Strictly Come Dancing is still months away, but the rumours about which celebrities could be taking part this year are really starting to heat up now - and they've been going since January. So it felt like a good time to start to put together all the speculation we've heard to see if we can figure out who'll be hitting the ballroom in the new series.
Strictly Come Dancing: This is how they keep the celebrities taking part a secret
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' changes of topping BBC One's dance-off
With all the contestants now confirmed, check out the lineup below - and lament what could have been with the rumours that didn't become a reality. Oh well, there's always the Christmas special...
Confirmed
Rumoured
Confirmed contestants
Jeremy Vine
King of the swingometer Jeremy became the first celebrity confirmed for Strictly on August 10.
The...
Strictly Come Dancing: This is how they keep the celebrities taking part a secret
Strictly Come Dancing 2015 winner: We rank the celebrities' changes of topping BBC One's dance-off
With all the contestants now confirmed, check out the lineup below - and lament what could have been with the rumours that didn't become a reality. Oh well, there's always the Christmas special...
Confirmed
Rumoured
Confirmed contestants
Jeremy Vine
King of the swingometer Jeremy became the first celebrity confirmed for Strictly on August 10.
The...
- 8/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Ed Balls won't be swapping the lobby floor for the dance floor, as Yvette Cooper has confirmed her husband won't be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Labour shadow chancellor had been linked with the BBC One show in recent weeks, after losing his House of Commons seat at the May 2015 general election.
Labour Party leadership candidate Cooper told journalists at a press gallery lunch that Balls will not be showing off his fancy footwork on primetime television this autumn, joking that it would "conflict with filming in the jungle".
However, before you assume that Ed will be getting acquainted with kangaroo balls on I'm a Celebrity instead, that's probably not likely either.
The former MP for Morley and Outwood confirmed yesterday that he's accepted a senior fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School's Mossavar-Rahmani Centre for Business and Government.
'Ed Balls will not be doing Strictly Come Dancing...
The former Labour shadow chancellor had been linked with the BBC One show in recent weeks, after losing his House of Commons seat at the May 2015 general election.
Labour Party leadership candidate Cooper told journalists at a press gallery lunch that Balls will not be showing off his fancy footwork on primetime television this autumn, joking that it would "conflict with filming in the jungle".
However, before you assume that Ed will be getting acquainted with kangaroo balls on I'm a Celebrity instead, that's probably not likely either.
The former MP for Morley and Outwood confirmed yesterday that he's accepted a senior fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School's Mossavar-Rahmani Centre for Business and Government.
'Ed Balls will not be doing Strictly Come Dancing...
- 6/18/2015
- Digital Spy
There are no current plans to privatise Channel 4, according to the Conservative party.
Ofcom is due to publish its third review of public service broadcasting this summer and from there a decision will be made regarding the system as a whole.
Lady Neville-Rolfe, a junior minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said in the government's first announcement since winning full power: "There are currently no estimates of what impact the sale of Channel 4 might have on the deficit, or any plans for a sale."
She continued: "Any decision about a sale of Channel 4 would need to balance the broadcaster's public-service obligations against its potential commercial value."
There were reports last year that the Conservatives had drawn up plans to sell Channel 4 but the then business secretary, the Liberal Democrat's Vince Cable, blocked them.
The channel is thought to be valued at around £1bn.
Ofcom is due to publish its third review of public service broadcasting this summer and from there a decision will be made regarding the system as a whole.
Lady Neville-Rolfe, a junior minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said in the government's first announcement since winning full power: "There are currently no estimates of what impact the sale of Channel 4 might have on the deficit, or any plans for a sale."
She continued: "Any decision about a sale of Channel 4 would need to balance the broadcaster's public-service obligations against its potential commercial value."
There were reports last year that the Conservatives had drawn up plans to sell Channel 4 but the then business secretary, the Liberal Democrat's Vince Cable, blocked them.
The channel is thought to be valued at around £1bn.
- 6/8/2015
- Digital Spy
It's been a long Election Night.
From a BBC political editor soldiering on in spite of illness to a political stalwart whose hat became the butt of many a joke, it was quite a surreal evening on all accounts. As always, we at Digital Spy are here to curate everything through the weirdness that was Election Night.
1. Liberal Democrat stalwart Paddy Ashdown and his hat
Forget about Nick Clegg, clearly the Liberal Democrats' loser of the night was party chair Paddy Ashdown. Paddy offered the following gem when presented with disappointing exit poll figures: "If that exit poll is right, I'll eat my hat." Oh Paddy, don't tempt Twitter....
Couldn't resist @paddys_hat @paddyashdown #paddyashdownshat #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/tmGquAer9X
— Claro Creative (@WeAreClaro) May 7, 2015
And even Andrew Neil got in on the act.
Paddy Ashdown's hat narrative reaches its conclusion. #GE2015 https://t.co/86OmJ3bxqW
— Toby Earle...
From a BBC political editor soldiering on in spite of illness to a political stalwart whose hat became the butt of many a joke, it was quite a surreal evening on all accounts. As always, we at Digital Spy are here to curate everything through the weirdness that was Election Night.
1. Liberal Democrat stalwart Paddy Ashdown and his hat
Forget about Nick Clegg, clearly the Liberal Democrats' loser of the night was party chair Paddy Ashdown. Paddy offered the following gem when presented with disappointing exit poll figures: "If that exit poll is right, I'll eat my hat." Oh Paddy, don't tempt Twitter....
Couldn't resist @paddys_hat @paddyashdown #paddyashdownshat #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/tmGquAer9X
— Claro Creative (@WeAreClaro) May 7, 2015
And even Andrew Neil got in on the act.
Paddy Ashdown's hat narrative reaches its conclusion. #GE2015 https://t.co/86OmJ3bxqW
— Toby Earle...
- 5/8/2015
- Digital Spy
Industry trade body Pact has described plans within proposed EU legislation to create a single digital market across Europe as a “major threat” to the UK film and TV industries.
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
- 3/18/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Industry trade body Pact has described plans within proposed EU legislation to create a single digital market across Europe as a “major threat” to the UK film and TV industries.
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
Consternation is growing among European film and TV trade bodies over details within EU Digital Commissioner Günther Oettinger’s proposed Digital Single Market, which aims to transform the 28 markets within Europe into “a single digital union”.
The Digital Single Market, endorsed by UK business secretary Vince Cable, aims to update rules around net neutrality, roaming and copyright, but industry bodies are increasingly concerned that the new structure will dismantle the model of territoriality at the heart of international film and TV sales.
Last week, UK film and TV industry reps met with reps from the Dcms and the Ipo (Intellectual Property Office) in a bid to impress on government their concerns about the reforms, which are due to be laid out by Oettinger in a strategy paper in...
- 3/18/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Business secretary Vince Cable and shadow minister for the arts Chris Bryant have committed to keeping UK broadcaster Channel 4 under public ownership if Labour or the Liberal Democrats win the general election.
