesis of their new podcasts and how the medium allows them to be more free.
Gary Lineker spoke about how their podcast was born from being sat in the green room while watching matches before Match of the Day “Podcasting is an...
- 9/15/2023
- Podnews.net
The UK government has said it was “important” to raise questions with the BBC about the Huw Edwards scandal amid concerns it could have called the broadcaster’s independence into question.
Culture secretary Lucy Frazer took the unusual step in July of holding talks with BBC director general Tim Davie over the “deeply concerning” allegations that news anchor Edwards paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
Frazer was questioned about her intervention during a hearing held by the House of Lords’ influential Communications and Digital Committee on Wednesday. Committee chair Baroness Stowell said it was not “standard” for the government to be in contact with the director general over a BBC operational matter.
Stowell suggested that it would have been more appropriate for Frazer to have engaged with the chair of the BBC board, which is responsible for holding the corporation to account. Dame Elan Closs Stephens is the...
Culture secretary Lucy Frazer took the unusual step in July of holding talks with BBC director general Tim Davie over the “deeply concerning” allegations that news anchor Edwards paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
Frazer was questioned about her intervention during a hearing held by the House of Lords’ influential Communications and Digital Committee on Wednesday. Committee chair Baroness Stowell said it was not “standard” for the government to be in contact with the director general over a BBC operational matter.
Stowell suggested that it would have been more appropriate for Frazer to have engaged with the chair of the BBC board, which is responsible for holding the corporation to account. Dame Elan Closs Stephens is the...
- 9/13/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Persephonica, the producer behind hit daily news podcast The News Agents, has signed with WME in a bid to win more work across the pond.
The indie founded by Brexitcast creator Dino Sofos is also forging a podcast about slavery reparations, in which a former BBC World News anchor whose ancestors were slaveowners heads on a journey with a Labour politician whose ancestors were most likely enslaved by the journalist’s.
Alongside this new untitled podcast, Persephonica is developing a “big slate of shows,” according to Sofos, and has signed with WME’s Alex Bewley, who also reps Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Politics indie Goalhanger.
“Pushing into America is a big thing for us,” Sofos told Deadline. “It’s really important in this industry to have someone like Alex with their finger on the pulse in terms of commissioning and gaps in the market, and linking us...
The indie founded by Brexitcast creator Dino Sofos is also forging a podcast about slavery reparations, in which a former BBC World News anchor whose ancestors were slaveowners heads on a journey with a Labour politician whose ancestors were most likely enslaved by the journalist’s.
Alongside this new untitled podcast, Persephonica is developing a “big slate of shows,” according to Sofos, and has signed with WME’s Alex Bewley, who also reps Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Politics indie Goalhanger.
“Pushing into America is a big thing for us,” Sofos told Deadline. “It’s really important in this industry to have someone like Alex with their finger on the pulse in terms of commissioning and gaps in the market, and linking us...
- 9/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Joseph Fiennes has scored a winner with playwright James Graham’s knockout stage play Dear England, which will transfer from London’s National Theatre to the West End in the fall.
The play is an uplifting dramatization of Gareth Southgate’s inspirational leadership of the England’s men’s soccer team and has garnered strong reviews.
Dear England will run at the Cameron Mackintosh-owned Prince Edward Theatre in Soho, London for a 14-week season from October 9. National Theatre Productions is producing.
Fiennes will transfer with the drama. He has been praised for capturing Southgate’s determination to reignite the England team’s pride, plus the sense that the bloke’s a darn good egg. England stars such as captain Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are also played in the show by actors.
Joseph Fiennes portrays Gareth Southgate in Dear England at National Theatre.
The play is an uplifting dramatization of Gareth Southgate’s inspirational leadership of the England’s men’s soccer team and has garnered strong reviews.
Dear England will run at the Cameron Mackintosh-owned Prince Edward Theatre in Soho, London for a 14-week season from October 9. National Theatre Productions is producing.
Fiennes will transfer with the drama. He has been praised for capturing Southgate’s determination to reignite the England team’s pride, plus the sense that the bloke’s a darn good egg. England stars such as captain Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are also played in the show by actors.
Joseph Fiennes portrays Gareth Southgate in Dear England at National Theatre.
- 8/7/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Three of the most recognisable names in English football; Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are teaming up to co-host a brand-new football podcast.
The Rest is Football will see the three top pundits release new episodes at least twice a week to review the week’s matches, debate the biggest topics in the game and answer listeners’ questions.
The new show, which launches on Monday August 7th ahead of the new Premier League season, will give the trio the opportunity to voice their opinions in addition to their work for mainstream broadcasters.
