Media in Manchester [Archive] - Page 2

jrb

April 20th, 2007, 09:06 PM

They giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other.

Beeb's religious TV show ax

TELEVISION staff are furious at the decision to axe Manchester-based BBC1 Sunday morning show Heaven and Earth.

The live topical religious series, hosted by Gloria Hunniford from the BBC's Oxford Road HQ, will end later this year after almost a decade on screen.

It will be replaced by two new programmes made by independent companies based in Leeds and Oxford.

Members of the broadcasting union Bectu, working at BBC Religion in Manchester which produces Heaven and Earth, have been angered by the move.

There are also concerns that jobs could be lost as about 20 staff work on the programme, which attracts an average audience of just under a million viewers every week.

Union official Luke Crawley said: "The BBC's claimed commitment to Manchester is seriously undermined by this move. The two production companies are based in Oxford and Leeds, so it is unclear what work will remain in the north west."

He added: "The success of Heaven and Earth shows that BBC staff can make high-quality and successful religious shows. It makes no sense to make these programmes outside.

"The financial case is also weak given that the independent companies will be creaming off profits rather than spending all of the programme budget on the programme."

But BBC Daytime controller Jay Hunt defended the decision, saying: "We've taken the opportunity to introduce some brave new ideas to Sunday mornings on BBC1.

"Both are creatively strong and it will be fascinating to see what our audience thinks of them."

TV bosses are also said to believe that ratings in the 10am Sunday slot could be better and want to try out new ideas.

Oxford-based Heart And Soul - a multi-faith programme featuring a panel and a studio audience - will be the first replacement from September.

That will be followed in 2008 by another new series called Life From The Loft, made by Leeds-based independent True North. A magazine show broadcast from Bradford, it will examine `the defining issues of our age'.

Commissioning editor Adam Kemp said: "Religious programmes at the BBC are undergoing an exciting change and the fact that two new shows will be appearing in this important daytime slot underlines our commitment to this genre."

flange

April 20th, 2007, 10:22 PM

Ship canal heads for stardom

SOME of the north west's most valuable and recognisable landmarks are set for prominent screen roles.

Keen to lend a hand to TV and film makers searching for exciting new locations, property giant Peel Holdings has decided to offer its portfolio for use as a backdrop.

It means that landmarks such as the £1bn Trafford Centre and Manchester Ship Canal could soon be written into a diverse array of drama productions.

The red tape involved in arranging location filming has previously left Peel reticent about getting involved in TV productions.

But the £2bn company, owned by Bury-born tycoon John Whittaker, is now developer of the mediacity:uk site at Salford Quays which will soon become home to five BBC departments and a raft of complementary production companies.

The site will one day serve as a home to media types from across the world and Peel wants to make sure that they will feel welcome.

Other Peel locations which might now feature on the small screen and at the cinema include Barton Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and parts of Castlefield, including the white bridge outside Barca.

Media moves

Its portfolio also includes the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and Clydeport, as well as 25,000 acres of undeveloped land.

Peel has already made its first move into the world of media with a joint venture studio facility known as The Pie Factory .

It stands in one corner of the mediacity:uk site and is managed by well-known media industry figures Andy and Janet Sumner.

Andy says: "This is a really positive step and will be very helpful for people who wish to make television and films in the north west.

"Peel has some magnificent locations in the north west which would look absolutely stunning on screen.

"I think this is a really exciting development. Anyone who would like to film on Peel property should get in touch."

flange

April 24th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Shameless moves to new home

FRANK Gallagher and the residents of TV's Chatsworth Estate know, first and foremost, how to throw a party.

So it was champagne all round in The Jockey with filming about to start on a fifth series of Manchester hit Shameless - in a new location.

And to mark the move, creator Paul Abbott and star of the show David Threlfall laid their hands in cement - with David giving his character Frank's customary two-fingered gesture.

Paul also had more sparkling news as he revealed that Hollywood star Woody Harrelson is in talks to play layabout Frank in an American re-make of the Channel 4 hit.

It is set to be produced by the makers of ER and The West Wing.

But Paul, who has written the first script and will be the executive producer, admitted some lines would have to be watered down for American viewers.

He also told how Life on Mars star John Simm, Little Britain's Matt Lucas and State of Play's Bill Nighy had asked to play guest roles in the original Manchester version.

"We had to turn them down," explained Paul. "We don't need to use them."

While it will look the same on screen, Frank's Manchester home and the rest of the estate have moved.

A new £250,000 purpose-built exterior set and studio complex in Wythenshawe were opened yesterday by actor David in character as Frank, and writer Paul, watched by the rest of the cast.

The award-winning series was previously filmed on location in West Gorton with the studio sets inside a Salford warehouse.

Tour

Yesterday the MEN was given a tour of the new Chatsworth estate, which includes an exact replica of The Jockey pub - called The Wellington in real life - as well as council streets, shops and the homes of the main characters.

It took a team of 20 some 90 days to build the new 66,000 sq ft Shameless estate, designed to last several years.

A tonne of rubbish was collected to make the estate look lived in and natural yoghurt was spread on the roofs of the buildings to look like bird droppings.

Official Manchester City Council plant troughs were bought - but filled with rubbish, not plants.

Producers Company Pictures have signed a five-year deal worth more than £1.2m to lease the former Umbro building, now known as the Aviator Building, on the Roundthorn industrial estate near Wythenshawe Hospital. It will provide 48,000 sq ft of warehouse space and 18,000 sq ft of office accommodation.

The new location means the number of episodes in each series can be doubled from eight to 16.

"I'd like it to be on every week," added Paul.

Challenge

Manchester-raised star David said the expansion of the series was a challenge the cast wanted to meet. "It's a grand televisual experiment," he said.

David, who will also direct four of the new episodes, added: "I hope Shameless will continue to surprise people. We're all very excited by the new set.

"It looks exactly the same as West Gorton and we will still go out on location for certain shots."

The actor, who grew up in Blackley and Burnage, said he loved Frank but wouldn't want to live next door to him.

Asked how much longer he planned to stay with the series, he joked: "Until the drugs wear off - no, until it stops being fun."

Manchester-based Paul insisted the quality of the hit show would not be diluted. "We plan to make it better and better."

The new series, which will be screened early in 2008, sees Frank fathering another Gallagher baby, with partner Monica (Annabelle Apsion) taking a more hands-off approach to parenting.

Defiantly a good move for such a great Mancunian show

Sir Miles Platting

April 25th, 2007, 02:30 AM

I've only seen the first series of Shameless (on DVD) so I can't comment on following episodes.
To be honest, based on series one, although it had some 'interesting' and funny moments, this show did not flatter Manchester in the slightest.
In fact it went out of it's way to portray the poorer Mancunians as totally classless, ignorant, drunken low-life.
It seemed to be doing what a lot of so-called 'hip' shows are up to nowadays, taking the path of least resistance, going for the 'shock factor' and pandering to the lowest common denominator for the cheap laughs.

Now if the subsequent series are to prove me wrong....

SleepyOne

April 25th, 2007, 02:44 AM

Sir Miles Platting

April 25th, 2007, 05:59 AM

Quality writing though from a supremely talented Mancheser born writer in Paul Abbott. At the end of the day that's what counts. Its just incredibly well produced. Manchester is big enough and self confident enough not to worry about how people percieve the city based on one TV series that happens to use a backdrop of poverty and debauchery. There are many different facets to Manchester and all are pretty well represented by the spectrum of different TV series set here. Writers and producers clearly find a sufficiently diverse and fertile area in which to create compelling and successful TV.
Yeah, we know Manchester (and the north in general) can take it on the proverbial chin when it comes to negative stereotyping. The lowest common denominator I was referring to is mainly in the SE. Regardless of the great writing/production etc, this is the impression of the north they are spoon fed time after time. Moreover, this is the image they actually want to see as it gives them the intellectual and socio-econonomic high ground.

Now unless there happens to be a ratio of at least ten positive to one negative programs then they will always have a distorted view of the north.

Kin'ell, did I just write that shite??.I can be a right old woman sometimes....:)

Isaac Newell

April 25th, 2007, 11:52 AM

It's working class people as seen by middle class media types and it contributes to the increasing polarisation of our society.

It's our own version of Gangsta Rap and it's shit.

Awayo

April 25th, 2007, 11:55 AM

Paul Abbott is from Burnley.

And I agree with Isaac.

The Longford

April 25th, 2007, 12:09 PM

It's working class people as seen by middle class media types and it contributes to the increasing polarisation of our society.

It's our own version of Gangsta Rap and it's shit.

Paul Abbott is from Burnley.

And I agree with Isaac.

Ive said it before and i'll say it again - if i want to watch noisy northerners shouting at each other, i'll turn the telly off and go round my mums house.

Chorltonred

April 25th, 2007, 12:28 PM

Isaac Newell

April 25th, 2007, 02:45 PM

It's fiction and its funny. Complaining constantly about your depiction in the media best left to our Liverpudlian cousins. You should be able to take it on the chin.

I think you do people a disservice if you think they will think the whole of Manchester is like the Chatsworth Estate. I doubt that they think we are all yuppies on the verge of a nervous breakdown as portrayed in Cold Feet either.

Anyway I'd rather that we were portrayed as the Gallachers than like any of the miserable bastards on Eastenders. It's not only the North that suffers from stereotyping.

It's not just Manchester or the North I'm complaining about, it's about stereotyping of working class people in general.

From a Northern point of view though, what is particularly galling is the way the continuity announcers introduce or advertise the show in their cod accents.

