Sky News Cancels Business Live, but Business Isn’t Going Anywhere. Sky News has cancelled its long-running Business Live programme, ending almost two decades of a dedicated business slot. For many PRs, it was a safe harbour: less about breaking news, more about “what X thinks about Y.” But that world has shifted.
Here’s the reality check: the whole news cycle is now a business show. It’s also a politics slot. Audiences no longer care for soft updates unless they do something. They want to see action, consequence, and connection to the bigger picture. The CEOs and business leaders who thrive will be those who can traverse this interconnected landscape – not by commenting on everything, but by knowing where their voice fits.
The risk of silence? If you keep saying “we wouldn’t comment on that,” you may find your brand cut out of the conversation entirely.
YouTube Overtakes ITV in UK Viewing, But the Numbers Need Context The latest figures show YouTube has overtaken ITV in total UK viewing time, prompting strong reaction from PSBs, indies and advertisers. There is talk of broadcasters collaborating more with YouTube, but concerns remain about short-form dominance among young audiences.
Here is the reality check: the most-watched content on YouTube is not news or drama, it is Peppa Pig, Baby Shark, and Bluey. That is an audience aged 0–5, a group most advertisers steer clear of. Outside of that, it is Mr Beast, which is a poor natural fit for most brands without serious spend. Regulation is far lighter too, meaning impartiality rules that bind PSBs simply do not apply. Yes, there is movement in how audiences split their time, but it is not the “TV is dead” moment some are claiming.
Let us not jump the proverbial (baby) shark.
GB News Ratings Win, But the Devil is in the Detail GB News is celebrating a July ratings milestone, beating BBC News Channel and Sky News in average daily viewership for certain slots. However, most BBC News consumption happens on BBC One during simulcasts, not on the News Channel, which makes the comparison tricky.
BARB’s “average audience” measures who is watching at a given moment, rewarding channels whose viewers stay longer. However, “weekly reach” still puts BBC News Channel at more than double GB News, with Sky almost double. These are broadcast-only figures, and once iPlayer data is factored in, the BBC’s lead will widen.
GB News’ win is real, but the bigger picture still favours the BBC and Sky. Numbers aside, it is a major player.
RAJAR Q2 2025: Commercial Radio Hits Record High Commercial radio has reached a record 55.7% share of UK listening, with online and smart speaker listening also at all-time highs. RAJAR’s Q2 figures show brand-by-brand growth, with several networks posting audience gains and podcasts continuing their upward trajectory. The trend cements commercial radio’s dominance in reach and engagement over BBC rivals.
Channel 4 Faces Advertiser Backlash Over Bonnie Blue Documentary Channel 4’s controversial documentary on influencer Bonnie Blue has sparked a wave of criticism from industry figures, the Children’s Commissioner, and the public. Several advertisers have pulled their campaigns, and Ofcom is now assessing viewer complaints. C4 is defending its editorial approach, saying the programme offered important insight and context. The broadcaster insists it followed strict compliance processes, but with ad revenue and public trust in play, this is a reputational storm that will not blow over quickly.
LadBible Group Moves into TV with FAST Channel Launch LadBible Group is stepping onto the television stage via a partnership with Samsung TV Plus, launching its first free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel. Alongside popular hits like Snack Wars and Agree to Disagree, it will debut original formats including Jury Room. Targeting the brand’s core young audience, the move aims to bridge the gap between online and living room viewing, and give advertisers a direct route into LadBible’s loyal fanbase.
Ofcom’s Media Nations 2025 Report: VoD, BVoD and Changing Habits Ofcom’s latest Media Nations report reveals continued growth for video-on-demand (VoD) and broadcaster video-on-demand (BVoD) platforms, with ad-supported tiers expanding their reach. Viewers are shifting further towards on-demand, particularly for drama and factual genres, while live viewing still dominates for sport and major events. PSB satisfaction remains high, but younger audiences are increasingly platform-agnostic. YouTube’s position in the market is strong, but the report also highlights challenges in monetising short-form viewing.
Global Academy Delivers Record Results Global Academy has celebrated a record year, with 62% of Year 13 students achieving Distinctions and a continued “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted. Students have secured high-profile industry placements, while the school has expanded its Year 14 Creative Enterprise pathway to support graduates transitioning into media careers. The results bolster Global’s role in nurturing the next generation of broadcasting talent.
BBC Asian Network Refreshes Schedule The BBC Asian Network is shaking up its schedule with Jaz Singh stepping into the weekday afternoon slot, Harleen Nottay launching The Everyday Hustle, and Kades & Mr.O taking over Friday nights. The changes aim to inject fresh energy and diversify the station’s line-up while maintaining its strong cultural and community focus.