The series is being produced by the UK’s biggest independent podcast production company, Goalhanger Podcasts, which was launched by Gary Lineker in January 2022.
Goalhanger Podcasts already makes two of the UK’s most popular podcasts, The Rest is Politics (hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart) and The Rest is History (hosted by Tom Holland...
The Rest is Football will see the three top pundits release new episodes at least twice a week to review the week’s matches, debate the biggest topics in the game and answer listeners’ questions.
The new show, which launches on Monday August 7th ahead of the new Premier League season, will give the trio the opportunity to voice their opinions in addition to their work for mainstream broadcasters.
The series is being produced by the UK’s biggest independent podcast production company, Goalhanger Podcasts, which was launched by Gary Lineker in January 2022.
Goalhanger Podcasts already makes two of the UK’s most popular podcasts, The Rest is Politics (hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart) and The Rest is History (hosted by Tom Holland...
- 8/7/2023
- Podnews.net
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are three of the most recognisable names in football and now they’re teaming up to launch a new podcast. The Rest is Football will release new episodes at least twice a week to review the week’s matches, debate the biggest topics in the game and answer listeners’ questions. The new show, which launches on Monday 7 August ahead of the new Premier League season, will give the trio the opportunity to voice their opinions in addition to their work for mainstream broadcasters.
- 8/4/2023
- by PodcastingToday
- Podcastingtoday
Former world number one in both singles and doubles on the Atp Tour at the same time, John McEnroe , might be the highest-paid tennis commentator of all time.
The BBC released its annual payroll for the 2022-2023 period of highest-paid stars in various sports, a list topped by former footballer Gary Lineker for the sixth year in a row. Lineker is the only pundit who earned over £1 million in the latest figures.
But John McEnroe's two weeks of work pay covering the Wimbledon Championships has been a hot topic in UK tabloids. McEnroe took home a salary in the range of £205,000 - £209,999, which represents an estimated 10% increment from the previous year. Clare Balding, who led the TV coverage as Sue Barker's replacement, earned between £178,000 - £184,999.
McEnroe remains the most colorful of former players calling matches from the booth, becoming the yardstick for retired pros venturing into commentating. McEnroe's voice...
The BBC released its annual payroll for the 2022-2023 period of highest-paid stars in various sports, a list topped by former footballer Gary Lineker for the sixth year in a row. Lineker is the only pundit who earned over £1 million in the latest figures.
But John McEnroe's two weeks of work pay covering the Wimbledon Championships has been a hot topic in UK tabloids. McEnroe took home a salary in the range of £205,000 - £209,999, which represents an estimated 10% increment from the previous year. Clare Balding, who led the TV coverage as Sue Barker's replacement, earned between £178,000 - £184,999.
McEnroe remains the most colorful of former players calling matches from the booth, becoming the yardstick for retired pros venturing into commentating. McEnroe's voice...
- 7/30/2023
- Tennis Infinity
Former player Gary Lineker had only great things to say about Carlos Alcaraz , and Mats Wilander agreed with the footballer.
Carlos Alcaraz is one special talent, so much so that even those that aren't active in tennis can recognize it. He caught the attention of NBA superstar Jimmy Butler who watched and met Alcaraz in Miami . The American also made his way to Wimbledon to watch him play recently, and he's not the only one. Former football player Gary Lineker is another athlete amazed by Alcaraz.
Lineker was never a tennis player but the former football legend has a keen interest in sports. One of those sports is tennis and he's been a regular at Wimbledon for many years. The Englishman heaped praise on Alcaraz after his most recent performances at Wimbledon comparing him to some of the greatest footballers to ever play the game.
What a talent Carlos Alcaraz is.
Carlos Alcaraz is one special talent, so much so that even those that aren't active in tennis can recognize it. He caught the attention of NBA superstar Jimmy Butler who watched and met Alcaraz in Miami . The American also made his way to Wimbledon to watch him play recently, and he's not the only one. Former football player Gary Lineker is another athlete amazed by Alcaraz.
Lineker was never a tennis player but the former football legend has a keen interest in sports. One of those sports is tennis and he's been a regular at Wimbledon for many years. The Englishman heaped praise on Alcaraz after his most recent performances at Wimbledon comparing him to some of the greatest footballers to ever play the game.
What a talent Carlos Alcaraz is.
- 7/13/2023
- Tennis Infinity
To say the mood is grim at the BBC would be an understatement. In a long line of recent crises, a messy, murky, seemingly sordid scandal involving a top presenter could prove to be its gravest in a decade.