A cross-party gathering of British politicians and members of the Creative Industries Council (Cic), the joint forum for the creative industries (including film, TV, fashion and games) to lobby government on their behalf, gathered yesterday for a reception at the House of Commons to highlight the success of the UK’s creative industries and call on policy-makers to continue nurturing the sectors after the May general election.
In attendance were the current Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Chris Bryant, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Culture. All three reiterated their support for the UK’s creative industries, while Liberal Democrat Cable and Smith also made a point of declaring their own party’s backing for Channel 4 to remain a public...
A cross-party gathering of British politicians and members of the Creative Industries Council (Cic), the joint forum for the creative industries (including film, TV, fashion and games) to lobby government on their behalf, gathered yesterday for a reception at the House of Commons to highlight the success of the UK’s creative industries and call on policy-makers to continue nurturing the sectors after the May general election.
In attendance were the current Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Chris Bryant, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Culture. All three reiterated their support for the UK’s creative industries, while Liberal Democrat Cable and Smith also made a point of declaring their own party’s backing for Channel 4 to remain a public...
- 3/10/2015
- ScreenDaily
Fiona Cookson joins from the the British Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The BFI has appointed Fiona Cookson to the new role of Director of External Affairs at the BFI. Cookson will join the BFI’s Executive Board at the end of September.
She joins from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Bis) where she is currently Head of External Relations and Press Secretary to Vince Cable.
In her new role, Cookson will lead External Affairs, a new Directorate which incorporates Film Policy, Creative Europe Desk UK, the BFI Research and Statistics Unit, BFI Certification Unit and Corporate Communications & Public Affairs.
Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, said: “Fiona’s experience at the heart of British policy-making will be invaluable as we seek to maximise opportunities for the UK’s film and screen industries, and demonstrate their importance as drivers for growth in the UK economy overall.
“Fiona’s appointment...
The BFI has appointed Fiona Cookson to the new role of Director of External Affairs at the BFI. Cookson will join the BFI’s Executive Board at the end of September.
She joins from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Bis) where she is currently Head of External Relations and Press Secretary to Vince Cable.
In her new role, Cookson will lead External Affairs, a new Directorate which incorporates Film Policy, Creative Europe Desk UK, the BFI Research and Statistics Unit, BFI Certification Unit and Corporate Communications & Public Affairs.
Amanda Nevill, CEO of the BFI, said: “Fiona’s experience at the heart of British policy-making will be invaluable as we seek to maximise opportunities for the UK’s film and screen industries, and demonstrate their importance as drivers for growth in the UK economy overall.
“Fiona’s appointment...
- 9/10/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
BT, Sky Broadband, TalkTalk, Virgin Media partner with Government and creative industries on scheme.
Representatives from the UK’s creative industries, the UK Government and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are launching Creative Content UK, a partnership to boost consumer awareness of legitimate online content services.
The initiative is aimed at reducing online copyright infringement.
Creative Content UK will initially launch a multi-media education awareness campaign by spring 2015. At a later date it will roll out a subscriber alerts programme that will be co-managed and co-funded by ISPs and content creators.
Participating ISPs will alert and advise subscribers when their accounts are believed to have been used to infringe copyright and offer advice on where to find legitimate sources of content.
The UK government has pledged £3.5m in funding for the education awareness component of the campaign.
Founding partners on the scheme include the Motion Picture Association (Mpa), the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), and the four main...
Representatives from the UK’s creative industries, the UK Government and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are launching Creative Content UK, a partnership to boost consumer awareness of legitimate online content services.
The initiative is aimed at reducing online copyright infringement.
Creative Content UK will initially launch a multi-media education awareness campaign by spring 2015. At a later date it will roll out a subscriber alerts programme that will be co-managed and co-funded by ISPs and content creators.
Participating ISPs will alert and advise subscribers when their accounts are believed to have been used to infringe copyright and offer advice on where to find legitimate sources of content.
The UK government has pledged £3.5m in funding for the education awareness component of the campaign.
Founding partners on the scheme include the Motion Picture Association (Mpa), the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), and the four main...
- 7/19/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
BT, Sky Broadband, TalkTalk, Virgin Media partner with Government and creative industries on scheme.
Representatives from the UK’s creative industries, the UK Government and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are launching Creative Content UK, a partnership to boost consumer awareness of legitimate online content services.
The initiative is aimed at reducing online copyright infringement.
Creative Content UK will initially launch a multi-media education awareness campaign by spring 2015. At a later date it will roll out a subscriber alerts programme that will be co-managed and co-funded by ISPs and content creators.
Participating ISPs will alert and advise subscribers when their accounts are believed to have been used to infringe copyright and offer advice on where to find legitimate sources of content.
The UK government has pledged £3.5m in funding for the education awareness component of the campaign.
Founding partners on the scheme include the Motion Picture Association (Mpa), the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), and the four main...
Representatives from the UK’s creative industries, the UK Government and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are launching Creative Content UK, a partnership to boost consumer awareness of legitimate online content services.
The initiative is aimed at reducing online copyright infringement.
Creative Content UK will initially launch a multi-media education awareness campaign by spring 2015. At a later date it will roll out a subscriber alerts programme that will be co-managed and co-funded by ISPs and content creators.
Participating ISPs will alert and advise subscribers when their accounts are believed to have been used to infringe copyright and offer advice on where to find legitimate sources of content.
The UK government has pledged £3.5m in funding for the education awareness component of the campaign.
Founding partners on the scheme include the Motion Picture Association (Mpa), the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), and the four main...
- 7/19/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Businesses from the creative sector are to plough $29m (£17m) into skills training, boosting the UK’s total investment pot to $63m (£37m).
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest...
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest...
- 7/14/2014
- ScreenDaily
Create UK, which represents 500 creative businesses, is to plough £17m into skills training, boosting the UK’s total investment pot to $63m.
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest quality...
Businesses from the creative sector, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match the £16m fund revealed by business secretary Vince Cable earlier this month to develop and drive education and skills.
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education (DfE) have committed a further £4m.
Later today, Create UK is to outline how businesses and the government plan to collaborate to ‘maintain the UK’s position as world leader for the creative industries’ after benefiting from the investment.
The fund will deliver several ground-breaking initiatives across film, television, radio, animation, games, VFX, publishing, creative digital media, advertising, marketing, fashion and textiles.
C4 chief executive David Abraham said it was the “largest collaboration” ever achieved.
“Through this co-investment we can ensure learning and training is of the highest quality...
- 7/14/2014
- ScreenDaily
Government will match-fund industry commitments to the tune of £16m ($27.5m).
The UK government is to match-fund creative industry investment in skills training to the tune of £16m ($27.5m) as part of a new strategy unveiled today by Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The strategy, designed to grow the Creative Industries and boost skills, will see the launch of a host of new training schemes including a specialist studio management diploma run by Pinewood Studios; a Manchester-based ITV soaps training programme for new trainees working on long-running shows Coronation Street and Emmerdale; and an Oxford-based publishing training programme.
