BBC Strike Update

As a result of the strike by National Union of Journalist staff at the BBC, changes have been made to the broadcaster's television output.

On BBC One the 18:00 news bulletin will run for 30 minutes - there will be no regional news, an edition of Fake Britain will be broadcast in its place at 18:30.

Panorama will be broadcast as normal on BBC one at 20:30.

On BBC Two Newsnight, scheduled for 22:30, will not be broadcast and will be replaced with Wonders Of Life.

February 18 2013 - waveguide.co.uk

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Former Mr and Mrs Host Dies

Former Mr and Mrs host Derek Batey has died aged 84.

The broadcaster, who hosted Mr and Mrs between 1964 and 1980, passed away in Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice last night.

“Derek was a people person, who was never happier than when he was talking to either a prince or a pauper,” ex-ITV producer and director Harry King said.

“He would do interviews with prime ministers and he could also talk comfortably to the lady next door. It was a great skill which he had.”

February 18 2013 - waveguide.co.uk

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Richard Briers Dies

Actor Richard Briers, best known for his role in TV's The Good Life, has died at the age of 79, his agent has said.

The star, who was also an accomplished stage actor, had been battling a serious lung condition for several years.

Briers died "peacefully" at his London home on Sunday, his agent added.

Briers recently blamed years of smoking for his emphysema.

"It's totally my fault," he said. "So, I get very breathless, which is a pain in the backside. Trying to get upstairs... oh God, it's ridiculous. Of course, when you're bloody nearly 80 it's depressing, because you've had it anyway."

His agent, Christopher Farrar, said: "Richard was a wonderful man, a consummate professional and an absolute joy to work alongside.

"Following his recent discussion of his battle with emphysema, I know he was incredibly touched by the strength of support expressed by friends and the public.

"He has a unique and special place in the hearts of so many. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to his family at this sad time."

Briers had a long and successful TV and theatre career In 1970s BBC sitcom The Good Life, Briers and Felicity Kendal played a married suburban couple who try a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Briers also starred in shows including Marriage Lines, Ever Decreasing Circles, Monarch Of The Glen plus a role in Doctor Who and Torchwood.

February 18 2013 - waveguide.co.uk

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Breakfast Cut Short On BBC One

BBC One Breakfast was not broadcast in full today as the result of a one day strike by the National Union of Journalists at the BBC.

The NUJ said it called the strike after failing to reach an agreement with management.

The disagreement was over the redeployment of 30 staff members facing compulsory redundancy.

The flagship Today programme on BBC Radio 4 was dropped from the schedule, replaced by repeats and short news summaries on the hour.

On television, BBC Breakfast was broadcast from London by a single presenter, instead of its regular Salford hosts.

The usual programme was replaced with a 30-minute bulletin on the hour, followed by daytime programmes including Cash in the Attic and Escape to the Country.

On Radio 5live, the overnight Up All Night programme and Morning Reports were dropped, while its Breakfast programme aired as normal, with replacement presenters.

The corporation is cutting about 2,000 jobs over five years as part of its Delivering Quality First programme.

Many more posts are due to close under the Delivering Quality First (DQF) programme, following the freezing of the licence fee and the need to pay for the World Service.

BBC spending is due to be cut by 20% over four years to April 2017. Bectu, the media and entertainment union, which is not on strike, has written to Lord Hall on behalf of all the BBC unions.

It is seeking a moratorium on compulsory redundancies while the new director general makes his own assessment of DQF.

With the NUJ and BBC management still far apart, Lord Hall's response could set the tone for all his future dealings with BBC staff.

Most of the 2,000 redundancies are expected to be as a result of natural wastage and a freeze on recruitment, but the NUJ said 30 compulsory redundancies were being disputed.

February 18 2013 - waveguide.co.uk

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