Ken Bruce Heads to Edinburgh Fringe Ken Bruce will take his show to the Edinburgh Fringe, broadcasting live from Underbelly George Square. The run will feature celebrity guests, live music and festival coverage, bringing Bruce’s signature mix of charm and conversation to one of the UK’s biggest cultural stages.
BBC Farmwatch: 24 Hours of Farming Across Local Radio BBC Local Radio is uniting for a 24-hour Farmwatch special, delivering farmer-led content, live broadcasts and interactive segments. The project aims to highlight the realities of modern farming, from sustainability challenges to rural community life, while inviting listener participation throughout the day.
BBC Cuts News Quotas on Asian Network and Radio Foyle Ofcom has approved the BBC’s request to reduce news output on Asian Network and Radio Foyle, following public consultation. The move comes after a previous licence breach over Foyle changes, and while the BBC says it will focus resources on core output, the decision is likely to spark debate over local and minority news provision
Paramount & Skydance Merger Gets Political Green Light The US government has approved the £5.9bn merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, placing 42-year-old David Ellison in charge of Hollywood’s latest studio giant. The politically charged deal ends Paramount’s long-time family control, with promises to curb media bias and halt DEI policies helping to win FCC approval. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have slammed the process as a “bribe-ridden” handout to Donald Trump, pointing to a controversial $36m payout and media concessions. With blockbuster titles and major streaming assets in the mix, the merger reshapes the future of global entertainment, fuelled by political fire and cultural friction.
Reach Eyes Paywalls, Blames BBC for Ad Woes Regional publishing giant Reach, owner of the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo and Mirror, is preparing to introduce paywalls, citing falling ad revenue and the BBC’s market dominance. New CEO Piers North blamed the UK’s sluggish online subscription uptake (just 10 percent) on the BBC, contrasting it with higher rates in the US and Ireland. A paid content pilot will launch this year ahead of a wider 2026 rollout. While ads remain the main income source, Reach says it is time to revisit subscriptions for select content, though no word yet on fixing the pop-up-laden user experience.
Commercial Radio Declared a ‘Force for Good’ in New Report A new Radiocentre report has hailed commercial radio as a powerhouse of public value, reaching 40 million listeners weekly. The study highlights radio’s strengths in trusted news (69 percent trust versus social media’s 27 percent), community fundraising (£27m raised in 2024), job creation (over 12,000 roles), and safe, effective advertising (£737m in ad revenue). Launched in Parliament with support from Media Minister Stephanie Peacock and Emily Maitlis, the report underscores the medium’s enduring role in UK life. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised radio’s “unique connection” with audiences as vital to both democracy and the creative economy.
Global Expands Abroad with Riviera Radio Buy Global has made its first international radio acquisition by snapping up English-language Riviera Radio in Monaco from Grundy Media. The station, where Global founder Ashley Tabor-King began his career, returns to former ownership under the Capital Radio Group umbrella. Broadcasting across the French Riviera since 1987, Riviera Radio will continue under MD Paul Kavanagh and remains a key voice at events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. Tabor-King called the move “a vote of confidence” in the region as Global looks to grow in international markets.
BBC Backs MasterChef Return Despite Presenter Scandals The BBC will air the latest MasterChef series from 6 August, despite firing long-time hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode following upheld allegations of inappropriate behaviour and racist language. After a Banijay report and public scrutiny, the BBC says airing the pre-recorded series is “the right thing to do” for the amateur chefs who dedicated themselves to the show. While lightly edited, the series will remain intact, with the broadcaster reaffirming its behavioural standards and distancing itself from the presenters. Decisions on the celebrity and Christmas specials are still under review.
Ofcom Tells PSBs: Get Serious About YouTube or Risk Irrelevance Ofcom has warned UK public service broadcasters to improve their presence on YouTube or risk becoming irrelevant. In a new report, the regulator urges PSBs to create more engaging content for third-party platforms to remain competitive, particularly with younger viewers who now spend more time on YouTube than on traditional PSB services. Ofcom is also calling for legislation to ensure digital prominence, raising concerns about monetisation and brand visibility. The report stresses that time is running out to preserve this pillar of British culture.
BBC2 Brings Global Investigations to Prime Time with Global Eye The BBC is launching Global Eye, a weekly current affairs programme on BBC2 starting in September. The show will spotlight hard-hitting investigations from the BBC World Service, featuring reports from its 43 language services and anchored by its global correspondents. The series aims to bring award-winning journalism, such as Life and Death in Gaza, to UK viewers in a prominent evening slot. Executives call it a bold move to showcase the BBC’s international reach and investigative power on home soil.
Until Next Month…
That’s your August briefing wrapped. But as ever in this industry, the landscape moves fast — what’s true today might be rewritten tomorrow. Stay sharp, stay curious, and if you spot the next big shake-up, drop us a line. We’ll see you in the next edition of the Big Broadcast Bulletin.