The drive, an initiative between Government and the Creative Industries Council (Cic) - a collective of creative industries executives which is co-chaired by Facebook executive Nicola Mendelsohn, Cable and Dcms Secretary Sajid Javid - follows a successful bid by creative industry employers, led by Channel 4, and skills organisation Creative Skillset.
The collective identifies five priority areas to the future...
The UK government is to match-fund creative industry investment in skills training to the tune of £16m ($27.5m) as part of a new strategy unveiled today by Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The strategy, designed to grow the Creative Industries and boost skills, will see the launch of a host of new training schemes including a specialist studio management diploma run by Pinewood Studios; a Manchester-based ITV soaps training programme for new trainees working on long-running shows Coronation Street and Emmerdale; and an Oxford-based publishing training programme.
The drive, an initiative between Government and the Creative Industries Council (Cic) - a collective of creative industries executives which is co-chaired by Facebook executive Nicola Mendelsohn, Cable and Dcms Secretary Sajid Javid - follows a successful bid by creative industry employers, led by Channel 4, and skills organisation Creative Skillset.
The collective identifies five priority areas to the future...
- 7/2/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Business secretary Vince Cable has pledged to offer greater support to the creative industries, acknowledging that it “doesn’t get the attention or the recognition it deserves” within government.
Speaking to Screen’s sister publication Broadcast during a tour of the Northern Ireland film and TV industries, the co-chair of the Creative Industries’ Council, said he was trying to identify the areas in which the government has a role to play, whether through training initiatives or access to funding.
Cable also responded to criticism that the creative industry is often ignored when it comes to major overseas trade missions.
Cable has upcoming trade visits to Russia, India and China. In an interview with Screen, the secretary said: “We’re trying to make sure the creative industries are properly represented on those visits. There are a lot of export opportunities.”
The secretary for business, skills and innovation said he was “pretty certain” that there would be a film...
Speaking to Screen’s sister publication Broadcast during a tour of the Northern Ireland film and TV industries, the co-chair of the Creative Industries’ Council, said he was trying to identify the areas in which the government has a role to play, whether through training initiatives or access to funding.
Cable also responded to criticism that the creative industry is often ignored when it comes to major overseas trade missions.
Cable has upcoming trade visits to Russia, India and China. In an interview with Screen, the secretary said: “We’re trying to make sure the creative industries are properly represented on those visits. There are a lot of export opportunities.”
The secretary for business, skills and innovation said he was “pretty certain” that there would be a film...
- 10/2/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Tory MP John Whittingdale 'unimpressed by Google's continued failure to stop directing consumers to illegal, copyright infringing material'
Google will be criticised by MPs for making "derisory" attempts to curb music and film piracy and using its "perceived power and influence" at the heart of David Cameron's government to shore up its position.
The Commons culture, media and sport select committee accused the search engine of offering the thinnest of excuses to avoid taking action against widespread piracy, a problem that the committee claimed is costing the creative industries millions of pounds in lost revenue a year.
Tory MP John Whittingdale, the chairman of the committee, said his fellow MPs were "unimpressed by Google's continued failure to stop directing consumers to illegal, copyright infringing material on the flimsy excuse that some of the sites may also host some legal content. The continuing promotion of illegal content through search engines is simply unacceptable,...
Google will be criticised by MPs for making "derisory" attempts to curb music and film piracy and using its "perceived power and influence" at the heart of David Cameron's government to shore up its position.
The Commons culture, media and sport select committee accused the search engine of offering the thinnest of excuses to avoid taking action against widespread piracy, a problem that the committee claimed is costing the creative industries millions of pounds in lost revenue a year.
Tory MP John Whittingdale, the chairman of the committee, said his fellow MPs were "unimpressed by Google's continued failure to stop directing consumers to illegal, copyright infringing material on the flimsy excuse that some of the sites may also host some legal content. The continuing promotion of illegal content through search engines is simply unacceptable,...
- 9/26/2013
- by Josh Halliday
- The Guardian - Film News
Creative Skillset is calling for more employers to adopt fair approaches to the way they recruit and pay interns as part of a campaign to promote best practice across the Creative Industries.
The campaign calls on employers to improve access and diversity in the creative workforce and advocate best practice by adopting Creative Skillset’s updated Guidelines for Employers Offering Work Placement Schemes.
Developed in consultation with employers, trade associations and unions, the guidelines were launched last night at the Opening Doors to the Creative Industries event. The evening, hosted by Mark Benson, Global MD of VFX house Mpc focussed on promoting best practice for internships.
The Creative Industries Council Skills Group (Cic) found that its lack of diversity means the creative sector risks missing out on talented individuals with the potential to drive growth. The guidelines aim to help extend opportunities for quality internships and other work placements.
The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary...
The campaign calls on employers to improve access and diversity in the creative workforce and advocate best practice by adopting Creative Skillset’s updated Guidelines for Employers Offering Work Placement Schemes.
Developed in consultation with employers, trade associations and unions, the guidelines were launched last night at the Opening Doors to the Creative Industries event. The evening, hosted by Mark Benson, Global MD of VFX house Mpc focussed on promoting best practice for internships.
The Creative Industries Council Skills Group (Cic) found that its lack of diversity means the creative sector risks missing out on talented individuals with the potential to drive growth. The guidelines aim to help extend opportunities for quality internships and other work placements.
The Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary...
- 7/5/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Trade ministers’ decision to exclude audiovisual services from EU-us free trade agreement has provoked a mixed reaction from European film-makers and politicians.
In a communique issued just hours after the announcement of the agreement on the negotiating mandate, Éric Garandeau, president of France’s Cnc, said that the decision was “a historic victory for France, for Europe, for the world”.
He added: “This historic victory has to be credited to the French Government, with the personal involvement of the President of the Republic and of the Prime Minister, and the constant commitment of two Ministers, Nicole Bricq and Aurélie Filippetti.
“But it is also the victory of filmmakers, musicians, and all people working in the cinema industry, the victory of all local and national film agencies in Europe united in the Efad network, not forgetting the massive resolution of the European Parliament.
“All of us have created a genuine holy alliance.”
The European...
In a communique issued just hours after the announcement of the agreement on the negotiating mandate, Éric Garandeau, president of France’s Cnc, said that the decision was “a historic victory for France, for Europe, for the world”.
He added: “This historic victory has to be credited to the French Government, with the personal involvement of the President of the Republic and of the Prime Minister, and the constant commitment of two Ministers, Nicole Bricq and Aurélie Filippetti.
“But it is also the victory of filmmakers, musicians, and all people working in the cinema industry, the victory of all local and national film agencies in Europe united in the Efad network, not forgetting the massive resolution of the European Parliament.
“All of us have created a genuine holy alliance.”
The European...
- 6/18/2013
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
Vince Cable has criticised the BBC's The Apprentice.
The Business Secretary and Liberal Democrat MP said that the show gives a "false impression" about what apprenticeships actually entail, The Daily Telegraph reports.
He criticised the Lord Sugar-fronted series for being more concerned with "dramatic television" than portraying realistic business.
He said: "I know that The Apprentice is designed to be dramatic television viewing but it has very little to do with apprentices - people who are doing a serious piece of vocational training.