BeardedGenius

May 8th, 2007, 04:10 PM

New MBS website looking quite smart...

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5281/untitledjc9.jpg

flange

May 22nd, 2007, 12:42 PM

M.E.N. Media take top award

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1948/menmedianj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

WINNERS: M.E.N. Media

THE talents of the M.E.N. media sales' team have been recognised with top honours at the Fresh Media Awards 2007.

The team, which sells advertising space across the range of M.E.N. Media products and titles - including the Manchester Evening News and Channel M - were announced as Fresh Media Sales Team of the Year at a glittering ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel in Manchester.

In addition to taking the prestigious sales team title, the M.E.N. Media Sales team picked up two individual category awards for Channel M in the media brand proposition category and for the Fly Be promotion in the sponsorship campaign category.

Mark Rix, managing director of M.E.N. Media Sales, said: "To be voted the Fresh Media Awards' Media Sales Team of the Year for 2007 is clear acknowledgement within the industry that our focus on client service, creativity and execution is best in class.

Passionate

"The team is packed with talented people who are passionate about M.E.N. Media's ability to deliver powerful cross media solutions for agencies and clients alike."

On the media agency side, Feather Brooksbank had an equally successful night winning the media agency of the year award, pipping last year's winners Mediacom North, to whom the judges awarded a highly commended certificate.

FB also collected an individual category award with their campaign with their campaign `From small acorns great oaks may grow', in the use of Planning and research categories.

The Grand Prix award, for the outstanding individual entry in any category, went to the north east's Metro Radio for their Shearer Testimonial campaign.

Other Manchester media organisations that featured strongly were, PHD North, Mediaedge CIA, Mediacom North, Universal McCann, IPC Manchester, and CBS Outdoor.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1007/1007441_men_media_take_top_award.html

flange

May 22nd, 2007, 12:50 PM

Granada News wins BAFTA

Granada News is celebrating after becoming the first Regional News Programme to ever win a BAFTA.

The much sought after trophy was awarded to us at a star studded event in London last night.

The award for Best News Coverage was presented for our reports on the Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy.

We beat competition from ITV, the BBC and Channel Four.

How does it feel to win a Bafta?

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/9014/granadanewszj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The winning team included Smith (second left) and Willcox (centre)

Among the winners at the Bafta TV Awards was a special edition of Granada Reports, ITV1's news programme for north-west England, about the deaths of 21 Chinese cockle-pickers in Morecambe.

It was the first time in Bafta's 54-year history that any such "regional" TV news team had recognised.

Correspondents Rob Smith and Elaine Willcox, who worked on the story, told the BBC News website about their day in London - and how it felt to beat some household names to the prize.

Rob Smith: We came down on a very impressive coach today which we'd hired especially for the occasion, with a bar and a kitchen and people waiting on you hand and foot, never expecting we were going to win.

We were thinking that was quite impressive in itself, and then we get here, to a hall full of celebrities and people who are incredibly famous and who you see on the telly every day, and then they say, 'Actually, by the way, you've won.'

The day couldn't have got any better, really.

Elaine Willcox: Our boss said that because we were sitting mid-row - with Jon Snow of Channel 4 News at one end and Huw Edwards on the other end - we're not going to win, and he seemed really disappointed.

Rob Smith: You find yourself getting ready and putting on a dinner suit, but at the back of your mind, this little voice says, 'You really shouldn't be wearing this. Why don't you put it back in the case and just go home? That's probably a much, much better idea.'

Elaine Willcox: On the red carpet, we milked it with a very slow walk - and we were star-spotting. What was lovely was that Robson Green was there.

We went over and asked for our pictures with him. We felt really embarrassed. And then when we won, he came over to us with our Bafta and kissed us!

Rob Smith: I was absolutely stunned and delighted when we won. It's an amazing recognition of a hell of a lot of work from a hell of lot of people.

It's an amazing recognition for a regional programme which was breathtaking in its range, its analysis, its production and its scope.

Elaine Willcox: Obviously we're all delighted to be here because it was a really important story to tell, faceless, nameless victims - and that's why we went out to China to find out about their stories. So today was very much about them as well.

And we were told that it couldn't be done. ITV, Channel 4 News and CNN took our footage. They said it was too dangerous to go and film undercover in China. They didn't really help us to do it.

We proved that, at a regional level, the whole team took this story seriously, and we really wanted to find what drove these Chinese people to come here.

Tonight was just so fantastic because the whole team was there - but it was all surreal as well because we didn't feel as though we should be. Someone said she felt like a burglar because she'd just come with all these huge stars.

Now we've won, we're dying for a drink and something to eat.

Rob Smith: And maybe holding that fantastic trophy a bit more. But it's so heavy. I never imagined anything could be that heavy. It weighs a tonne.

You hold it and you think it's going to be made of plastic with a polystyrene base, but it's not something you can just pick up and hold aloft because suddenly you'd find your arms dragging on the floor.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6675309.stm

BeardedGenius

June 26th, 2007, 11:50 AM

Man Utd aims for 50m online fans

Mark Sweney
Tuesday June 26, 2007
MediaGuardian.co.uk

Manchester United is in talks with marketing groups including WPP, Publicis and Omnicom about an ambitious global strategic partnership to drive the club's digital fan base to 50 million users.

The club is in talks with four global companies - the fourth being McCann Worldgroup - with the aim of finding a partner to implement a five year plan to drive the club's global digital operation.

"We are a football club and a global brand, a media phenomenon, but at the moment we are not doing enough for our fans," the Manchester United group commercial director, Lee Daley, told MediaGuardian.co.uk.

"Our database is currently 4 million and we want to drive that to 50 million-plus globally within three years. Our future is community and content."
Mr Daley said that he intended to form a "strategic marketing relationship on a global basis" with one of the four groups.

"The right partner has to have global reach, it will be a network-based relationship and there has to be core strength in Asia," he added, speaking at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.

"We are a global brand currently attached to local operating capability."

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, told MediaGuardian.co.uk: "It is about raising awareness in this part of the business world.

"We are a worldwide brand but not everyone knows that and we can never be complacent."

Mr Daley, the former chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi London, was responsible for bringing the club to the Cannes festival for the first time this year.

During the festival last week he gave a seminar with former United player and 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton, now a club director, and on Friday hosted a media and marketing drinks on a motor yacht in the Cannes marina with Sir Alex in attendance.

Mr Daley said that the club was set to complete research into its global audience that was likely to show a fan base of around 90 million.

In 2003 the club conducted a similar project, using Mori, which put its global audience at around 75 million.

Mr Daley said that the increase was due to the increased penetration of the Premier League on TV around the globe.

He added that he was keen to tap new fan bases in regions such as Africa.

The figures are likely to show that the Man Utd fan base in China "has probably doubled in the last four years".

"The club has a remarkable following but for most fans there can never be a direct relationship of, say, going to Old Trafford," said Mr Daley.

"We need to figure out how to enhance the experience for the fans, increase the ways they can enjoy us. That is the aim of the strategic partnership I want to make."

Sir Miles Platting

June 27th, 2007, 04:04 AM

^^ yet more ammo for the ABU brigade. I can hear the chants already.

"All your fans are on t'internet....." :|

"Walkin' in a cyber wonderland...." :)

Manc Guy

June 27th, 2007, 04:25 AM

The Longford

June 27th, 2007, 11:22 AM

I'm surprised about that aswell.
Newcastle and Liverpool have club shops in town (not our town obviously). Even Brighton have a club shop in town (not our town obviously).

retep68

June 27th, 2007, 11:32 AM

It would discourage trips to Old Trafford where tourists then also pay for the museum and ground tour, followed by an overpriced burger in the Red Cafe.

Shirt sales, which is what most people buy, are covered by sports shops all over the world, nevermind Manchester city centre. Profit on that is all part of the deal with Nike I believe.

Do Birthday's still have official United sections? Does Birthday's still exist?

jrb

August 28th, 2007, 12:50 AM

Moz 'turns down £40m offer'

24/ 8/2007

ICONIC singer Morrissey has reportedly turned down a near £40m offer to tour again with his old band The Smiths.

According to NME.com, the star, who previously rejected a large offer to put his old band back together for the 2006 Coachella Festival, was asked if he would perform 50 dates on a world tour starting next year.

Apparently promoters are so desperate to get The Smiths on the road again, the only stipulation of the offer was that legendary guitarist Johnny Marr would have to join him, meaning the reunion was not dependent on bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce taking part.

Joyce famously won a court case against Morrissey and Marr in 2006, when he sued for royalties from his days in the band.

Massive rift

The proceedings caused a massive rift which has never been healed.

The quartet split up in 1987, not long after their fourth LP, Strangeways Here We Come, hit the shops.

Currently without a record contract, according to the weekly music magazine’s website, Morrissey also confirmed his forthcoming shows in Los Angeles and New York would be his last "for the foreseeable future".

He added: "The desire is to go out with some great memories for everyone as who knows what the future will bring."

TheGrand

August 28th, 2007, 01:02 AM

jrb

August 29th, 2007, 11:52 AM

Just remembered. EGI this Saturday. Manchester Focus/update. Worth a few quid. There's always a bit of juice.

jrb

August 31st, 2007, 04:29 PM

Just remembered. EGI this Saturday. Manchester Focus/update. Worth a few quid. There's always a bit of juice.

Just posting it again in case anyone has missed it.