The identity of the man has not been reported by any major media outlet because of the UK’s strict defamation and privacy case law, but his identity is an open secret at the BBC.
Deadline has spoken to several of the individual’s close colleagues in recent days and there is a mixture of shock and sorrow at the allegations. “People are incredibly sad,” said one person.
There is anger too. Anger that the BBC did not even question the presenter until seven weeks after a complaint was made against him.
Anger that wild speculation over the presenter’s identity has become, as one senior insider described it, a “national...
The identity of the man has not been reported by any major media outlet because of the UK’s strict defamation and privacy case law, but his identity is an open secret at the BBC.
Deadline has spoken to several of the individual’s close colleagues in recent days and there is a mixture of shock and sorrow at the allegations. “People are incredibly sad,” said one person.
There is anger too. Anger that the BBC did not even question the presenter until seven weeks after a complaint was made against him.
Anger that wild speculation over the presenter’s identity has become, as one senior insider described it, a “national...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has posted a record income of £5.7 billion ($7.2 billion) for the 2022/23 period, up from £5.33 billion last year, but is in deficit by £120 million.
In the corporation’s annual report, which was published on Tuesday, it was revealed that the bulk of the income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.74 billion, £60 million down from last year. The licence fee has been frozen for two years.
The BBC had a record commercial performance that contributed to 30% revenue growth, climbing from £1.7 billion to £2.1 billion. The corporation’s commercial arm BBC Studios delivered record-breaking results, achieving over £2 billion in sales for the first time, with profits of £240 million, up 6%.
However, this was offset by the increase in the group’s overall operating costs from £5.2 billion to £5.9 billion, which the BBC said was to “drive commercial growth and continued investment in content for audiences.” Consequently, after accounting for other income and expenditure,...
In the corporation’s annual report, which was published on Tuesday, it was revealed that the bulk of the income was from the license fee paid for by the public, which accounted for £3.74 billion, £60 million down from last year. The licence fee has been frozen for two years.
The BBC had a record commercial performance that contributed to 30% revenue growth, climbing from £1.7 billion to £2.1 billion. The corporation’s commercial arm BBC Studios delivered record-breaking results, achieving over £2 billion in sales for the first time, with profits of £240 million, up 6%.
However, this was offset by the increase in the group’s overall operating costs from £5.2 billion to £5.9 billion, which the BBC said was to “drive commercial growth and continued investment in content for audiences.” Consequently, after accounting for other income and expenditure,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has revealed that the amount paid to its biggest stars has surged to a six-year high, as Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker topped the talent pay table once again.
The BBC’s annual report revealed that salaries for presenters earning more than £150,000 totaled £23.4M in the 12 months to the end of March 2023.
This was a 15% increase compared with last year’s pay of £20.2M and was at its highest level since 2017, when the BBC spent £28.6M on its best-known presenters.
Lineker topped the ranking for the sixth consecutive year, with his salary remaining stable at £1.35M. Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was the best-paid female presenter, pocketing as much as £985,000.
In a year in which he anchored coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Huw Edwards had a pay rise of at least £25,000. He took home a minimum of £435,000 in the year to March.
Total talent pay,...
The BBC’s annual report revealed that salaries for presenters earning more than £150,000 totaled £23.4M in the 12 months to the end of March 2023.
This was a 15% increase compared with last year’s pay of £20.2M and was at its highest level since 2017, when the BBC spent £28.6M on its best-known presenters.
Lineker topped the ranking for the sixth consecutive year, with his salary remaining stable at £1.35M. Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was the best-paid female presenter, pocketing as much as £985,000.
In a year in which he anchored coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Huw Edwards had a pay rise of at least £25,000. He took home a minimum of £435,000 in the year to March.
Total talent pay,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has suspended one of its staffers after reports surfaced that he had allegedly asked a teenager for sexually explicit photos.
The allegations were first reported in U.K. tabloid The Sun on Friday. The mother of the teenager claimed her child used the alleged 35,000 pounds (about $44,934) received from the staffer to fund an addiction to crack cocaine.
“All I want is for this man to stop paying my child for sexual pictures and stop him funding my child’s drug habit,” she told the publication, adding that the requests for photos began when her child was 17.
The staffer hasn’t been publicly named yet, but presenters Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Gary Lineker took to their respective Twitter accounts to say it isn’t them. Nicky Campbell also tweeted that he reported an account that claimed he was the one who requested the photos.
The BBC released a statement Sunday,...
The allegations were first reported in U.K. tabloid The Sun on Friday. The mother of the teenager claimed her child used the alleged 35,000 pounds (about $44,934) received from the staffer to fund an addiction to crack cocaine.