"I worry that whatever the attractions of the programme as a piece of TV theatre, it gives people a completely false impression about what being an apprentice actually involves."
Despite Cable's reservations about The Apprentice, he did reveal that he is a fan of the BBC's other business series Dragons' Den.
He described the show as "a much more realistic way of assessing the potential of...
The Business Secretary and Liberal Democrat MP said that the show gives a "false impression" about what apprenticeships actually entail, The Daily Telegraph reports.
He criticised the Lord Sugar-fronted series for being more concerned with "dramatic television" than portraying realistic business.
He said: "I know that The Apprentice is designed to be dramatic television viewing but it has very little to do with apprentices - people who are doing a serious piece of vocational training.
"I worry that whatever the attractions of the programme as a piece of TV theatre, it gives people a completely false impression about what being an apprentice actually involves."
Despite Cable's reservations about The Apprentice, he did reveal that he is a fan of the BBC's other business series Dragons' Den.
He described the show as "a much more realistic way of assessing the potential of...
- 6/14/2013
- Digital Spy
The U.K.'s Business Secretary Vince Cable is retracting comments he made against One Direction at a news conference in central London on Monday, reports BBC News. The politician said that it was "mad" that the band members had had earned roughly $7 million each last year and called their income "grossly immoral." Cable now insists that he "misheard" the question and wasn't directing the jabs at the former X Factor contestants. "I don't want to attack One Direction, this is one particular group who are apparently very popular and very successful so I have nothing against them," Mr. Cable said. Last week, The Sunday Times released its 2013 Young...
- 4/16/2013
- E! Online
Question Time will be broadcast from St Paul's Cathedral for the first time in the programme's history.
The show will air from the historic building in the City of London on Thursday, February 21, featuring a panel including Liberal Democrat business secretary Vince Cable, Conservative politician and former deputy prime minister Lord Michael Heseltine and Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.
© Pa Images / Mentorn Media / BBC Scotland
"We're delighted to be producing the programme from St Paul's, and I am sure the quality and passion of the debate will match the sublime setting," said Question Time editor Nicolai Gentchev.
"The site of the Cathedral is one of London's oldest places of debate, and we hope it will inspire our audience and panel."
Gentchev also promised that "other new locations" for Question Time would be announced later in the year.
© Pa Images / Anthony Devlin / Pa Wire
© Pa Images...
The show will air from the historic building in the City of London on Thursday, February 21, featuring a panel including Liberal Democrat business secretary Vince Cable, Conservative politician and former deputy prime minister Lord Michael Heseltine and Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.
© Pa Images / Mentorn Media / BBC Scotland
"We're delighted to be producing the programme from St Paul's, and I am sure the quality and passion of the debate will match the sublime setting," said Question Time editor Nicolai Gentchev.
"The site of the Cathedral is one of London's oldest places of debate, and we hope it will inspire our audience and panel."
Gentchev also promised that "other new locations" for Question Time would be announced later in the year.
© Pa Images / Anthony Devlin / Pa Wire
© Pa Images...
- 2/4/2013
- Digital Spy
The UK government has amended the law so people can legally back up copyrighted content they have purchased. British residents can now make digital copies of music, movies and ebooks for their own personal usage without risk of reprimand. However, it remains illegal to remove the technical protection method (Tpm) from any copyrighted content, so a barrier remains in place where a wealth of content is concerned. The coalition also declared that storing purchased material on cloud storage services is also legal, rejecting claims from some licence holders that this could be considered a form of piracy. Business secretary Vince Cable said (more)...
- 12/21/2012
- by By Mark Langshaw
- Digital Spy
The crème of the Asian community has been shortlisted and this year’s nominees announced for the coveted Asian Achievers Awards 2012. Taking place on 14th September at Grosvenor House Hotel, the Asian Achievers Awards will recognise the outstanding work of individuals from across all businesses and professions and acknowledge the accomplishments of the finest of the UK’s Asian community.
Hosted by Asian Business Publications Ltd (Abpl), the event is now into its 12th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever before as 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the publishing group’s iconic newspapers, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The esteemed award ceremony will be interspersed with a line-up of world-class entertainment, a sumptuous dinner and charity auction in aid of The Sarvam Trust, an Ngo that assists the integral development of rural India, including education for children. Their aim is to make villages across India self...
Hosted by Asian Business Publications Ltd (Abpl), the event is now into its 12th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever before as 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the publishing group’s iconic newspapers, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The esteemed award ceremony will be interspersed with a line-up of world-class entertainment, a sumptuous dinner and charity auction in aid of The Sarvam Trust, an Ngo that assists the integral development of rural India, including education for children. Their aim is to make villages across India self...
- 8/15/2012
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
“The bastard banks… £50 billion, how can you lose £50 billion and still pay bonuses?”
Dave Fishwick summed up the problem thus - £50 billion quid gone missing and banks continuing to pay their bonuses while stopping handing out any more money to the little people, leading to unemployment and decline among many areas of Britain, including Dave's beloved Burnley.
Dave Fishwick decided to take on the big boys and start his own bank
The solution – a simple one. Dave would open his own bank, return people 5% on their savings, lend money to local people, and give the profits to charity. Fine – so what shall we do After lunch?
Dave wasn't exactly driving around in a Morris Minor himself – was that a helicopter in the garage? – so we just had to take his word for it that he was committed to helping the little man, and – let's face it – there aren't many people with the combination of brains,...
Dave Fishwick summed up the problem thus - £50 billion quid gone missing and banks continuing to pay their bonuses while stopping handing out any more money to the little people, leading to unemployment and decline among many areas of Britain, including Dave's beloved Burnley.
Dave Fishwick decided to take on the big boys and start his own bank
The solution – a simple one. Dave would open his own bank, return people 5% on their savings, lend money to local people, and give the profits to charity. Fine – so what shall we do After lunch?
Dave wasn't exactly driving around in a Morris Minor himself – was that a helicopter in the garage? – so we just had to take his word for it that he was committed to helping the little man, and – let's face it – there aren't many people with the combination of brains,...
- 7/19/2012
- by Caroline Frost
- Aol TV.
London - British business secretary Vince Cable said here Wednesday that he faced "veiled threats" during his review of the play by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. for full control of U.K. pay TV giant BSkyB. Appearing at the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics, he said that the threats suggested that if he made the "wrong" decision on the proposed deal, which was later scrapped amid the phone hacking scandal, "my party [the Liberal Democrats] would be, I think somebody used the phrase, done over" by News Corp. newspapers. The politician didn't provide definite proof though. Asked who had made the
read more...
read more...
- 5/30/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nominations are now open for the public to nominate local heroes and inspiring members of their communities for the esteemed Asian Achievers Awards 2012. Taking place on 14th September at Grosvenor House Hotel, the Asian Achievers Awards will recognise the outstanding work of individuals from across all businesses and professions and acknowledge the accomplishments of the finest of the UK’s Asian community.
