In a landmark move, the BBC has launched “Our BBC, Our Future” – its most ambitious public consultation to date. The goal? To hear from up to one million licence fee payers about what the Corporation should stand for going forward. Tim Davie is calling on audiences to have their say before 29 May, as part of the lead-up to the next Charter review.
The short questionnaire, already landing in inboxes, covers everything from content preferences to views on BBC values. Scotland Director Hayley Valentine urged Scots to get involved: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the BBC of tomorrow.”
After four decades at the BBC, Gary Smith is leaving his role this summer. He steered BBC Scotland through the EU referendum, Covid, and the Queen’s death, and will now return to his roots in writing. Tributes flooded in from colleagues praising his digital transformation of the newsroom and investigative journalism legacy.
Middle East specialist and News at One presenter Anna Foster is the new voice of Radio 4’s Today programme, bringing her global perspective to Salford and beyond. She joins at a pivotal moment as the BBC expands operations in the North. Expect her signature mix of depth and clarity as she joins Webb, Rajan, Robinson and Barnett.
Vanessa is back. The queen of daytime confessions will host a brand-new daily talk show on Channel 5, covering relationships, parenting, gossip and more. Produced by ITN, the show launches 24 March and promises to bring real stories and unpredictable telly back to lunchtime.
After 10 years with The Chris Moyles Show, Pippa Taylor is off to Heart as Senior Executive Producer. There were tears, laughter and applause as she broke the news live on-air. She’ll remain with Radio X for a few more months before switching studios (but staying within the Global family).
The face of local radio is changing fast. Global has axed all regional programmes for Heart, Smooth and Capital, and now Bauer will follow suit. From June, Hits Radio in England and Wales will broadcast a single national breakfast show, citing listener habits and the Media Act 2024. Job losses are expected across production and presentation teams.
Sky News will continue to supply UK commercial radio with bulletins, sport and showbiz content, thanks to a renewed deal with IRN. New perks include video access for social media, and even courtroom footage. It’s a digital boost for newsrooms looking to engage modern audiences.
In a bold move, BBC News has launched two new departments, including a dedicated AI hub. The Growth, Innovation and AI unit will use machine learning to personalise content and attract younger users, particularly on TikTok and mobile. Meanwhile, a new Live and Daily News team will oversee cross-platform distribution, headed by John McAndrew.
The UK’s top broadcasters and creatives, including ITV, BBC, Channel 4 and Sky, have slammed government plans to let AI models train on copyrighted content by default. Calling it a “giveaway to big tech”, they’re demanding a proper licensing system. Signatories include Dua Lipa and Paul McCartney. The message: protect UK creativity.
Radio host Chris Stark has revealed he’s been undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer. He’ll return to Capital Breakfast this week and urged men to check themselves. “It’s treatable if caught early,” he said, hoping his story helps others seek help sooner.
In a bittersweet moment, King Charles has praised regional media as “vital” to democracy, just as many local radio shows are being axed. He acknowledged the pressures of technology and funding but insisted that local news remains the beating heart of the nation.
Following Mishal Husain’s departure to Bloomberg, the BBC has finally filled the gap on Today. Anna Foster’s deep global expertise and live reporting skills made her the top pick. BBC execs praised her calm during the Beirut coverage, where she anchored the news without an autocue amid conflict.
Jazz FM is bringing gospel, keys and live festivals to your ears this spring. Highlights include The Story of UK Gospel with YolanDa Brown, new episodes of Vinyl Hour with Doc Brown, and festival coverage from Cheltenham to Saint Lucia. Content Director Nick Pitts says it best: “Outstanding music and conversation – that’s our mission.”
GB News is facing a formal Ofcom probe after Josh Howie appeared to link LGBTQ+ people with paedophiles on Headliners. The comment triggered over 1,300 complaints and a petition with more than 70,000 signatures. Ofcom will determine if the show breached its rules on offensive content.
Rahila Bano, a trailblazer in inclusive journalism, is leaving the BBC after nearly 36 years. She championed diverse voices, helped build the BBC Salaam network, and shone a spotlight on marginalised communities. Her legacy lives on in the reporters she mentored and the stories she helped tell.
Big changes are coming to BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle. From May, expect new voices, adjusted slots, and a fresh tone to mark 50 years on air. Evening Extra becomes a one-hour news show, Eve Blair takes over Your Place And Mine, and Taylor Johnson debuts a Saturday night nostalgia show.
Bauer will close offices for Northsound in Aberdeen and MFR in Inverness, but says jobs are safe. The teams will now work remotely or from Glasgow. Local news and sport bulletins will continue despite the loss of all local shows earlier this year.
EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal took the reins at BBC Radio Kent as guest editor, discussing literacy, culture and her mother’s experience with ovarian cancer. Her personal story resonated with listeners and shone a light on early diagnosis and awareness.
The BBC pulled the film Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone amid concerns over the narrator’s family links to Hamas. A third letter from former BBC exec Danny Cohen raises further editorial concerns, calling it a crisis of due diligence and transparency. The Corporation has yet to comment further.
Kay Wright is stepping up as Head of BBC Midlands, replacing Hayley Valentine. With over 25 years at the BBC and strong ties to Leicester, Wright says she’s “honoured” to lead regional TV, radio, and online output.
In a rare reversal, GB News has won a High Court case against Ofcom. The court ruled that Ofcom wrongly interpreted impartiality rules regarding Jacob Rees-Mogg’s programme. The decision could reshape how news vs. current affairs is regulated. GB News says it’s a win for free speech.
The Sikh Channel Community Broadcasting Company has been found to breach charity law, with its CEO appointing himself and taking an unauthorised salary. A new board is now in place. The former CEO is banned from trustee roles for the next decade.
Until Next Month…
That’s the March wrap! Stay tuned for more media moves, platform pivots and broadcast buzz in next month’s Big Broadcast Bulletin. Got a tip? Drop us a line.