“All I want is for this man to stop paying my child for sexual pictures and stop him funding my child’s drug habit,” she told the publication, adding that the requests for photos began when her child was 17.
The staffer hasn’t been publicly named yet, but presenters Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Gary Lineker took to their respective Twitter accounts to say it isn’t them. Nicky Campbell also tweeted that he reported an account that claimed he was the one who requested the photos.
The BBC released a statement Sunday,...
- 7/9/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A top BBC presenter has been suspended amid allegations he paid a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for explicit images.
The corporation announced the suspension in a statement on Sunday afternoon UK time, but did not name the individual at the heart of the allegations.
The BBC is also in dialogue with the Metropolitan Police about the issue. Deadline understands that the BBC was in touch with police before The Sun published allegations about the unnamed star on Friday.
The Met confirmed that the BBC had made contact, but said it requires more information before deciding whether to launch a formal investigation.
The British tabloid newspaper reported that the high-profile presenter paid a teenager more than £35,000 in return for explicit pictures.
The exchanges allegedly date back to 2020 when the teenager was aged 17. The individual has reportedly used the cash to fund a crack cocaine habit.
It is illegal in the UK “to make,...
The corporation announced the suspension in a statement on Sunday afternoon UK time, but did not name the individual at the heart of the allegations.
The BBC is also in dialogue with the Metropolitan Police about the issue. Deadline understands that the BBC was in touch with police before The Sun published allegations about the unnamed star on Friday.
The Met confirmed that the BBC had made contact, but said it requires more information before deciding whether to launch a formal investigation.
The British tabloid newspaper reported that the high-profile presenter paid a teenager more than £35,000 in return for explicit pictures.
The exchanges allegedly date back to 2020 when the teenager was aged 17. The individual has reportedly used the cash to fund a crack cocaine habit.
It is illegal in the UK “to make,...
- 7/9/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: The British government has called on the BBC to “urgently and sensitively” investigate allegations that one of its biggest stars paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.
In a statement early on Sunday afternoon, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (Dcms) said the claims were “deeply concerning” and urged the BBC to keep ministers informed of its actions.
“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with [Dcms] kept informed,” the department said.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Tim Davie, the Director General of the BBC, are due to hold talks later today.
Previous: The mystery BBC presenter at the heart of a sex pictures scandal has been the subject of fresh allegations on Sunday amid a growing crisis for Britain’s national broadcaster.
Tabloid newspaper The Sun alleged that the...
In a statement early on Sunday afternoon, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (Dcms) said the claims were “deeply concerning” and urged the BBC to keep ministers informed of its actions.
“As a public service broadcaster in receipt of public funding, senior officials have stressed to the BBC that the allegations must be investigated urgently and sensitively, with [Dcms] kept informed,” the department said.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Tim Davie, the Director General of the BBC, are due to hold talks later today.
Previous: The mystery BBC presenter at the heart of a sex pictures scandal has been the subject of fresh allegations on Sunday amid a growing crisis for Britain’s national broadcaster.
Tabloid newspaper The Sun alleged that the...
- 7/9/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: The BBC has suspended a male member of staff accused of paying a teenager for sexually explicit photographs.
The BBC said in a statement on Sunday: “The BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations.
“This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps.
“It is important that these matters are handled fairly and with care.
“We have been clear that if – at any point – new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.
“The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May. New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have...
The BBC said in a statement on Sunday: “The BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations.
“This is a complex and fast moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps.
“It is important that these matters are handled fairly and with care.
“We have been clear that if – at any point – new information comes to light or is provided to us, this will be acted upon appropriately and actively followed up.
“The BBC first became aware of a complaint in May. New allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature and in addition to our own enquiries we have...
- 7/9/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Update: Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, has become the latest man to distance themselves from The Sun‘s story about a BBC star paying a teen for sexual images. “Hate to disappoint the haters but it’s not me,” he tweeted. Nicky Campbell, a highly-respected radio presenter, also distanced himself from the story.
Previous: BBC stars Jeremy Vine and Rylan Clark have been forced to deny that they are the high-profile presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexual images.
Twitter users have been speculating wildly about the identity of the individual after The Sun reported that an unnamed male star had given a teen more than £35,000 in return for explicit pictures.
Vine’s name was trending in the UK at one point, while Clark was also accused. The Radio 2 hosts brushed off the allegations in seperate tweets on Saturday afternoon.
“Not sure why my names floating about...