EGI Manchester update or focus, not sure which one is out tomorrow. Last one was 6 months ago, so there could be some decent new stuff in it?Sometimes there is, others times it's stuff we already know about. Worth a £3punt or a quick flick in Smiths :)

jrb

September 14th, 2007, 02:59 AM

PICCADILLY PAPER PLAN

Wednesday 27 June 2007 10:17
Network Rail is inviting expressions of interest from publishers to explore options to distribute a free afternoon / evening newspaper at Manchester Piccadilly station. This follows the award, in October 2006, of the right to distribute at Network Rail's London stations to News International’s thelondonpaper.

The Manchester newspaper will be able to be distributed Mondays to Fridays between the likely hours of 3pm and 9pm. The footfall through Manchester Piccadilly each day is around 60,000 of which 76% are in the ABC1 demographic.

Mick Martin, Network Rail's Director, Commercial Property said: "Manchester is economically booming and now has an output equivalent to Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield combined. Therefore the opportunity to distribute a free newspaper is a great one in a rapidly growing market. For Network Rail the benefits would be yet another offering for passengers and a further stream of revenue to invest back into the railway."

Associated Newspapers will retain the rights to distribute Metro at the station in the morning.

The tender process begins immediately with a view to completion within a month.

heatonparkincakes

September 14th, 2007, 03:12 PM

First i hope the contract includes some "delivery agency" to collect all the redundant editions of say said aspirational ABC1 newspaper after 7pm.

Second serious point all this free newspaper lark will be literally chip paper when the right technology arises so all this could be wified/ bluetoothed to you as soon as stepped off the 08.37 from commuterville.

As for the metro, apart from the arts bit in the centre, its generally rubbish in all respects or a flying missile on the bus home after 3.30pm on certain bus routes in Harpurhey

JamesWales

September 14th, 2007, 03:28 PM

STUBBY

September 14th, 2007, 04:50 PM

[QUOTE=jrb;15345290]PICCADILLY PAPER PLAN
Mick Martin, Network Rail's Director, Commercial Property said: "Manchester is economically booming and now has an output equivalent to Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield combined.QUOTE]

Blimey, this quote will ruffle some feathers on Skyscraper city won't it!!!!???

It might but more to the point where is his info. from and what exactly does it mean?

Does he mean Greater Manchester by any chance rather than the city centre?

Chorltonred

September 14th, 2007, 04:56 PM

[QUOTE=JamesWales;15348837]

It might but more to the point where is his info. from and what exactly does it mean?

Does he mean Greater Manchester by any chance rather than the city centre?

Page 56 of this report I suspect. And it will be Greater Manchester as GVA is measured above City only level.

http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/policy/pdf/Tale_of_the_Cities.pdf

The Longford

September 20th, 2007, 11:32 PM

Anyone seen the new British Heart Foundation ad?
Lots of nice shots of Mcr and Liverpool including some good rooftop scenes.

jrb

September 20th, 2007, 11:41 PM

Anyone seen the new British Heart Foundation ad?
Lots of nice shots of Mcr and Liverpool including some good rooftop scenes.

Yep. To be honest, only noticed the Liverpool shots. Hmmm.

Sir Miles Platting

September 21st, 2007, 12:42 AM

Yep. To be honest, only noticed the Liverpool shots. Hmmm.
It stinks of conspiracy....;)

jrb

September 21st, 2007, 12:46 AM

It stinks of conspiracy....;)

Don't go there MP. :nono:

I'm feeling hot and sweaty all of a sudden.

Sir Miles Platting

September 21st, 2007, 01:22 AM

Behave!! I never mentioned any other place!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

If certain people are thinking of Port Manchester, that's their problem.;)

The Longford

October 10th, 2007, 03:58 PM

Blueprint magazine this month is pretty much all about Manchester.
Get it from RIBA or Magma or Cornerhouse or something...or dont get it....whatever.

Metrolink

November 3rd, 2007, 12:30 AM

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/special_reports/editors/s/1022648_top_media_minds_meet

Top media minds meet
David Ottewell
1/11/2007

DOZENS of the most influential figures in journalism arrive in Manchester this weekend for a major three-day conference.

The Society of Editors annual meeting will gather key decision-makers from across Britain's newspapers, TV channels, websites and radio stations.

Trust will be the central theme, after a year rocked by TV phone-in scandals and Tony Blair calling the media a `feral beast'.

Speakers will include Sky News political editor Adam Boulton, News of the World editor Colin Myler, BBC deputy director general Mark Byford and Shami Chakrabarti, director of civil rights group Liberty.

William Lewis, editor-in-chief of the Telegraph titles, and Mail on Sunday editor Peter Wright will gaze into the future and lay out their visions of the media in 2020.

Sir Ken McDonald, director of public prosecutions at the Crown Prosecution Service, and Information Commissioner Richard Thomas are debating parliamentary and legal issues.

And government minister Michael Wills will set out the view from Westminster.

The conference, which begins on Sunday, is being held in Manchester to mark the end of M.E.N. editor Paul Horrocks' tenure as society president.

Mr Horrocks said: "Trust between the media and its audience underpins everything we do and we breach it at our peril.

"This is also an opportunity to showcase the city-region to some of the most influential people in modern journalism."

It will also be another feather in the cap of Manchester as Britain's leading conference destination.

Both the Conservatives and Labour have booked conferences here between 2008 and 2010, and the sector is expected to be worth up to £100m to the local economy over the next three years.

The Society of Editors formed in 1999 when the Guild of Editors and the Association of British Editors merged. It represents editors in all media.

jrb

November 13th, 2007, 10:30 AM

£2m training venture

13/11/2007

A NEW £2m training venture has opened for business in Manchester.

Futureworks is a creative media education facility providing degree level and vocational training courses across several creative subjects such as music production, film production and computer games programming.

Courses are delivered in partnership with the likes of Manchester Metropolitan University and MANCAT.

The venture has been launched by Chris Mayo, former technical director of Manchester School of Sound Recording and supported by Lombard.

Futureworks employs 10 staff and will cater for up to 250 students.

flange

November 19th, 2007, 06:32 PM

Time Out 'gets going' in Jan 08

A little birdie tells me that Time Out will be doing something in January 2008.

Guardian journalist Andrew Shanahan has jumped ship and will be editing the London born mag.

Their brief is "News, events, stories, restaurants, bars, hotels, sports, features, products and pretty much anything in Mcr or just outside that might be of interest to our readers"

With the long, slow, painful death of City Life, is there even a market for an offline listings mag in Manchester? Short Answer: No. Long Answer: Yes, if you keep your costs low (real low)

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2007/11/time-out-gets-going-in-jan-08.html

jrb

December 12th, 2007, 12:51 AM

TV bigwigs converge on Salford

7/12/2007

SOAP opera, political intrigue and big business are on the schedule for the forthcoming Television for the Nations and Regions Conference, which takes place at the Lowry arts centre, Salford Quays, in January.

Among the must-see highlights of the annual event will be the first ever public appearance from the newly appointed mediacity:uk managing director, Brian Greasley.

Other key industry figures will include BBC director general Mark Thompson, while producers and writers of almost all the regionally-based soap operas will gather for a masterclass on how to write for television drama.

Organised by the International Media Centre at Salford University and supported by the Northwest Regional Development Association and media city:uk, the Nations and Regions Conference has a reputation for attracting the industry's biggest names.

Mark Thompson will be speaking for the first time in public about the BBC's plans for the new multi-million-pound media city complex at Salford Quays, with Brian engaging in a debate with international experts on media cities as new places to work.

For the first time, the Scottish National Party and the UK government will go head to head over the SNP plan to devolve Scottish television back to Scotland - plans which could have a major impact on television throughout the UK.

Salford University's Professor Ron Cook said: "Both mediacity:uk and the Scottish proposal are having a huge effect on regional television production. With opportunities opening up all over the UK, there has never been a better time to be involved in the industry outside London.

"Our conference is the only national event to focus on television from a non-metropolitan perspective, and some of the industry's biggest names will head the line-up again this year."

Jason Legget, NWDA's programme manager for mediacity:uk, said: "Mediacity:uk is already attracting immense amount of interest from local, regional, national and international companies.

"By ensuring key events in the media sector calendar showcase the project, we can enthuse, excite and capture many more people's imagination about what will be possible in 2011."

jrb

February 12th, 2008, 01:06 AM

Xfm Manchester to be sold in restructuring
By James Chapelard

Classic FM’s parent company GCap Media is to sell off Xfm Manchester as part of a £9m cost-cutting drive.

The group is planning to sell its analogue radio licence in Manchester, Scotland and South Wales but retain the brand in London.

The move is part of a major restructuring of the company which may involve job losses in other parts of the country.

It also reported that GCap is to close its digital stations the Jazz and Planet Rock. GCap said the move – which follows a strategic review by GCap’s new chief executive Fru Hazlitt- would boost profits by £12m.

macc

February 12th, 2008, 11:33 AM

This, along with other articles I've read, means XFM Manchester may stop broadcasting and the 97.7 license be givien back to ofcom. The XFM stations outside of London are, as a whole, operating at as loss.

Apparently XFM Manchester is beating its targets for listers, though whether this still means a loss for the individual station is unclear. Quite possibly though, as it takes time to build the number of listeners. They may cut their losses and quit.

I hope not. XFM Manc is a good addition to the independent culture of the city (the music they play, rather than the brand). It'd be a real shame to loose it at this early stage as I'm sure it could be successful over time.

And I listen to it so it must be good. Obviously.

GShutty

February 12th, 2008, 03:26 PM

XFM Manc is a good addition to the independent culture of the city (the music they play, rather than the brand). It'd be a real shame to loose it at this early stage as I'm sure it could be successful over time.