Hosted by Asian Business Publications Ltd (Abpl), the event is now into its 12th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever before as 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the publishing group’s iconic newspapers, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The ceremony will welcome a who’s who of high profile dignitaries, cross party politicians, celebrities and high achievers from the Asian community. Previous attendees include: Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable, Tony Blair, Jack Straw and David Blunkett.
The Asian Achievers Awards salute individuals who are...
Hosted by Asian Business Publications Ltd (Abpl), the event is now into its 12th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever before as 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the publishing group’s iconic newspapers, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The ceremony will welcome a who’s who of high profile dignitaries, cross party politicians, celebrities and high achievers from the Asian community. Previous attendees include: Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable, Tony Blair, Jack Straw and David Blunkett.
The Asian Achievers Awards salute individuals who are...
- 5/5/2012
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
Agreed sale will see the studios' work continue and all jobs saved, say administrators
Campaigners attempting to avert the closure of Twickenham Film Studios are holding their breath after it was announced on Tuesday that a sale had been agreed to save the site, but the buyer's identity would remain secret until the deal had gone through.
Gerald Krasner, administrator for the studios, said: "It is the purchaser's intention to continue to trade as studios and to preserve all the jobs." He said the buyer had handed over a non-returnable deposit of £100,000, but would not reveal the full purchase price.
Protests erupted in February when it was announced that the venerable studio complex, one year away from its centenary, was to be sold to property developers.
Protesters were particularly incensed that no apparent effort had been made to market the site as a studio, as planning regulations state is necessary,...
Campaigners attempting to avert the closure of Twickenham Film Studios are holding their breath after it was announced on Tuesday that a sale had been agreed to save the site, but the buyer's identity would remain secret until the deal had gone through.
Gerald Krasner, administrator for the studios, said: "It is the purchaser's intention to continue to trade as studios and to preserve all the jobs." He said the buyer had handed over a non-returnable deposit of £100,000, but would not reveal the full purchase price.
Protests erupted in February when it was announced that the venerable studio complex, one year away from its centenary, was to be sold to property developers.
Protesters were particularly incensed that no apparent effort had been made to market the site as a studio, as planning regulations state is necessary,...
- 4/25/2012
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Stars join campaign to save stricken studio.
Steven Spielberg, Colin Firth and Julie Walters are among the stars lending their support to a campaign to save the threatened Twickenham Studios. And now, two weeks after the deadline for local objections closed, local MP Vince Cable has agreed to press the matter with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
The government has previously said that it is unable to intervene in the Twickenham case but ongoing pressure, including protests from actors' union Equity and London Mep Mary Honeyball, may yet change that. A petition to save the...
Steven Spielberg, Colin Firth and Julie Walters are among the stars lending their support to a campaign to save the threatened Twickenham Studios. And now, two weeks after the deadline for local objections closed, local MP Vince Cable has agreed to press the matter with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
The government has previously said that it is unable to intervene in the Twickenham case but ongoing pressure, including protests from actors' union Equity and London Mep Mary Honeyball, may yet change that. A petition to save the...
- 4/8/2012
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Oliver Laughland on the people and stories in the media spotlight over the last seven days
The story
No news in Brum
It's not often that political correspondents warrant the pity of the general public, but the thought that the highlight of a five-day stay at a conference centre in Brum is a keynote speech by Nick Clegg does induce some degree of sympathy. With the sum total of original policy announcements countable on a single row of fingers, it's a wonder that the conference managed to make it onto the news agenda at all (making the fact we've dubbed it "the story" a contradiction in terms). Nonetheless, if vacuous sloganeering is your bag, you'll probably have enjoyed Vince Cable's call for "responsible capitalism", Chris Huhne's decision to "get tough" on the energy industry and, our personal favourite, Clegg's "not easy, but right" nugget.
The stat
5996
… metres per...
The story
No news in Brum
It's not often that political correspondents warrant the pity of the general public, but the thought that the highlight of a five-day stay at a conference centre in Brum is a keynote speech by Nick Clegg does induce some degree of sympathy. With the sum total of original policy announcements countable on a single row of fingers, it's a wonder that the conference managed to make it onto the news agenda at all (making the fact we've dubbed it "the story" a contradiction in terms). Nonetheless, if vacuous sloganeering is your bag, you'll probably have enjoyed Vince Cable's call for "responsible capitalism", Chris Huhne's decision to "get tough" on the energy industry and, our personal favourite, Clegg's "not easy, but right" nugget.
The stat
5996
… metres per...
- 9/23/2011
- by Oliver Laughland
- The Guardian - Film News
The creative industries need a proper strategy that would not favour film over music or computer games
If you have been listening to Radio 1 any time recently, Example is the rapper who has "never been afraid of the highest heights", which is useful enough when you've had a number one hit that has sold 1.7m copies this year. Contrary, perhaps, to received thinking about the state of the music market this is not a freak hit either; the all-digital singles market is booming – single sales are up 10% so far in 2011 (on top of a 10% improvement the year before), according to the record counters at the Official Chart Company.
So much for the impact of piracy – and singles are a cleaner business with lower overheads than albums, which must be promoted and marketed heavily. For singles, an artist and their record company can rely on radio airplay to do the job for free.
If you have been listening to Radio 1 any time recently, Example is the rapper who has "never been afraid of the highest heights", which is useful enough when you've had a number one hit that has sold 1.7m copies this year. Contrary, perhaps, to received thinking about the state of the music market this is not a freak hit either; the all-digital singles market is booming – single sales are up 10% so far in 2011 (on top of a 10% improvement the year before), according to the record counters at the Official Chart Company.
So much for the impact of piracy – and singles are a cleaner business with lower overheads than albums, which must be promoted and marketed heavily. For singles, an artist and their record company can rely on radio airplay to do the job for free.
- 8/7/2011
- by Dan Sabbagh
- The Guardian - Film News
This and more important news from your Fast Company editors, with updates all day.
Facebook's Director of Marketing, Randi Zuckerberg, Gives Notice. On Wednesday, @RandiZuckerberg sent out a Tweet: "It is with mixed emotions that I announced my departure from Facebook today to launch my own initiative. More info soon..." AllThingsD reported that her new venture will be a kind of social media consultancy, RtoZMedia.
China's Got A Self-Driving Car Too. China's been quietly developing its own near-production-grade fully autonomous car--something akin to Google's amazing effort--for some time, and just the other day they gave it a fully fledged test. Under its own power, the car started, navigated its way along roads and highways for 286 kilometers before stopping itself at its destination, all without a human at the controls. Even more interestingly, the hardware and artificial intelligence used sensors and scanners only, without any Gps, to navigate...demonstrating true "real time" reactions,...
Facebook's Director of Marketing, Randi Zuckerberg, Gives Notice. On Wednesday, @RandiZuckerberg sent out a Tweet: "It is with mixed emotions that I announced my departure from Facebook today to launch my own initiative. More info soon..." AllThingsD reported that her new venture will be a kind of social media consultancy, RtoZMedia.