Previous: BBC stars Jeremy Vine and Rylan Clark have been forced to deny that they are the high-profile presenter accused of paying a teenager for sexual images.
Twitter users have been speculating wildly about the identity of the individual after The Sun reported that an unnamed male star had given a teen more than £35,000 in return for explicit pictures.
Vine’s name was trending in the UK at one point, while Clark was also accused. The Radio 2 hosts brushed off the allegations in seperate tweets on Saturday afternoon.
“Not sure why my names floating about...
- 7/8/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC’s highest-paid presenter Gary Lineker was suspended and swiftly reinstated in March during an impartiality meltdown that rocked the British broadcaster.
Deadline has obtained documents under a Freedom of Information Act request that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how Director General Tim Davie responded to the crisis.
Diary extracts and emails reveal that Davie was in contact with a senior government official on the day of Lineker’s suspension. The papers also reveal the frantic weekend meetings that took place to reinstate Lineker after his suspension wreaked havoc on the BBC’s Premier League coverage.
Scroll on for the timeline, which brings together the documents obtained by Deadline, as well as details from sources, and information already in the public domain.
March 7, Tuesday
At 2Pm, Tim Davie emerged from a lunch with Rebekah Brooks, the woman who runs Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in the UK, when Gary...
Deadline has obtained documents under a Freedom of Information Act request that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how Director General Tim Davie responded to the crisis.
Diary extracts and emails reveal that Davie was in contact with a senior government official on the day of Lineker’s suspension. The papers also reveal the frantic weekend meetings that took place to reinstate Lineker after his suspension wreaked havoc on the BBC’s Premier League coverage.
Scroll on for the timeline, which brings together the documents obtained by Deadline, as well as details from sources, and information already in the public domain.
March 7, Tuesday
At 2Pm, Tim Davie emerged from a lunch with Rebekah Brooks, the woman who runs Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in the UK, when Gary...
- 6/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Director General Tim Davie was in contact with a senior government official on the day he suspended Gary Lineker, raising questions about whether he was pressured to punish the presenter for breaking impartiality rules.
Documents obtained by Deadline reveal that Davie was in dialogue with Polly Payne, Director General of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms), on March 10. Emails between the BBC and the Dcms show that Payne and Davie’s conversations were unscheduled.
The papers cast fresh light on the biggest crisis of Davie’s tenure after he suspended Match of the Day host Lineker for tweeting that government asylum policy had echoes of Nazi Germany. Lineker was swiftly reinstated three days later following a weekend of chaos, in which his colleagues effectively went on strike and BBC sports coverage fell off air.
The revelation that Davie spoke to the Dcms has raised eyebrows among BBC staff,...
Documents obtained by Deadline reveal that Davie was in dialogue with Polly Payne, Director General of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms), on March 10. Emails between the BBC and the Dcms show that Payne and Davie’s conversations were unscheduled.
The papers cast fresh light on the biggest crisis of Davie’s tenure after he suspended Match of the Day host Lineker for tweeting that government asylum policy had echoes of Nazi Germany. Lineker was swiftly reinstated three days later following a weekend of chaos, in which his colleagues effectively went on strike and BBC sports coverage fell off air.
The revelation that Davie spoke to the Dcms has raised eyebrows among BBC staff,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Respected British broadcaster Clive Myrie was removed at the last minute from presenting an edition of the BBC’s “News at Ten” last week, according to a report in the U.K.’s Times newspaper.
Myrie was replaced by Jane Hill as the news bulletin presenter on June 16 because BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore had impartiality concerns regarding the ruling Conservative party, per the Times. Earlier that evening, Myrie had hosted the BBC’s “Have I Got News For You,” a satirical comedy quiz show that grills celebrity contestants on the week’s top stories and news, where he made several jokes about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who had been found guilty of deliberately misleading the U.K. parliament over the ‘partygate’ scandal.
Myrie had opened the show saying: “After being found by the House of Commons committee to have lied repeatedly, Boris Johnson takes the opportunity to deny that...
Myrie was replaced by Jane Hill as the news bulletin presenter on June 16 because BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore had impartiality concerns regarding the ruling Conservative party, per the Times. Earlier that evening, Myrie had hosted the BBC’s “Have I Got News For You,” a satirical comedy quiz show that grills celebrity contestants on the week’s top stories and news, where he made several jokes about former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who had been found guilty of deliberately misleading the U.K. parliament over the ‘partygate’ scandal.
Myrie had opened the show saying: “After being found by the House of Commons committee to have lied repeatedly, Boris Johnson takes the opportunity to deny that...
- 6/22/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
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