And I listen to it so it must be good. Obviously.

Hear, hear!

Chogmook

February 12th, 2008, 03:46 PM

Well, hopefully the station I work for (96.2 The Revolution), will capitalise on this as they overlapped our format quite a lot!

Goodbye cockney dj fm! (Manford & Clint excluded!)

kids

February 12th, 2008, 03:48 PM

Xfm play independent music? :?

Chogmook

February 12th, 2008, 04:01 PM

^^ Hehe, well, not that part of course! ;)

macc

February 13th, 2008, 06:57 PM

Xfm play independent music? :?

Well, it depends on your take on the word, I suppose. It certainly plays 'indie music' but that's not what I was getting at. They do lots of stuff for unsigned bands and promote the local music scene.

Either way its not looking good. Somone start one of those facebook thingamajigs.

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2008/02/xfm-for-sale.html

Yesterdays announced by GCap that they were scaling down their radio operations was deemed important enough to take up eight minutes on last night's news. Hidden away beneath the media fluff was the revelation that they want to dispose of XFM Manchester....less than two years since it launched.

"Disposal of Xfm regional analogue licences in Scotland, South Wales and Manchester and focusing on Xfm’s heritage as a London brand and with a national broadband footprint"

In recent months the Manchester station has tried to save money by replacing presenters with playlists sent in by listeners. The audience share for XFM Manchester current stands at 1.7%

The group has set itself six weeks to dispose of the radio station, which will either be sold off or closed down.

macc

February 17th, 2008, 10:25 PM

'Meet the natives' is on More 4 now and set in Manchester. Started 20 min ago but on until 9.

MarkO

February 21st, 2008, 07:01 PM

Anyone who remembers the heyday of house music in Manchester 88-99 will recall stations like Sunset102 (SamyB show), Kiss102 (almost entire output) and Signal Cheshire (Saturday evenings)

I've made a playlist of the bouncy, happy house music that used to be the mainstay of those stations/shows which you can read here http://www.last.fm/user/lovemark/tags/kiss102%20manchester%20classics

And if you download last.fm's player you can listen to it. Only thing that is not in there are the DJ's and the jingles, but otherwise it's just like listening to Kiss102...right here right now...in 2008!!

You can also tag other tunes to help built up the playlist!

Oh those glory days! SORTED!

MarkO

February 22nd, 2008, 01:12 AM

....and on a different note, just came across this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijGP1Ijyt58&feature=related

All filmed in Manchester with projections on City Tower and other Manc buildings!

Anyone wanna add other music vids filmed in the city or does the thread already exist?

flange

February 22nd, 2008, 09:44 PM

Seven New Magazines for Manchester

It takes a brave man (or woman) to launch a magazine in Manchester, so the publisher of these seven new mags must have balls of steel. "Ampersand Publishing", nothing to do with Ampersand Nightclub, look set to launch OneSixOne, EatMe, MiCasa, Retail Therapy, The Mens Book and Twice in 2008.

Twice - the most interesting of the bunch - lays it's cards on the table...“Manchester has not had a true heartbeat since CityLife closed it doors. Get ready to be brought back to life Manchester”.

161 mag, with the tagline “At last a manchester magazine that has nothing to do with property!” is available for pre-release perusal at http://web.mac.com/ggreenwood2007/Site/mediakits.html (warning: 16mb download).

More on the mags, including mock-ups, at
http://web.mac.com/ggreenwood2007/Site/mediakits.html

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2008/02/seven-new-magazines-for-manchester.html

flange

February 23rd, 2008, 01:50 PM

Corrie gets posh flats

Ian Wylie

23/ 2/2008

IT'S the latest must-have des res in town and there is already much speculation about who will be moving in.

Is Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson planning to place a deposit to secure a luxury penthouse?

Or perhaps United's Cristiano Ronaldo will be dribbling all the way from Old Trafford for a slice of cool urban life?

Probably not, as the main residential qualification for anyone wanting to move in is that they have a part on Coronation Street.

The residents of Weatherfield's most famous street are to get new neighbours as a block of posh apartments is being built two doors down from Ashley Peacock's butcher's shop in Victoria Street.

But TV bosses say it is too early to say who will be moving in when builders complete work on the Victoria Court development.

The flats come with possible optional views over the builder's yard opposite, the Rovers Return and the Red Rec.

As well as Ashley's chops, this fictional take on Urban Splash lifestyle comes complete with a handy café, GP surgery, bookmaker, newsagent and corner shop.

There is already speculation the block of flats could become home to factory boss Carla Connor (Alison King).

Her textile businessman boyfriend Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) is the main investor in the development. The lure of apartments `to rent or buy at affordable prices' may also prove attractive to some of the seven residents currently crammed into the Rovers Return.

Father and son bookies Harry (Jack Ellis) and Dan (Matthew Crompton) are also living in each other's pockets in a cramped flat above the betting shop.

How about a spot of independence for young career girl Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) away from mum Sally?

Victoria Court may provide the writers with a chance to bring some characters in from the Weatherfield Triangle. Where exactly, for example, does factory girl Kelly (Tupele Dorgu) live? The flats, advertised as `the new exciting development in Weatherfield', could also become home to some new faces.

Photos of the new development on the Coronation Street website at itv.com show a girder framework already in place, surrounded by scaffolding.

There's even a name and phone number of a sales office on advertising banners for the apartments and penthouses. But there's also another important initial reason for the arrival of the new exterior frontage on the outdoor set at Quay Street.

It will give Street directors more options and variety in terms of camera angles when looking at that corner of Weatherfield, which is near to the location of the interior sets.

http://www.itv.com/Soaps/coronationstreet/newsandgossip/ExclusiveNewCorrieflats/default.html

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz/s/1037928__corrie_gets_posh_flats

Craig

February 25th, 2008, 05:49 PM

Seven New Magazines for Manchester

What ever happened to Time Out Manchester?

macc

February 26th, 2008, 12:34 PM

From Crain's:
----

Duo interested in Manchester’s XFm station
By James Chapelard

Scottish businessmen Gordon Beattie and John Quinn have confirmed they are bidding for Manchester’s XFm station being sold by GCap Media.

The pair, who already have interest in radio, are reported to have decided to make an offer for XFm’s Manchester, Glasgow and South Wales stations, although they did not disclose how much they would bid.

GCap announced the sale as part of a cost cutting exercise a fortnight ago.

Monaco-based Beattie is founder of Scotland’s largest PR company Beattie Communications, and Quinn has a 15 per cent stake in Scottish radio Central FM.

The Manchester station covers a catchments area of five million listeners, while the Glasgow station covers the central belt of Scotland.

GCap is also selling off digital station Planet Rock and the Jazz.

German publishing group Bauer, which recently acquired Emap’s radio division and consumer titles, is also believed to be interested in bidding for the assets.

jrb

February 27th, 2008, 10:37 PM

Manchester BCSC retail conference
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
More than 500 executives are due to descend on Manchester next month for retail property organisation BCSC’s 2008 Shopping Centre Management Conference.

The event will bring together leading experts on retail management, marketing, customer relations and sustainability.

The conference, running from 3 to 5 March, is themed ‘Rethink Retail’ and will see keynote speeches and nine major workshop sessions. There will also be two study tours taking in the Trafford Centre and Old Trafford and the towns of Wigan, Warrington and St Helen’s respectively, where retail development and refurbishment has led town centre regeneration.

Attending the conference will be representatives from the Trafford Centre, Manchester Arndale, Modus Ventures, Triangle, Unibox, Workman LLP, WSP Group, Eccles Shopping Centre and Mace Limited all from Manchester as well as Cotton Traders and the Kirsty Club from Altrincham, Promotion Space based in Wilmslow and JFR Promotions from Cheadle.

Speakers will include: Professor Richard Scase, Emmanuel Aharoni, TV presenter Philippa Forrester, Bob Simpson from ASDA and Kristofer Jurgenson, International Expansion Manager of PUMA AG. Gordon Burns, TV journalist and presenter of North West Tonight, will facilitate the conference.

British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) chief executive Michael Green said: “Retail destinations are at the social and economic heart of their communities and those who manage and run them play a vital and important role in engaging with local people to ensure that these centres are fun, successful and safe.

The Shopping Centre Management Conference enables managers and others engaged in running retail destinations to learn from each other and expert speakers in order to promote the highest level of professionalism in their jobs.”

The conference will also include the Achieving Customer Excellence (ACE) Awards, which recognise retail destinations that offer exceptional facilities and service. There will be a concurrent industry exhibition during the conference featuring some 45 companies.

Core sponsors include British Land, CB Richard Ellis, Capital Shopping Centres, Cushman & Wakefield, DTZ, Land Securities, Lunson Mitchenall, The Mall and Workman & Partners.

The event is held in association with the College of Estate Management.

Metrolink

February 27th, 2008, 10:42 PM

ummm, not sure how I should put this, given the sensitivity in some quaters - but 5Live appear to have a 'Manchester' correspondent, as opposed to the North of England correspondent.

jrb

February 29th, 2008, 06:17 PM

Why buy it when you can get it free.

MEN paid-for sales down 13.5 per cent

The Manchester Evening News is the worst performing regional evening newspaper in England and Wales in terms of declining paid-for sales, according to the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

Paid-for copies sold per day fell by 13.5 per cent to 81,326 in the last six months of 2007 compared to the same period in the previous year.