China's Got A Self-Driving Car Too. China's been quietly developing its own near-production-grade fully autonomous car--something akin to Google's amazing effort--for some time, and just the other day they gave it a fully fledged test. Under its own power, the car started, navigated its way along roads and highways for 286 kilometers before stopping itself at its destination, all without a human at the controls. Even more interestingly, the hardware and artificial intelligence used sensors and scanners only, without any Gps, to navigate...demonstrating true "real time" reactions,...
- 8/4/2011
- by Kit Eaton
- Fast Company
Business secretary Vince Cable says site blocking is too cumbersome and unworkable, and work is being done on other ways to tackle online copyright infringement
Vince Cable on Wednesday scrapped plans to introduce the blocking of illegal filesharing websites, arguing the scheme proposed by last year's Digital Economy Act is too cumbersome and unworkable, but said that some form of plan to bring down piracy sites is still being worked on.
A consultation document, launched by Cable, said that ministers intend to do more work on what other measures can be pursued to tackle online copyright infringement in an effort to stop widespread music piracy, which is increasingly spreading to television and film.
The business secretary said that people will also be able to make copies of music and other media for personal use, confirming well-leaked plans to relax the current law that makes it illegal to copy the contents...
Vince Cable on Wednesday scrapped plans to introduce the blocking of illegal filesharing websites, arguing the scheme proposed by last year's Digital Economy Act is too cumbersome and unworkable, but said that some form of plan to bring down piracy sites is still being worked on.
A consultation document, launched by Cable, said that ministers intend to do more work on what other measures can be pursued to tackle online copyright infringement in an effort to stop widespread music piracy, which is increasingly spreading to television and film.
The business secretary said that people will also be able to make copies of music and other media for personal use, confirming well-leaked plans to relax the current law that makes it illegal to copy the contents...
- 8/3/2011
- by Mark Sweney
- The Guardian - Film News
Film and music industry bodies warn government it must move to implement efficient system to target pirate websites
Leading trade bodies for the film and music industries have warned the government that it must move quickly to implement an effective system to crack down on pirate websites, after Vince Cable announced that plans to block illegal file-sharing websites have been scrapped.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of music industry body the BPI, said the government must urgently broker a deal between internet companies and rights holders to implement a fast-track procedure to crackdown on piracy or "a failure to do so will see some of this country's world-leading industries irreparably damaged on this government's watch".
"Every day blatantly illegal foreign sites flout our laws, rip off consumers and musicians and wreak huge damage on our creative sector," he said. "Government must now act urgently to put in place effective means to protect consumers,...
Leading trade bodies for the film and music industries have warned the government that it must move quickly to implement an effective system to crack down on pirate websites, after Vince Cable announced that plans to block illegal file-sharing websites have been scrapped.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of music industry body the BPI, said the government must urgently broker a deal between internet companies and rights holders to implement a fast-track procedure to crackdown on piracy or "a failure to do so will see some of this country's world-leading industries irreparably damaged on this government's watch".
"Every day blatantly illegal foreign sites flout our laws, rip off consumers and musicians and wreak huge damage on our creative sector," he said. "Government must now act urgently to put in place effective means to protect consumers,...
- 8/3/2011
- by Mark Sweney
- The Guardian - Film News
The UK government has proposed plans to update its copyright laws. The move includes lifting the illegal status of copying purchased CDs and DVDs to a different format for use on a laptop or MP3 player. Business Secretary Vince Cable backed the proposals, calling the country's current restrictions "archaic", reports Sky News. The new laws will allow consumers to transfer music or film material and make extra copies for their immediate family's personal use. Copyright lawyer Adam Morallee agreed with the proposed plans, saying that the law is merely catching up with what is already in practice. "It really does have to catch up and look at what's happening. The people who operate the fast sharing sites are miles ahead of the where the legislators are," he said. Sharing copied data across the internet would remain (more)...
- 8/3/2011
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
Newspaper groups and telco BT have written to members of the UK parliament in hope of derailing Rupert Murdoch’s takeover of pay-tv giant BSkyB. Rival owners of the Daily Mail, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and others are urging MPs to lobby Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, whom they hope might be persuaded to do a U-turn and refer News Corp.’s bid for the 61% of BSkyB it does not already own to the anti-trust regulator. Liberal Democrat MPs in particular are being targeted as they are the junior members in the ruling Coalition; their senior figure, Vince Cable, was ousted from the job of deciding the deal after telling two undercover newspaper reporters that he had “declared war on Mr. Murdoch." In their letter, News Corp.’s rivals set out a battery of complaints about the conglomerate's offer to spin off news channel Sky News into a separate company.
- 3/14/2011
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
Innovation is at the top of agendas for governments in the U.S. and U.K. Now the U.K. has sprung into action again with its $82 million Growth and Innovation Fund (Gif), launched today to help businesses drive economic growth in the U.K.
“This government understands that to rebalance and grow our economy, we need to tackle the skills shortages that hold companies back. Through this fund, we will support employers that take collective action to overcome these blockages to expansion, said Secretary of State Vince Cable. “By putting the employer voice at the heart of the process, we will reward inventive approaches to training that deliver real help to get business moving.”
The focus of the investment is on advancing the breadth of skills of the U.K. workforce--the thinking is that more competent and knowledgeable workers will lead to more experimentation and innovation.
“Government investment in...
“This government understands that to rebalance and grow our economy, we need to tackle the skills shortages that hold companies back. Through this fund, we will support employers that take collective action to overcome these blockages to expansion, said Secretary of State Vince Cable. “By putting the employer voice at the heart of the process, we will reward inventive approaches to training that deliver real help to get business moving.”
The focus of the investment is on advancing the breadth of skills of the U.K. workforce--the thinking is that more competent and knowledgeable workers will lead to more experimentation and innovation.
“Government investment in...
- 3/7/2011
- by Jenara Nerenberg
- Fast Company
Second son of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York leaves Crossrail Headquarters in Canada Square in London, on 7 March 2011. Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew over his trade envoy role for Britain amid claims he has become "a national embarrassment". The business secretary, Vince Cable, said the prince would have to judge whether he should carry on as UK trade envoy following further revelations over the weekend about his controversial dealings with discredited business figures Epa/Facundo Arrizabalaga With head bowed, the second son of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York arrives at Crossrail Headquarters in Canada Square in London, 7 March 2011. Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew over his...
- 3/7/2011
- by M&C
- Monsters and Critics
The media mogul may be all smiles at Wednesday's launch for his iPad newspaper, The Daily, but he's depressed about his suddenly shaky prospects for gaining total control of something much more important-the $12 billion BSkyB. Howard Kurtz reports.
Controversy swirls around Rupert Murdoch like a cloud, from thunderclaps of overheated rhetoric at Fox News to the phone-hacking scandal at News of the World. But the 79-year-old mogul has a way of getting what he wants.
Related story on The Daily Beast: America's Proud Egypt Moment
The journalistic establishment was aghast when Murdoch tried to buy New York magazine in the 1970s, the Times of London and Sunday Times in the 1980s, and The Wall Street Journal four years ago. In each case, the billionaire prevailed.
