Tony Hall: Last News

Manori Ravindran International Editor When presenter June Sarpong agreed to take on the most public-facing diversity and inclusion role at the BBC in the fall of 2019, the corporation — and indeed the world — was a different place. “I joined when the BBC was just coming out the other side of everything that had happened with [breakfast presenter] Naga Munchetty,” Sarpong tells Variety on her last official day at the BBC, capping off three years as head of creative diversity. “Feelings were heightened.” The U.K. public broadcaster was smarting from a heavy backlash against the attempted censure of Munchetty, who was reprimanded for breaching impartiality guidelines after she criticized, on air, then U.S. President Donald Trump for perceived racism. The decision was overturned by then BBC director general Tony Hall, but only after widespread outcry against the corporation for punishing one of its top hosts for calling out racism, which many felt should be exempt from impartiality rules.

EXCLUSIVE: John Shield, the BBC‘s long-serving comms boss who has been with the corporation for over a decade, is exiting.

Thania Garcia WhyHunger, a non-profit working to end world hunger, that cause it, has announced its second annual “Amplified: Annual Hungerthon Kickoff Concert.” The Roots and guitarist Grace Bowers with her band the Hodge Podge will headline the show as part of WhyHunger’s fundraising campaign in New York’s Irving Plaza on Oct. 15. Additional talent from genres including funk, blues, hip- hop, and soul, are set to perform and will be announced at a later time.

EXCLUSIVE: The rise of the Paralympic Games has been one of sport’s biggest recent triumphs, and a trailblazing content initiative charting its story is now set to take the narrative even deeper.

Gaumont Launches Production Services Division

Hans Zimmer has reportedly bought the BBC‘s legendary Maida Vale studios in west London for £10.5million.The report from The Daily Mail says that the legendary film composer has purchased the building to write new film scores in.In 2018, it was announced that the lauded BBC studios were set to close by 2023, with the studios then protected from redevelopment in 2020.Last year, Maida Vale was then put up for sale by the BBC with an asking price of £10.5million, which appears to have now been met by Zimmer.A source in the story said of the purchase: “It is a real coup. The building is beautiful and it is so rich in history.“It’s the kind of place that anyone who is passionate about music loves to spend time in.

The Prime Minister “ought to” give up their involvement with the hiring of the BBC Chairman in the future following the Richard Sharp scandal, according to former Director General Tony Hall.

All3Media To Begin Shopping ‘The Kardashians: A Billion Dollar Dynasty’

Netflix’s Harry & Meghan looks set to reopen old wounds about the controversial 1995 Panorama interview as the Duke of Sussex broke rank to say his mother was “speaking the truth of her experience” in the interview.

EXCLUSIVE: “Bringing BBC Three back to linear TV” would have been far down former BBC Director General Tony Hall’s list of predictions for his successor’s first major piece of business.

BBC, Tim Davie, has pledged to tackle the broadcaster’s “left-wing comedy bias” in his tenure.Davie replaced Lord Tony Hall today (September 1), who fulfilled the role for seven years.According to The Telegraph, one of Davie’s priorities will be to “tackle the perceived Left-wing bias” of the BBC when it comes to comedy shows, which could see a “radical overhaul” over the next few months.The report suggests that no decisions have been made yet, but a number of shows could be axed in keeping with Davie’s ambition to restructure the BBC.In a message sent out to all staff, Davie said priorities would be established this coming Thursday (September 3).“Overall my guiding principle is that we are a universal public service, a BBC for all, that

Manori Ravindran International EditorTim Davie has stepped into the top job at the BBC, where he takes over from Tony Hall.“It is a tremendous honor to be taking on the role of director general today,” Davie said.Davie is spending the day in Glasgow, meeting the BBC teams there. He will lay out his blueprint regarding the BBC’s priorities and direction for the future on Thursday.“Overall my guiding principle is that we are a universal public service – a BBC for all, that serves and represents every part of this country,” Davie said.

Naman Ramachandran Outgoing BBC director general, Tony Hall, will deliver the opening address at the Edinburgh TV Festival, in what will be one of his final public appearances in the position before he steps down in September.Hall will address delegates in the first session of the festival on Aug. 24 about the role of public service broadcasters, the challenges they face, why they matter, and why producers, audiences and government need to be reminded of the part they play in the U.K.

Back to Barry we go (only in spirit)

The BBC is shaking things up with the schedule for the next while as we stick to the comfort of our own homes.

Ninety could be dragged to court for failing to buy a TV licence after the over-75s are stripped of their free licences, the BBC admitted today.

The likes of 'Fleabag' and 'This Country' have been big successes for the channel since it went online-only in 2016

The Sally Rooney adaptation gave the channel its best ever ratings week on iPlayer this month

By Manori Ravindran