This meant the newspaper’s owners, MEN Media, had to increase free distribution to 98,455 in order to maintain a total distribution of 180,000, the largest of any evening regional title.

Sales of the Bolton News were down 4 per cent at 29,552; the Wigan Evening Post saw its sales fall 6.2 per cent to 8,761; and the Oldham Evening Chronicle was down 7.1 per cent at 20,976.

Total sales of the 72 evening newspapers in Britain fell by 5.2 per cent during the period under review.

andysimo123

February 29th, 2008, 06:35 PM

SleepyOne

March 4th, 2008, 10:12 PM

Notice how many articles the Manchester Evening News have been running on Peel Holidings recently?

flange

March 10th, 2008, 01:42 PM

GCap to back Global bid

Graeme Evans

10/ 3/2008

CAPITAL Radio, Classic FM and XFM Manchester broadcaster GCap Media is expected to back a £371m takeover bid from the owner of rival stations Heart and Galaxy as early as this week, it has been reported.

Global - backed by Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus - is looking to become a powerful force in UK commercial radio after snapping up Chrysalis Group's radio stations for £170m last year.

It tabled its latest 225p a share proposal for GCap last week, an approach 18 per cent higher than the 190p it first put forward in December.

The fresh offer led to a new Takeover Panel deadline of March 26 so GCap could hold more talks with Global. However, one weekend report suggested a deal may be announced this week.

Investment

Global was created as an investment vehicle to buy the Chrysalis radio stations and as a platform for further expansion in the sector.

It said its final proposal for GCap offered "substantially greater" value than could be achieved by GCap on a standalone basis, even if savings and initiatives proposed by new GCap chief executive Fru Hazlitt were achieved in full.

GCap, which has around 30 per cent of the total commercial radio industry, was formed from the merger of Capital Radio and GWR in 2005.

Global is also said to be in the running for Virgin Radio, which has been put up for sale by its parent company, Scottish television firm SMG.

XFM Manchester employs around 40 people, and counts former Inspiral Carpets keyboard player Clint Boon among its most popular broadcasters.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1040085_gcap_to_back_global_bid

flange

March 14th, 2008, 02:32 PM

The Return Of The The

The Magazine is making a return, with potential staff being primed for a May start. There's promise of a more celeb driven mag, as the new owners are seeking a staffer who "goes to all right parties", but - as one rather unenthusiastic recruitment consultant put it - "things are still up in the air". Which basically means anything could happen.

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2008/03/return-of-the.html

http://www.themagazineonline.co.uk/

jrb

March 25th, 2008, 11:58 PM

BBC Manchester reveals the online love behind The Passion | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 25 March 2008

With the Easter weekend just fading away behind us, BBC Manchester has spoken for the first time about its involvement in the hit BBC/HBO co-production The Passion.

The show, which finished its Passover week run on Easter Sunday, was filmed on location in Morocco and edited in London, but its eye-catching online presence was entirely made in Manchester.

Despite keeping a relatively low profile within the regional digital industry, BBC Manchester has a ‘multiplatform’ team with huge strength in depth and a headcount of some 24 members of staff.

The team has so far been involved in creating the high profile websites for Dragons' Den, Brainbox Challenge, The Restaurant, Dance X (a RTS 2007 award winner), Last Man Standing, Street Doctor, Comedy Map of Britain, A Question of Sport and Mastermind.

They are now set to work on the online outings for The Last Tycoon, Choir Wars and Liverpool 08.

However, it is The Passion that has arguably been the team’s most challenging and distinctive brief to date – accompanying a major international TV ‘event’ and incorporating the first ever use of the BBC’s new Embedded Media Player, or EMP.

A spokesperson for the design team and a member of the religion and ethics (R&E) department took time out to answer How-Do’s questions on how they injected a new lease of online life into the age old story of Jesus Christ’s last week on our mortal coil.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/thepassionjesus1.jpg

Passion play: the first outing for EMP

How many people were involved in developing The Passion site for the BBC?

“Six, including two religion web assistants.”

What were the particular challenges of working on this project and what were the opportunities it afforded you?

R&E: “The biggest challenge was the very tight production schedule. The site was commissioned only 6 weeks before the broadcast of the first episode.

“We had to create a design, write new content, commission articles, build the site and then populate it.

“But at the same time we had a great opportunity to use a number of new features that were still in BBC development at the time the project began and we gambled on them being ready by the time the site launched. Luckily all went according to plan.

“The Passion microsite was the first to use the BBC's embedded media player (EMP) and one of the first sites to use the new page layouts.

“The site also made use of a new commenting system that allows users to post their reviews or comments on content pages.

“We also used an opensource interactive timeline (using mainly JavaScript rather than Flash) that required quite a lot development work to make it look part of the site and to link it in with a BBC database.

“For the R&E content team it was the biggest project we have done yet and the first one working with a Manchester based technical team.

“Until now, all our projects have been done with London based technical resources, which makes the process much harder. Having one team in the same building enabled us to create very effective results and in a short time.

“We interviewed many of the actors but it was the interviews with the producer, Nigel Stafford-Clark and writer Frank Deasy that gave us a great opportunity to create valuable video content.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/thepassionjesus2.jpg

BBC Manchester leading the way“

“They had carried out fantastic research and gave us excellent footage, which we intercut with clips from the drama to give users and viewers a much fuller picture of the historical and political context of arguably the most famous story ever told.”

Content and design team: “The Passion website posed quite a few challenges.

“It is one of the very first sites to use the BBC's new page layout infrastructure and guidelines.

“The BBC is slowly updating and moving its sites to comply with what has been coined the ‘Visual Language’ (VL) for .co.uk websites, which is essentially a grid-system with associated visual guidelines for content.

“The challenge for the designer was to design something that was visually stunning but adhered to the VL Guidelines.

“The challenge for the CSD was to build that design ensuring accuracy to the VL in all the major supported browsers, whilst being accessible and whilst also adhering to the other BBC standards and guidelines for a .co.uk website.

“As for opportunities there were quite a few: the new VL gave the designer a bigger canvas to create something with more impact, the new page infrastructure (known as Barlesque) gave the CSD more freedom to build the design more accurately using more up-to-date web patterns and techniques.

“It also meant that the content producers were less restricted by some of the technical limitations of the old BBC sites.

“There were lots of new technologies and we were able to use as part of this site to set it apart from the rest.

“It's both exciting and terrifying to have the opportunity to work on something that's so important to so many people.

“We wanted to be contemporary, and had interesting discussions about trying to ditch those tired religious website clichés to engage a broader audience.”

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/thepassionshroud.jpg

An old story brought to life online

Is there anything about this site that sets it apart from the others you have produced?

Content and design team: “The main thing that set this site apart from anything else we have produced is that The Passion is a drama.

“We haven't done many drama sites before, which meant things like the photography we were given was excellent. This made the design process easier.

“The amount of video content of the site also added to the depth of the online content.

“We were also working with an excellent team of content producers who had a clear idea of what direction the site design and build needed to go in and placed a lot of trust in the designers and csd's to produce something we all were happy with.

“There's a really tight integration with the TV programme, yet they both stand on their own as independent resources about the subject.

“We know a lot went into the production of the show, and we wanted the site to reflect that investment in quality.

“It really brings it to life, and empowers our service users to choose how and when they want to access the production.

"I'm confident we've produced a great resource that will live on long after the series has finished.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/thepassion/

macc

April 17th, 2008, 03:54 PM

http://manchester-clubbing.blogspot.com/2008/04/xfm-to-remain-joined-by-rock-radio.html

XFM won't be closing, for the moment at least. The radio stations owner, GCap, is in the process of being taken over, and it looks like the new owners want to play at running a radio station.

Meanwhile, the MEN plans to launch Rock Radio next month (May) with a playlist of "Led Zepplin and The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy and U2.". Steve Berry, formerly of Top Gear, and Mike Sweeney, currently at big hitter Channel M, are the two 'name' DJs that will be playing to their target market of over 35 year olds (their words, not mine). The station will exist at 106.1 FM.

jrb

May 19th, 2008, 09:35 PM

Don't tell Wiggs. :poke:

The Mob Film Co comes to Manchester | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 09 May 2008

The Mob Film Company is moving its northern headquarters to Manchester from Yorkshire this summer.

While keeping a base in Leeds for existing clients, the award-winning production company will be moving to The Triangle in July.

“We have clients in Manchester and we do a lot of our shooting there so it’s something we’ve looked at for a while,” explains Managing Director, John Brocklehurst.

“It just feels like the right time to make the move. You’ve only got to look at how much attention there’s going to be on the place when the BBC move up and we’ll have a head start on that.”

The production company is behind Sky One’s The Hogfather and has been based in Leeds for three years. As part of the expansion they’ve also announced that Mark Collins, formerly of The Gate Films will be joining them as Senior Producer.

jrb

May 21st, 2008, 09:53 PM

BECTU blasts ITV over Manchester job losses

Broadcasting staff union BECTU has accused ITV of “failing to deliver on its five-year plan” following announcements of more job cuts, including 50 in Manchester.

A total of 89 posts are being axed in production centres here and in Leeds, including Granada Television technical staff who work on Coronation Street.

BECTU said in a statement today that Michael Grade, ITV's executive chairman, promised last September to increase the levels of in-house production to strengthen programme-making for the future.

David Beevers, BECTU supervisory official, said the cuts were “a real blow for our members”. He added: “What is clear is that the company's turnaround plan is failing. The proposed job losses strike at the heart of ITV's programme — making capacity and reveal a serious lack of ability at the highest levels of the company. The 5-year plan promised acquisitions and greater commissioning power to re-establish ITV's network presence. Those objectives are not being met so the company reaches for its most cowardly weapon, the P45.”

