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Channel 4’s director of programmes, Kevin Lygo, has lifted the lid on the shows he hopes will maintain Channel 4’s successful streak over the next few months.The programme boss, speaking at the Edinburgh International TV Festival, announced that Channel 4’s iconic daytime quiz, Countdown, would return following the death of host Richard Whitely, but refused… Continue reading MGEITF 2005: Lygo Lifts Lid On Channel 4 Programming

Advertiser funded programming (AFP) was put under scrutiny this weekend, as the Edinburgh International TV Festival sought to shed light on the relatively new industry, and its implications for broadcasters and advertisers alike.Claire Heys, head of commercial partnerships at Flextech/UKTV explained the predicament facing broadcasters willing to commission AFP, stating: “It’s not easy to make… Continue reading MGEITF 2005: TV Set For More Advertiser Funded Programming

The Edinburgh International TV Festival was given a roasting on Saturday by international businessman and star of BBC Two’s Dragon’s Den, Doug Richard, who claimed the industry was lacking in its approach to new technology.The outspoken American admitted his lack of knowledge concerning the workings of the television industry, but said that his 20 years… Continue reading MGETIF 2005: TV Tech Given A Roasting In The Dragon’s Den

There is always a smattering of celebrity at the Edinburgh TV Festival, although this year saw the topic dominate several discussion sessions, with one in particular dedicated to dissecting the genre of celebrity-orientated TV.Chaired by Boyd Hilton, editor of celebrity magazine, Heat, the C Word session also played host to Big Brother winner Jade Goody,… Continue reading MGEITF 2005: Celebrity Under Scrutiny At Edinburgh Festival

BBC director general Mark Thompson lifted the lid on the Corporation’s latest TV technology at the Edinburgh International TV Festival, announcing details of MyBBCPlayer, a new online service allowing viewers to legally download seven days of TV programmes.Delivering one of the most anticipated addresses of the Festival, Thompson stated: “This will be the decade of… Continue reading MGEITF 2005: Thompson Announces On Demand Programming From BBC

Channel 4 faces a rocky road of change following digital switchover, according to the broadcaster’s chief executive Andy Duncan, who made his latest case for public funding, and investment in new technology, at the annual Edinburgh International TV Festival.The broadcast boss stated that Channel 4’s request for public funding is not an immediate one, “it’s… Continue reading MGEITF 2005: Channel 4 Boss Makes The Case For Public Funding

ITV was wished a happy 50th birthday at the Edinburgh International TV Conference last weekend, although the broadcaster was also given the gift of critical insight by media heavyweights discussing its future.Lorraine Heggessey, CEO of Talkback Thames stated that, amongst other problems, there is a “samey-ness” to much of ITV’s current programming, with “title after… Continue reading MGETIF 2005: Edinburgh Gives ITV Advice For Its Birthday

The annual MacTaggart lecture at Edinburgh’s International TV Festival is typically a time for agenda setting, controversy and more than a little excitement. But the overwhelming feeling amongst attendees to this year’s offering by Lord Birt was of abject dismay and disappointment.The main reason was the build-up, with many media commentators expecting Birt to let… Continue reading MGEITF 2005: Lord Birt Leaves Questions Unanswered In Edinburgh

The start of this year’s Football Italia series will see Flextech-owned Bravo embark upon an extensive marketing push, renaming itself “Bravissimo” and colouring its familiar branding with the green, white and red colours of Football Italia.The broadcaster’s high-impact marketing campaign reflects the channel’s increasing sports entertainment output, and its ambition to become the nation’s leading… Continue reading Bravo To Change Name In Football Promotion

Emap’s Magic 105.4 is to open its schedule to a host of music stars, with the creation of new programming strand My Magic Music.The new show will kick off on 17 September, fronted by its first guest presenter – R ‘n’ B star, Craig David.The weekly show, which will air from 7pm-9pm, offers Magic listeners… Continue reading Craig David To Launch New Magic Show