Murdoch's latest target is total control of British Sky Broadcasting, which would enable him to tighten his grip on the U.K.'s media machinery.
Controversy swirls around Rupert Murdoch like a cloud, from thunderclaps of overheated rhetoric at Fox News to the phone-hacking scandal at News of the World. But the 79-year-old mogul has a way of getting what he wants.
Related story on The Daily Beast: America's Proud Egypt Moment
The journalistic establishment was aghast when Murdoch tried to buy New York magazine in the 1970s, the Times of London and Sunday Times in the 1980s, and The Wall Street Journal four years ago. In each case, the billionaire prevailed.
Murdoch's latest target is total control of British Sky Broadcasting, which would enable him to tighten his grip on the U.K.'s media machinery.
- 2/2/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
New York – Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. has told the U.K. government that it may be willing to make a concession, such as selling BSkyB's Sky News, to seal a deal to take full control of U.K. pay TV operator BSkyB, the Financial Times reported Thursday.
U.K. broadcast regulator Ofcom has recommended that the government refer the takeover bid to the Competition Commission, arguing that it could reduce the diversity of news provision, which could cause a lengthy regulatory review, according to the paper.
Britain’s business secretary Vince Cable recently told undercover reporters that he has “declared war” on Murdoch and that he expects to block News Corp.’s bid to take over the company, in which it already owns a 39 percent stake.
Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt told members of parliament on Thursday that the BSkyB decision could have real repercussions.
“This is not a decision...
U.K. broadcast regulator Ofcom has recommended that the government refer the takeover bid to the Competition Commission, arguing that it could reduce the diversity of news provision, which could cause a lengthy regulatory review, according to the paper.
Britain’s business secretary Vince Cable recently told undercover reporters that he has “declared war” on Murdoch and that he expects to block News Corp.’s bid to take over the company, in which it already owns a 39 percent stake.
Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt told members of parliament on Thursday that the BSkyB decision could have real repercussions.
“This is not a decision...
- 1/20/2011
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Simon Cowell has hit out at a Facebook campaign which aims to end his ten-year rule as prime minister. The music impresario-turned-politician took control of the country in the snap-election following Vince Cable's so-called "nuclear" walkout from the Conservative/Lib Dem government in February 2011. Cowell's ruling SyCoalition party have swept to landslide victories in the past two general elections, although critics have complained that his weekly four-hour TV broadcasts in the six months running up to the poll have given him an unfair advantage. Speaking at a press conference before the Red Button vote opens in the 2021 General Election, the prime minister dismissed those who oppose his third term as "mean-spirited" and "cynical". (more)...
- 12/28/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
City and media analysts agree that it’s almost certain News Corp will now get approval to buy the 61% of BSkyB it doesn’t own. The deal would cement Rupert Murdoch’s position as the most powerful media magnate in the world. Investec Securities, the investment bank, says it’s now 90% certain the deal will go ahead. Credit Suisse puts the likelihood even higher at 95%. BSkyB’s share price rose by 2% today in the wake of UK business secretary Vince Cable, the man who was supposed to have final veto over the deal, being stripped of his media powers. Brit TV and radio news bulletins have been about little else. Investment bank Nomura says Cable’s removal represents a “big step forward” for News Corp. Cable told 2 undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph newspaper that he had “declared war” on Murdoch. Cable was supposed to be impartial when weighing evidence...
- 12/22/2010
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
Jeremy Hunt, the UK culture secretary – and a man known to be sympathetic to the Murdoch media empire – will now decide whether News Corp’s £7.8 billion ($12.5 billion) takeover of BSkyB gets referred to the Competition Commission. Business secretary Vince Cable disqualified himself from the role this afternoon after telling 2 undercover newspaper reporters that he had “declared war on Mr Murdoch and I think we are going to win”. Prime minister David Cameron called Cable’s views on Rupert Murdoch “completely unacceptable”. The BBC has been leaked the full transcript of Cable’s secret taped conversation with the Daily Telegraph reporters. Ofcom is investigating the bid on the grounds of protecting a diversity of voices. It’s not meant to be political. Cable went on: "His whole empire is now under attack... So there are things like that we do in government, that we can't do... all we can do in opposition is protest.
- 12/21/2010
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
London – British Business Secretary Vince Cable has been stripped of his responsibilities to decide the outcome of News Corp's $12 billion bid for BSkyB after he told undercover reporters that he had "declared war" on Rupert Murdoch and would block the deal.
After a turbulent day in British politics, Prime Minister David Cameron said late Tuesday that Cable will remain in the Cabinet, but that Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will now oversee the remainder of the process and make the final decision on the deal.
Cameron branded Cable's comments "totally unacceptable and inappropriate" and said that Cable would play "no further part" in the process.
"Following comments made by Vince Cable to the Daily Telegraph, the prime minister has decided that he will play no further part in the decision over News Corporation's proposed takeover of BSkyB," a Downing Street spokesman said.
"In addition, all responsibility for competition and policy issues relating to media,...
After a turbulent day in British politics, Prime Minister David Cameron said late Tuesday that Cable will remain in the Cabinet, but that Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt will now oversee the remainder of the process and make the final decision on the deal.
Cameron branded Cable's comments "totally unacceptable and inappropriate" and said that Cable would play "no further part" in the process.
"Following comments made by Vince Cable to the Daily Telegraph, the prime minister has decided that he will play no further part in the decision over News Corporation's proposed takeover of BSkyB," a Downing Street spokesman said.
"In addition, all responsibility for competition and policy issues relating to media,...
- 12/21/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
You may have just tuned into this year’s Strictly Come Dancing final, but fear not, there will be one more instalment of the BBC dance extravaganza before the year is out!
Before the withdrawal symptoms even get a chance to set in, Strictly will return for a one-off Christmas Special, jam packed with five brand new celebrities to bring you cheer this festive season.
The five star line up includes television presenter Fern Britton and her partner Matthew Cutler, legendary EastEnders’ lynchpin Dot Branning (nee Cotton) actress June Brown and her partner Vincent Simone, comedy actress Ronni Ancona and her partner Anton du Beke, stage and screen star John Barrowman and his partner Kristina Rihanoff, and completing our fabulous five is The Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP and partner Erin Boag. Tune in Christmas Day at 7pm, BBC One and BBC One HD to see who will be crowned Christmas dance champions.
Before the withdrawal symptoms even get a chance to set in, Strictly will return for a one-off Christmas Special, jam packed with five brand new celebrities to bring you cheer this festive season.
The five star line up includes television presenter Fern Britton and her partner Matthew Cutler, legendary EastEnders’ lynchpin Dot Branning (nee Cotton) actress June Brown and her partner Vincent Simone, comedy actress Ronni Ancona and her partner Anton du Beke, stage and screen star John Barrowman and his partner Kristina Rihanoff, and completing our fabulous five is The Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP and partner Erin Boag. Tune in Christmas Day at 7pm, BBC One and BBC One HD to see who will be crowned Christmas dance champions.
- 12/18/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Ann Widdecombe would find appearing on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ “undignified” if she was still an MP.