Formal consultations on the redundancy proposals start tomorrow in Leeds and on Friday in Manchester. BECTU said ballots for industrial action could not be ruled out.

jrb

May 24th, 2008, 10:12 PM

Ofcom considers new ITV action | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 23 May 2008

ITV has failed to meet its production quota for taking programming outside of London and could face more regulatory action from watchdog Ofcom.

Just weeks after Ofcom's report into phone-in scandals, the communications watchdog has published its annual report into nations and regions, and again it has highlighted ITV.

It describes ITV’s shortfall as a "serious matter, and one which is the subject of further consideration […] with a view to regulatory action."

Ofcom can impose a fine or shorten or revoke ITV's licence.

BBC, Channel 4 and five all achieved the targets of providing a minimum of 50% spend in the regions. However, it has reignited the debate as to what counts as a "regional" production with some broadcasters mislabelling output.

Pact, which represents the UK's production industry wants Ofcom to review the quota system and clarify what it should include. In its own report earlier this year, it showed that the North West saw no growth in production between 2004 and 2006 with ITV halving its independent production hours over the same period to 11.5hours.

It comes as ITV has been accused by union Bectu of failing to meet its 5 year production plan and cutting 89 jobs in Manchester and Leeds.

The staff effected will mainly be technical with 43 redundancies at Granada and Yorkshire-based 3sixtymedia, which provides studios and editing facilities.

Formal consultations are due to start in Manchester today.

At the time of writing, ITV's corporate press office hadn't answered How-Do's request for an interview, comment or statement.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/cm/cmrnr08/

jrb

May 25th, 2008, 12:28 AM

Quba recruits Jackson from Pavilion for new Manchester office | Print | Email to a friend

Digital marketing agency Quba has poached Pavilion’s Lillian Jackson to be PPC and display manager for its Manchester office, which opened in the city in February.
Jackson signs up after having worked at Wilmslow’s Pavilion, now part of the Hasgrove Group, as digital media manager and at Big Mouth Media prior to that.

She joins SEO specialist Victoria McKevitt at the operation, pushing Quba’s overall headcount to just under 30.

Quba, which opened up in its home city of Sheffield in 2000, has traditionally been known as more of a web design firm, dealing with a slew of high profile clients such as Cadbury’s Schweppes, Channel 4, Land Rover and the Carbon Trust.

However, it has now moved further into the field of digital marketing and decided to open the Manchester arm due to the fact that there was a perceived skills shortage in Yorkshire.

McKevitt herself told How-Do that the firm had found it difficult to recruit specialists in Sheffield, whereas there was a much deeper pool of talent to draw from in Manchester – as evidenced by Jackson’s move.

A release from Quba MD Matthew Williams confirmed this, as he stated: “As Manchester is the capital of Digital Marketing in the North, the move to the city seemed to be the next step to ensure Quba is at the forefront of changes in the industry, whilst also having access to big clients and being able to further its expertise from specialist recruits; something we found difficult to achieve in Sheffield.

“Having a base in both Manchester and Sheffield enables us to compete with big players in the online industry and put Quba on the map”.

The agency’s Manchester office is based in Piccadilly House in central Manchester.

jrb

June 1st, 2008, 12:39 AM

TYPOCOM produces Black Book for Manchester and MIDAS

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/typocomblackbook.jpg

Thursday, 29 May 2008
Design agency TYPOCOM has created ‘Manchester – The Black Book’ to act as an updateable guide to the city’s rapidly evolving development schemes, business parks and infrastructure.

The limited edition publication, produced for inward development agency MIDAS, contains overviews, facts and figures on the changing face of the Manchester city region, split into six tabbed sections.

Its ‘folder’ design allows for pages to be easily added and moved, allowing the piece to be as dynamic as the city it was created to sell.

Agency creative director Dan Taylor took How-Do through the design, commenting: “The bespoke covers are foil blocked, and are coated with a smooth and sensuous black protective paper material, which is evocative of plastic or rubber, but is more elegant and ecological.

“The glossy inserts make use of striking photography and information presented in a clear and concise way, and the versatility of the design allows the pages to be tailored to the particular interests of the recipient.”

Ducie Street based TYPOCOM has an established reputation of working with public sector clients.

www.typocom.net

The Longford

June 1st, 2008, 02:04 PM

Some of my photos are in that book^^

jrb

June 2nd, 2008, 10:27 AM

Crains.

Scary programme pair launch TV channel
By Joanne Birtwistle

The Manchester-based makers of scary television shows including Most Haunted are launching a new television channel aimed at fans of the supernatural. The Paranormal Channel, run by husband and wife Yvette Fielding and Karl Beattie (pictured) through their Reddish-based Monster Pictures, will begin broadcasting as a free-to-view channel on Sky next Monday.

Beattie has dubbed the 24-hour channel “a light look at the dark side” as it will show comedies as well as drama and documentaries.

Fielding and Beattie's production company Antix has been making Most Haunted, shown on Living TV and also presented by Fielding, for more than eight years. It was the popularity of this show and Ghost Hunting With, which Antix produces for ITV2, that led the pair to set up Monster Pictures and the Paranormal Channel. Antix will continue to produce these shows for Living and ITV2 and will not be showing repeats on The Paranormal Channel for licensing reasons.

The couple are investing £1.1m of their own money in getting the channel off the ground, including over £300,000 on annual satellite costs. Additional programme costs will be kept down as much original content will come from Antix and their post-production company Television Broadcast Services.

In the next couple of months all three companies will move to new premises in Salford, close to MediaCity, which include two studios and space for editing facilities.

Beattie said he expects Monster Pictures to be profitable after its first year, with a turnover of around £2m up to June 2009, rising to £5m in the second year.

Original programming will include Whines and Spirits — a search for Britain's most haunted pub; Three Screaming Banshees, which will follow Fielding, Cath Howe and Lesley Smith as they chase paranormal activity up and down the country in a camper van; and scary bedtime reading by Paul Ross.

Monster has also gained the UK rights to show Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious World series, first shown in 1980.

The channel is in sponsorship talks with products as diverse as a cosmetics, alcohol and toilet paper. Adrian Richmond, head of business development at television airtime sales company Dolphin Television, which will be selling the Paranormal Channel's advertising, said sponsorship opportunities could range from £5,000 to up to £250,000. “It depends on whether companies sponsor individual programmes, days, seasons or special weeks,” he said. “The channel is targeting everyone, taking a broad approach. It's not niche.”

Sources of revenue

Apart from ads and sponsors, other revenue will come from viewer texts and phone calls, although there will be no telephony services for the first three months of broadcast. “I know they are controversial at the moment but as long as we are honest, we'll have nothing to worry about,” said Beattie.

Beattie estimates viewing figures of around 50,000 per show at first, adding that it will take people time to find the channel. “Everybody says you need a target audience but this really does fit everyone,” he said, adding that Living TV's target audience is 16 to 44 year old females, although viewing data actually shows the male/female split to be close to 50/50 for Most Haunted.

Alison Wright, broadcast director at MediaVest, reckons that estimate is optimistic. “Dolphin's True Movies channel currently attracts in the region of 37,000 viewers for the best performing films. Most Haunted, which is shown on Living, delivers 144,000 viewers, but the channel is at least four times the size of a Dolphin channel,” she said.

“Their success will certainly depend on the quality of the new content, and how quickly this can be aired. The downside may be that interest in the paranormal peaked last year, at the height of Most Haunted viewing.”

Mark Watts, broadcast team account manager at media agency Mediacom North, said that since Most Haunted and Ghost Hunting With already do well and are recognised, the channel would pick up viewers from people flicking channels. “If people stumble across a programme it doesn't matter what channel it's on, but the ratings won't be as big as similar programmes on Living TV and ITV2,” he said.

He added that the channel's position in the Sky electronic programme guide — still to be assigned by Sky but expected to be in the entertainment section — is all-important. “If the channel is close to Living, for example, people will be flicking around the vicinity of that station. But if it's somewhere at the back with lesser known stations, there is less chance that will happen.”

The company hopes to add the channel to cable and Freeview digital after six months of broadcasting on Sky.

jrb

June 11th, 2008, 06:30 PM

Can't remember if this has been posted . Slightly old, but another good addition to Manchester's ever increasing media hub.

Broadcast supplier Blackmagic Design to open first UK office in Manchester |

Monday, 04 February 2008

Blackmagic Design, an Australian manufacturer of video cards and converters for the post production and broadcast industries, has announced plans to open its first UK office in Manchester.

The company’s other offices are in California, Singapore, Holland and Beijing.

The Manchester office will initially be home to both sales and support staff.

The company’s product range is increasingly being made available through resellers. It claims to be the world’s ‘only independent developer of driver software for uncompressed video hardware for the creative markets’.

The company’s products are used by post production companies and broadcasters around the globe. Blackmagic’s HQ and R&D base is in south Melbourne.

The company declined to explain why it had chosen Manchester as its UK HQ. However, the company’s stated focus on digital development and new broadcast media suggests that the prospect of mediacity:uk had a role to play in the company’s decision.

Part of the BBC’s move to Salford Quays will involve several hundred new media, R&D and ‘Future Technology’ staff and Peel Media is optimistic the coming years will see numerous spin-off companies starting up in the sector.

www.blackmagic-design.com

jrb

June 12th, 2008, 08:53 PM

A move to Mediacity seems less likely with all these cutbacks.

