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Westlife Too
Flashy
A performance by Westlife on The X Factor broke broadcasting
rules because it could have triggered seizures, media regulator Ofcom said
today.
The chart-topping band appeared on the Saturday night programme in October
with flashing laser effects which could have affected epilepsy sufferers and
should have carried a warning.
Channel TV, which was meant to ensure the programme complied with
broadcasting guidelines, admitted that the show did not meet the required
standards. However it said it had tightened up procedures since then.
In two short segments of the show, flashing was five times greater than the
guidance given by regulator Ofcom.
Channel said its testing equipment did not spot any problems during
rehearsals. But using different measurement methods, it agreed that two
short sections of the actual live show – totalling three seconds – exceeded
the limits.
Ofcom also pointed out there was a further risk to viewers because even the
lower intensity flashing can cause problems if they last for more than five
seconds and these ran for “relatively extended periods of time”.
The regulator said the broadcast of the material breached its programme
code.
17:00
January 25
2010 - waveguide.co.uk
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Jeremy
Kyle Heads For The USA
Jeremy Kyle is taking his confrontational daytime television
show to the USA this summer.
Following a test run, it is planned to launch the US version of ITV1's talk
show nationwide in 2011.
Kyle said: "I am particularly looking forward to meeting ordinary American
people and hearing about their extraordinary lives," .
"This show isn't about me; it is about their issues and problems and how we
can face them together - with complete honesty and openness - in front of US
audiences."
A series of pilot show is to be made by ITV Studios which is teaming up with
US company Debmar-Mercury.
"ITV Studios' creative vision convinced us that Jeremy Kyle can conquer
another continent," said Debmar-Mercury co-president Mort Marcus.
"We believe American viewers, stations and advertisers will wholeheartedly
embrace Jeremy Kyle, who is such a great talent and brings his unique
sensibility to a proven format."
16:20
January 25
2010 - waveguide.co.uk
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BBC Two
Covers Space Jump
A new BBC documentary with the working title Space Dive, is
set to follow Felix Baumgartner, elite BASE jumper, as he freefalls from
space, shattering world records.
BBC Two has the behind-the-scenes story of Baumgartner's two-year
preparations to jump from 125,000 feet; a height that will qualify him as
the first person to break the sound barrier in a freefall jump from the edge
of Space.
Gary Hunter, BBC executive producer, said: "This is a fascinating blend of
scientific challenge and human endeavour."
BBC Two will chart Baumgartner's arduous training as he readies his body and
his mind for a difficult task that will push the human body to its limit.
Working with him will be a team of the world's leading space scientists and
US Air Force veteran Joe Kittinger, who, in 1960, jumped from 102,800 feet,
and must watch as Felix attempts to claim his crown.
The documentary will follow Baumgartner's solo journey to the edge of Space
with the aid of just a balloon, and his attempts to freefall back to Earth.
Reaching record-breaking speeds of more than 690mph (Mach 1) in just 35
seconds, breaking the sound barrier without propulsion and creating a human
sonic boom on his way back to Earth, Baumgartner will put his body through
the most arduous and life-threatening conditions ever experienced in
freefall.
The, staged by Red Bull, will be achieved with support from a wide team of
scientists, engineers and medics who have worked for organisations including
NASA and the US Air Force.
Baumgartner's record-breaking jump is due to take place in
North America, later this year.
The BBC/National Geographic Channel co-production (1 x 90-minutes) will be
aired shortly after the jump.
09:30
January 25
2010 - waveguide.co.uk
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Lords Call For BBC Worldwide Sale
A House of Lords committee has said the BBC should sell a
stake in its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.
In a report on the UK film and TV industries, it said this would enable BBC
Worldwide to become a major global distributor of British programming.
BBC Worldwide has been criticised by MPs and others for growing too fast and
damaging its commercial rivals.
The corporation's commercial arm was criticised for extending its commercial
involvement in 2007 when it acquired a 75% stake in travel guide Lonely
Planet.
Last April the BBC was told to rein in its commercial operations by the
Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee on the grounds that new
activities undertaken by BBC Worldwide risk jeopardising the corporation's
reputation.
Amidst this backdrop of criticism, the Trust ordered BBC Worldwide to curb
its merger and takeover activities.
A company with private investment but retaining a BBC
shareholding could achieve both bigger profits and also major proceeds from
the sale.
The all-party Lords Communications Committee said BBC
Worldwide should expand further to become a major global brand, selling UK
programmes for independent producers and other broadcasters as well as the
BBC.
This would produce extra profits, jobs and opportunities for UK production
companies, it said.
The committee said it supports government plans to sell a stake to private
investors to raise funds - but says the BBC link must be maintained.
Former Tory cabinet minister Lord Fowler said the part-privatisation of
Worldwide would establish a British-owned global brand.
He said: "BBC Worldwide has been immensely successful in developing the
commercial income of the BBC and now has a revenue of around £1bn a year.
"All the evidence suggests that there is further scope to
expand but to do this will require private capital.
"It cannot be achieved by using the licence fee. A company with private
investment but retaining a BBC shareholding could achieve both bigger
profits and also major proceeds from the sale."
Lord Fowler urged ministers to review their policy to ensure "similar
mistakes [were] not made in the future".
The BBC Trust said it kept an open mind on BBC Worldwide's ownership
structure.
"If we saw fit to implement any changes in the future, our priorities would
be to ensure the BBC's brand and reputation was protected and to secure the
best value for licence fee payers from the BBC's intellectual property," a
spokesman said.
BBC Worldwide channels include BBC America, BBC Entertainment, BBC
Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies, BBC HD and BBC Prime.
In 2008 it reported a record operating profit of £117.7m.
09:15
January 25
2010 - waveguide.co.uk
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