The former Conservative minister – who is paired with professional dancer Anton Du Beke on this year’s show – feels “entitled to have fun” at this stage in her life.
In a veiled dig at Lib Dem Minister Vince Cable, who has signed up to appear on the Christmas special, Ann said: “Some people ask me whether I think it’s all a bit undignified and, yes it would be if was still a serving MP but I’m not, I have retired and I’m entitled to have fun at this point.”
Despite being on the receiving end of Craig Revel Horwood’s harsh comments about her dancing abilities, Ann admitted the acid-tongued judge is actually “very encouraging” towards her behind the scenes of the BBC One show.
She explained: “In private he’s very encouraging.
The former Conservative minister – who is paired with professional dancer Anton Du Beke on this year’s show – feels “entitled to have fun” at this stage in her life.
In a veiled dig at Lib Dem Minister Vince Cable, who has signed up to appear on the Christmas special, Ann said: “Some people ask me whether I think it’s all a bit undignified and, yes it would be if was still a serving MP but I’m not, I have retired and I’m entitled to have fun at this point.”
Despite being on the receiving end of Craig Revel Horwood’s harsh comments about her dancing abilities, Ann admitted the acid-tongued judge is actually “very encouraging” towards her behind the scenes of the BBC One show.
She explained: “In private he’s very encouraging.
- 11/22/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
James Murdoch has warned the UK government that News Corp could move overseas if the regulator blocks its £7.8 billion ($12.5 billion) bid for BSkyB. News Corp’s European and Asian boss made the veiled threat talking to investment bank analysts in Barcelona. The government must decide whether it wants to risk “jeopardising an £8 billion investment in the UK” with a prolonged investigation, Murdoch said, noting that News Corp could relocate some of its most innovative projects to more “welcoming” countries if the UK blocks its bid for BSkyB. “From India to Italy and to Germany, countries are becoming more welcoming of investment and more welcoming of what we can bring,” Murdoch said. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, has referred News Corp’s bid to take 100% control of the broadcaster to Ofcom, the UK equivalent of the FCC, on grounds that the deal would give Rupert Murdoch’s media giant too much control of British media.
- 11/18/2010
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
Eastenders actress June Brown has become the latest star to sign up for the Christmas Special of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Vince Cable and John Barrowman have already revealed that they will trip the light fantastic on the festive episode and at 82 years old June, most famous for playing Dot Branning on the BBC soap, will be the oldest contestant ever to compete on the show.
She told The Sun:
She said: “I’m terrified and apprehensive about what I’ve let myself in for.
“I must be barmy and I’m not sure what’s come over me. I just hope I can remember the steps to the routines. I’m looking forward to working with the professional dancers and the other contestants.”...
Vince Cable and John Barrowman have already revealed that they will trip the light fantastic on the festive episode and at 82 years old June, most famous for playing Dot Branning on the BBC soap, will be the oldest contestant ever to compete on the show.
She told The Sun:
She said: “I’m terrified and apprehensive about what I’ve let myself in for.
“I must be barmy and I’m not sure what’s come over me. I just hope I can remember the steps to the routines. I’m looking forward to working with the professional dancers and the other contestants.”...
- 11/18/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
EastEnders actress June Brown has admitted that she is terrified about the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Brown is among the names confirmed for the festive special, which will also include Fern Britton, John Barrowman and Vince Cable MP hitting the dancefloor. The 83-year-old soap star will be the oldest ever contestant on the BBC One reality show and is to be partnered by Italian pro Vincent (more)...
- 11/18/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The five celebrities taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special have been revealed. Following on from the announcements that The Rt Hon Vince Cable MP and Torchwood's John Barrowman would be taking part, three final names have been added to the bill. Ex-This Morning host Fern Britton will be dancing with Matthew Cutler, EastEnders icon June Brown will partner Vincent Simone and comedian Ronni Ancona is teamed up with Anton Du Beke. Barrowman will hit the dancefloor with Kristina Rihanoff, while Cable is partnered by Erin Boag. All five celebrities will perform different dances for the Strictly judges and studio audience in the hope of winning a new Christmas Special trophy. Speaking about her decision to sign up for the reality show, Britton said: "Strictly Come Dancing is my family's favourite (more)...
- 11/18/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Ann Widdecombe may have sparked a trend in politicians appearing on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The former Conservative minister has proved hugely popular with the public despite receiving consistently negative comments from the judging panel, and now will see business secretary Vince Cable follow in her footsteps.
Dr. Cable – who will be partnered by professional dancer Erin Boag – has confirmed he is to appear in the Christmas special of the BBC One show.
He said: “I have had a couple of practice sessions with Erin, who is absolutely gorgeous and a great teacher. I am looking forward to it.
“I have done social dancing as it’s my hobby, but she is hopefully taking me to a much higher level.”
The 67-year-old politician and the brunette beauty – whose professional partner is Ann’s mentor Anton Du Beke – will perform the American Smooth in the Christmas special, which will be pre-recorded and air during the festive season.
The former Conservative minister has proved hugely popular with the public despite receiving consistently negative comments from the judging panel, and now will see business secretary Vince Cable follow in her footsteps.
Dr. Cable – who will be partnered by professional dancer Erin Boag – has confirmed he is to appear in the Christmas special of the BBC One show.
He said: “I have had a couple of practice sessions with Erin, who is absolutely gorgeous and a great teacher. I am looking forward to it.
“I have done social dancing as it’s my hobby, but she is hopefully taking me to a much higher level.”
The 67-year-old politician and the brunette beauty – whose professional partner is Ann’s mentor Anton Du Beke – will perform the American Smooth in the Christmas special, which will be pre-recorded and air during the festive season.
- 11/17/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
BSkyB chairman James Murdoch has warned the British government against not backing News Corp.’s bid for the 61% of BSkyB it does not own.
Speaking at an investor conference in Barcelona, Murdoch – who is chief executive and chairman of News Corp.’s Europe and Asian businesses -- said the government should back the takeover or face losing Sky’s continued investment in the U.K.
“I think from a policy perspective, the government really needs to assess the benefits of having a digital TV business that is a world leader, really centred in the UK marketplace with all of the things that it brings, versus potentially jeopardising an £8 billion investment in the U.K. with a prolonged plurality process,” he said, speaking at the Morgan Stanley Tmt conference in the Spanish city.
“Governments around the world need to think about what investment in the media sector brings,” Mr Murdoch said.
Speaking at an investor conference in Barcelona, Murdoch – who is chief executive and chairman of News Corp.’s Europe and Asian businesses -- said the government should back the takeover or face losing Sky’s continued investment in the U.K.
“I think from a policy perspective, the government really needs to assess the benefits of having a digital TV business that is a world leader, really centred in the UK marketplace with all of the things that it brings, versus potentially jeopardising an £8 billion investment in the U.K. with a prolonged plurality process,” he said, speaking at the Morgan Stanley Tmt conference in the Spanish city.
“Governments around the world need to think about what investment in the media sector brings,” Mr Murdoch said.
- 11/17/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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