Third of ITV’s programme publicity staff face axe | Print | Email to a friend

Thursday, 12 June 2008

All ITV programme publicists in Manchester, Leeds and London have been told to reapply for their jobs as the workforce gets cut from 75 to 50.

Today Manchester’s publicity department referred us to London for comment, but they were unavailable.

It’s reported that yesterday’s announcement to staff gives them just 10 days to apply.

It’s believed it’s due to a change in focus for the broadcaster, with major programming (Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor) getting more resources.

25 redundancies are expected across programme public relations, although remuneration packages have yet to be announced to staff.

It’s the latest restructuring to be announced by ITV’s new corporate communications director, Mark Gallagher who arrived from Camelot earlier this year.

jrb

June 13th, 2008, 10:10 AM

Stockport radio station up for sale

Stockport-based radio station Imagine FM is up for sale after owner UTV Radio was denied permission to run it from Warrington.

UTV , which also owns Warrington-based Wire FM, wanted to run the two stations from the same purpose-built premises in order to cut costs.

But the radio licence committee of media regulator Ofcom has vetoed the move, fearing that it could open the floodgates for many more similar applications from operators with loss making or marginally profitable stations.

Scott Taunton, UTV’s managing director, said the station will stop broadcasting at the end of this month if no buyer is found.

He said: “Every possible alternative for the future of the station is currently being investigated including the possibility of a sale or by finding alternative broadcast facilities in the area.

“However, if a buyer or alternative broadcasting facility cannot be found by June 30, 2008, UTV Radio (GB) will have no alternative but to hand back the licence to Ofcom and the station will be taken off air. If that regretful decision is taken alternative employment for Imagine FM staff will be offered elsewhere in the UTV Group where possible.”

London Stock Exchange-listed UTV, which also owns Talksport, bills Imagine as “South Manchester's best variety of hits”.

jrb

June 15th, 2008, 12:49 AM

More job cuts at Granada.

Unions fight more Granada redundancies | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 13 June 2008

An internal document to Granada staff has revealed that more redundancies are planned among production staff as the company struggles to cope with a down turn in business.

Paul Bennett, the director of northern resources told staff in an internal memo that “technological advances in production techniques combined with a slow down in studio commissions means that the level of resources staff in Manchester and Leeds is higher than required for the business levels forecast.”

Following meetings with staff in Manchester and Leeds staff were sent this letter:

“You may be aware that we have been reviewing operations within the Northern Resources group and that we have already tabled proposals for management restructure. With consultation drawing to a close for the first phase of restructure we are now able to put forward a second phase of proposals.

“Although we need to take restructure action quickly, due time will be given to complete the process correctly, hopefully mitigating the effect on individuals. Where possible we hope to achieve the proposed reductions by a process of voluntary redundancy"

“This is a very difficult time for all of us as, should the proposals go ahead, it will mean the loss of some valuable and talented staff. Sadly the option ‘to do nothing’ is not tenable and we must rationalise our businesses to reflect the forecast workload. Whilst I acknowledge the difficult trading conditions please let me assure you that we remain committed to supporting productions in the North”.

The news comes in contrast to Editz, which is based just down the road from Granada.

The design and post production house is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this week and it’s seen no sign of a slow down.

Ann Sutcliffe told How-Do that they’d invested “heavily in new equipment to keep ahead. If you don’t do it, you’re dead in the water.”

Bectus national official and Luke Crawley, the assistant general secretary will speak to staff at Granada next week to discuss what their next steps should be.

The Longford

June 15th, 2008, 01:10 AM

Granada is finished in this city.

andysimo123

June 15th, 2008, 03:18 AM

TV and media is hard work for the staff who run it but the other thing is if I was anyone in TV in the North West now or down in London, I'd be applying none stop for jobs at Salford Quays. Balls to ITV etc. Am sure there are going to be loads of jobs going because of all the moaners in London. Alot of them are still moaning and think they'll be staying down in South. They don't know buildings are nearly already up! I told one of my mates who is down there, he was pretty shocked.

jrb

June 17th, 2008, 07:29 AM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

DV8 rolls out first Northern edition in Manchester | Print | Email to a friend

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Music photographer Emma Wilkinson has launched the first edition of DV8 magazine outside the confines of Southern England, with issue one of the 10,000-circulation DV8 Manchester now waiting to get pocketed from 500 outlets around the city centre.
DV8 has the self-proclaimed intention to become “the UK’s foremost free regional magazine for the discerning 18-35 year old” and as such is gradually rolling out a franchise model from its Bournemouth-based head office.

So far it has editionised issues in Bournemouth, Bath, Bristol, Southampton, Portsmouth and Guildford, and is looking to spread the model further by securing teams/owners on the ground in further cities throughout the UK.

Manchester is the latest addition to the DV8 portfolio.

Emma Wilkinson is the woman behind the monthly magazine’s touchdown in the North West. She explained to How-Do that she had become tired of working for other titles and eager to operate her own – the DV8 offer allowed her to achieve this.

Wilkinson is now the owner/editor of the Manchester edition, combining the job with her established position as a music photographer (you can see her work at http://www.rockseepixs.co.uk).

The first edition came out this month and is free to pick up from shops, bars, clubs and certain office buildings spread throughout Manchester city centre.

Wilkinson said that she was “really proud” of the magazine, adding that “the response so far has been overwhelming and we are very hopeful for the future.”

The magazine combines reviews, listings, cross-portfolio interviews and features, with ‘gallery’ sections of regional events showcasing local people and aiming to cement the title’s connection to its host city.

It also freely admits that “we don't do hard hitting journalism and we don't show our readers places and products they can't afford.”

The first issue of DV8 Manchester can be seen online here.

http://www.dv8online.co.uk

http://www.dv8online.co.uk/

flange

June 17th, 2008, 01:10 PM

Xfm moving to Exchange Quay

By Simon Binns

Xfm Manchester has taken 6,998 sq ft in Building Four at Exchange Quay, on Salford Quays. The rent on the 10-year lease has not been disclosed, but rents for the 532,000 sq ft scheme are pitched at around £17.50 per sq ft.

Justice Ellis, marketing and events controller, said: “Exchange Quay is an ideal base for us, with the local amenities on site and the secure environment for those working on the evening and night programmes.”

Xfm currently is based at the nearby Waterfront Quay.

David Clark of Exchange Quay Management said: “We have been receiving more enquiries from media companies since the BBC confirmed its move to Salford Quays and expect the area to become a real hotspot for these types of businesses over the next few years.”

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/FREE/654689747/-1/breaking/-/-/xfm-moving-to-exchange-quay

Chogmook

June 17th, 2008, 01:12 PM

^^ They moved into Exchange Quay months ago after being booted out of Laser House! Rock Radio now have those studios.

jrb

June 20th, 2008, 01:10 AM

New book coming out soon. (click on link below for more details)

Manchester football history.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/manchesterfotballhistorycover.jpg

Manchester a Football History charts a city united by the beautiful game |

Thursday, 19 June 2008

Have you heard the story about the Manchester City director that asked Manchester United bosses if they wanted to merge clubs?
No?

Well what about plans for the two clubs to share Old Trafford? How they combined forces in the 1930s to stop another Manchester club entering the league? Or did you know that Manchester United is actually older than the official club records state?

If the answer to all these questions is a negative - and, of course, you actually care about the beautiful game – then it might be worth picking up Manchester a Football Hsitory, a new publication by author and broadcaster Gary James.

James, a Channel M presenter and established football author, has written a 520-page opus on the history of the game in the city, charting the success of the two main clubs, as well as delving into the glory (and gory) days of teams such as Stockport, Rochdale, Stalybridge, Altrincham and Oldham.

The book is written to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the game being banned in Manchester and, due to reasons that James explained to How-Do, is self-published.

“I set up this publisher (James Ward Publishing) to enable me to produce the book predominantly because I could not find another established publisher to gamble on a book that covers the wider Mancunian game,” he said.

“I have invested all my money into the enterprise with the determination that this book will be of high quality. I did not simply want to self-publish any old book.”

James has been working on the all-encompassing history for the best part of a decade and believes that the end product “has helped unravel some of the mysteries of the Mancunian game.”

Details of the book, and how, to get hold of one can be found on the James Ward website at www.manchesterfootball.org

Mez

June 20th, 2008, 02:34 AM

That book has been in waterstones for months now. only with a different cover. I have one.

TheGrand

June 20th, 2008, 04:53 PM

.........And so's my wife

Tonight's Cellar Tapes features Johnny Cash's live album "At Folsom Prison", as well as your normal mix of sixties Beat, R&B, Garage, Freak Beat, Psychedelia and Blues, plus the curtain closing Cellar Tapes: Song for Your Dad. Its all happening.

Click this link at 1am tonight if you're suffering from insomnia for Stockport's Pure 107.8 FM
http://www.pureradio.org.uk/silo/files/live-streaming.m3u

For more details, click below

That is all :)

The Mancunian Candidate: The Cellar Tapes
http://www.myspace.com/themancuniancandidate

funkydory

June 21st, 2008, 11:50 AM

Can we include Stockport? I'm a Birmingham SSC member. Lived Stockport 1989-1996.

Has the film "Taste of Honey" been mentioned? Filmed in the Greater Manchester area 1961.

Can provide photos and adverts(I think!) depending on my busy work schedule.:)

nicky2tu

June 21st, 2008, 02:00 PM

Has the film "Taste of Honey" been mentioned? Filmed in the Greater Manchester area 1961.

