BBC

The technical evolution of TV is explored at Thames Valley

Television is experiencing a technical revolution in broadcast facilities. This new technology – video and audio over IP – uses computer networks to replace traditional broadcast infrastructures to deliver more flexibility and scalability for programme-makers.

Sports producers have already started to benefit from IP. Multiple cameras and microphones at events can be directly streamed into a centralised broadcast facility to increase the number of events covered. Scalable IP studios provide pay-as-you-go resources to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

BBC Two announces second series of Defending the Guilty

(Credi: BBC)

The series explores the world of the Criminal Justice System through idealistic pupil barrister Will, played by Will Sharp (Giri/Haji), who is brought back to reality by his cynical mentor Caroline, played by Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd).

As Will becomes increasingly disillusioned by the underfunded and confusing system, he learns to manipulate the law to suit his moral ideals and serve his idea of justice.  

Mark Thompson discusses the risks facing the UK media landscape at the Steve Hewlett Lecture

Mark Thompson (Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian)

The UK is facing “a total loss of cultural sovereignty”, which risks leaving the country culturally impoverished unless action is taken to stop US giants such as Netflix from dominating the media landscape.

This was the frank message from Mark Thompson, the former Director-General of the BBC who, for seven years since 2012, has been engaged in a wholesale transformation of The New York Times from a print company into a digital-based global news operation with 5 million subscribers.

Tony Hall stresses the importance of the BBC in an age of uncertainty

Tony Hall (Credit: RTS/Richard Kendal)

Earlier, the RTS convention had been told that, as a brand, Netflix today enjoyed the same high levels of public trust as the BBC. As for the TikTok-using, mobile-addicted members of Generation Z, the BBC looked to be completely under the radar.

Now it was the time for Tony Hall, the BBC’s Director-General, to respond. He did so in a wide-ranging, troop-­rallying speech, and argued that, in today’s age of uncertainty, characterised by propaganda and disinformation, the BBC and public service broadcasting were more important than ever.

How traditional broadcasters can tackle the rising threat of streaming services

From left: Julian Bellamy, Howard Devine, Kirsty Wark, Jane Turton and Dan McGolpin (Credit: RTS/Richard Kendal)

The BBC has responded to the rise of subscription video-on-demand services by extending the iPlayer catch-up window from 30 days to one year.

BBC iPlayer chief Dan McGolpin defended the decision: “TV works in seasons… it means that things which are on a yearly cycle, such as The Apprentice, will be there.” He claimed that audiences, months after transmission, can now be “substantial” – some 40% of Killing Eve’s audience came to the thriller after the original catch-up window.

Miranda is back for a one-off special on BBC One

Miranda (credit: BBC)

Miranda followed the eponymous protagonist’s awkward encounters in the joke shop she ran with her best friend Stevie (Sarah Hadland), as she vied for the attention of heart-throb Gary (Tom Ellis).

Hosted by Miranda Hart at the London Palladium, Miranda: My Such Fun Celebration will see the cast reunite to look back over the sitcom’s history of friendship, family, romance and laughter. 

Viewers can expect behind the scenes footage and moving reflections alongside the essential silliness and gags that made Miranda so popular.

TV industry professionals share their tips at the RTS Midlands Careers Fair 2019

Doctors star Elisabeth Dermot Walsh at the RTS Midlands Careers Fair 2019 (Credit: Nick Robinson)

Alongside Q&A panel sessions with top execs who work on some of the country’s biggest shows, practical workshops In the exhibition hall included how to make drama with BBC One’s Doctors in their specially created hospital set, filming on smartphones, using drones and how to make a podcast.

The major broadcasters joined more than 40 exhibitors from across the industry to give attendees one-to-one advice on how to break into the industry, from creating the perfect CV to gaining professional experience.