Can provide photos and adverts(I think!) depending on my busy work schedule.:)

Ah my all time favorite film Funky. You don't know were I can get a copy on DVD do you?

sportka

June 21st, 2008, 03:48 PM

A media bash at Media City last night took place at the Pie Factory - attended by quite a few movers and shakers by all accounts. More details now at

http://salfordquays.org/news.php?extend.35 complete with new Media City logo.

funkydory

June 21st, 2008, 04:36 PM

Ah my all time favorite film Funky. You don't know were I can get a copy on DVD do you?

Got back asap(since i think I'm going to get a beer out of this LOL):-

(a)Amazon appears to be flogging it, but the price is astronomical AND you have to be careful you don't get handed a US/Canadian version or it might not play at all.

(b)Rumour has it that HMV did a one-off purchase this time last year, but its not in their current catalogue. Your local HMV manager might know if there were any unsold copies round the back somewhere.

BUT........

(c) Manchester City Libraries has a lending copy of the VHS VIDEO at their Central Library branch.

(d) The VHS is from the BFI (British Film Institute) stock on sale in that format until 2002, but not converted to their DVD's for sale. They too might have an unsold video copy at their place in London.

Otherwise, I'll keep it in mind if the title crops up in messages at any time.

Potato Man

June 21st, 2008, 05:48 PM

Looks like a tricky DVD to get hold of. Some joker over at Amazon Marketplace is trying to sell it at £58!

CD-WOW looks like your best bet at £14.99 - less of course any discount vouchers you find lying about the web.

http://www.find-dvd.co.uk/BFIVD513.htm

mr_smith

June 21st, 2008, 08:45 PM

was also given away with a newspaper last year

jrb

June 24th, 2008, 09:42 AM

The plot thickens at Granada.

Granada MD leaves the company
Simon Donohue
24/ 6/2008

FORMER ITV Granada managing director Sue Woodward has left the company, despite initial claims she was moving to a new campaigning role with the broadcaster.

It was announced in March that Ms Woodward would be leaving her dual role as managing director for ITV Granada and director of regional affairs for ITV to work with Mark Gallagher, director of corporate affairs for ITV, to `evolve ITV's long-term campaign strategy'.

Controversially, the announcement was made amid speculation that ITV's senior bosses felt that the Granada regional operation was no longer of a sufficient scale to warrant a designated managing director.

When contacted by the Manchester Evening News to ask about her shock departure from ITV, Ms Woodward refused to comment.

It is not clear whether she has actually spent any time working to `evolve ITV's long-term campaign strategy' since leaving her job in Quay Street, Manchester, at the end of March, or whether she has spent the period on `gardening leave'.

Ms Woodward is believed to be on the verge of taking up another job outside of ITV, but was not prepared to talk about her new role when interviewed recently by a Manchester Evening News journalist.

ITV has since announced a restructure which sees six new regional directors replace the ten existing roles of regional managing directors and controllers of regional programmes. Under the new structure, the six regional directors will be responsible for ITV's regional news and programme operations.

ITV Granada and ITV Central will be overseen by Central Controller Mike Blair.

Ms Woodward, who is originally from Liverpool, was seconded from Granada to serve as creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games and is deputy chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company.

jrb

June 29th, 2008, 10:48 AM

New Manchester Media Festival. 26-28 November 2008.

http://www.themediafestival.com/partners

jrb

June 29th, 2008, 11:10 AM

Tons of Manchester media snippets. Mediacity and the BBC move North is already starting to have a positive impact on the city. Lots of new media companies and new jobs/staff are moving in.

Unfortunately it's a subscription site, so you only get a small piece of the article. Still worth a look. Keyword, Manchester, date, up to you.

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/search/advancedSearch.html

jrb

July 9th, 2008, 12:15 AM

A few interesting pieces on todays How-Do website. Can't be arsed posting them all.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

flange

July 11th, 2008, 04:05 PM

Hat Trick Productions shuts Manchester office

Television production company Hat Trick Productions has closed its Manchester office, Hat Trick North, citing a lack of regional commissions.

The closure comes just three years after opening in Manchester . Three staff based in Manchester, including executive producer Rebecca Papworth, are believed to have left the company.

London-based Hat Trick set up in Manchester in 2005 to take advantage of the BBC’s move north, but it produced just two series of Drop Dead Gorgeous for BBC 3 and one series of Turn Back Time.

However, the company has taken on script editor Angela Sinden, who has worked on Shameless and Coronation Street, to spend three days a week in the region and develop drama projects in the north

Hat Trick managing director Jimmy Mulville told industry magazine Broadcast he would now only establish teams in the region once shows had been commissioned.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080711/FREE/662125800/-1/breaking/-/-/hat-trick-productions-shuts-manchester-office

jrb

July 14th, 2008, 10:52 PM

From http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Crains and to some extent the MEN Business section will have more competition soon.

NXTBOOK set to launch major digital business and enterprise magazine in

Wednesday, 09 July 2008

US digital publishing firm NXTBOOK Media, which opened its European headquarters in Manchester six weeks ago, has revealed to How-Do that it plans to launch a major new online business magazine later this year.
Details of the launch were relatively scant at the time of writing, but the company confirmed that the new digital publication would be “covering topics such as media, business development, property, hospitality and investment” and that it “will be distributed to the cities thriving business community.”

Operations manager Amber Stevens said that the launch was, however, “in the early stages” and that she would prefer to release further details slightly later down the line.

Some details are known though as the firm, which has sales of $ several millions in the States, has been targeting the business community of late exploring commercial opportunities and looking to bring on sponsors and advertisers.

It appears as though the title will be published with a monthly frequency.

NXTBOOK is an established name in bringing offline media online and currently works with clients such as Reed Business Communications, Primedia, US pop magazine Nylon and Manchester-based Graduate Prospects to convert their print materials into easy to read digital editions.

More US to Manchester movesIt is expected that the new business title will follow the firm’s established formats in this arena.

The move is sure to be watched with great interest by the established business media players in the city, one of which, Crain’s, appears to be have blazed the trail over for the publisher from the US directly to Manchester.

(How-Do’ers will also, no doubt, be eager to see if it fills the gap left by Outbox’s apparent failure to ever see the light of day.)

MIDAS played a pivotal role in persuading NXTBOOK to set up in the city and is believed to be in support of the new publication.

The firm’s Salford Quays office is headed up by European operations director Darren Fowler and now houses ten staff, with plans to quickly expand the operation. It provides sales and operational support for the firm across the UK and the continent.

NXTBOOK’s global HQ is in Pennsylvania.

Fowler said of Manchester that it was “the perfect location for us.”

www.nxtbook.com

jrb

July 14th, 2008, 10:54 PM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Hat Trick closes Manchester office | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 11 July 2008
Hat Trick North, the Manchester off-shoot of Hat Trick Productions has pulled out of the city, just three years after its big launch.

The company behind Have I got news for you, Father Ted and Drop the Dead Donkey is blaming a lack of regional commissions for the move.
It’s believed that the 3 staff based in Manchester have all left the company, including executive producer Rebecca Papworth.

The original aim of the move to Manchester in 2005 was to take advantage of the BBC’s move to Salford, but they’ve produced just two series of Drop Dead Gorgeous for BBC 3 and one series of Turn Back Time.

While no longer having an office base here, Hat Trick have hired script editor Angela Sinden (Shameless and Coronation Street) to develop drama projects in the North for ITV - she will spend three days a week in the region.

The opening of Hat Trick North was hailed as the start of major investment in the region, with predictions of a £5m turnover and 6,500 freelance days in the first eighteen months.

It was the first recipient of Northwest Vision and Media’s Regional Attraction Fund.

LogoToday, Chris Moll, director of production, trade and investment for Northwest Vision and Media said, "it is obviously disappointing that the Manchester office has closed. We are well aware of the challenges regarding regional commissioning and are actively engaging with broadcasters about this issue."

"A key focus for Northwest Vision and Media is also about helping to develop and invest in talent and we look forward to continuing to work with those who were in involved in Hat Trick and doing what we can to support them in the future."

The Longford

July 15th, 2008, 12:03 PM

That www.how-do.co.uk site is very good - especially the Rumours section.

flange

July 16th, 2008, 12:25 PM

Animators are animated

Wednesday 16th July 2008

THE company formed by Bob the Builder creator Keith Chapman has laid the foundations for its future by openiing its first production studio in Altrincham.

Chapman Entertainment employs 25 people at the facility, where it will continue to produce animated children’s TV programmes like Fifi and the Flowertots and Roary the Racing Car, voiced by the comedian Peter Kay.

The studio was officially opened with a champagne launch last week and managing director/producer Greg Lynn said everyone connected to the company was thrilled and excited by the move to new premises.

“It’s really exciting and what I love is seeing the people here with all the skill and talent working on the shows. It’s such a craft and England excels at stop frame animation. This area has become a real, central hub of talent both in terms of animators and model makers,” he added.

Greg said the production studio will allow Chapman Entertainment to move forward and starting producing programmes for youngsters of six and over. It currently concentrates on the pre-school market.

“We’ve got about four programmes in development where we’re working through getting the characters right and thinking about the stories and who they’ll appeal to. We hope thatt some of them, if not all, will come to fruition,” he says.

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/news/3207537.Animators_are_animated/

hulmeman2

July 16th, 2008, 03:12 PM

Has the film "Taste of Honey" been mentioned? Filmed in the Greater Manchester area 1961.
Ah my all time favorite film Funky. You don't know were I can get a copy on DVD do you?

You may be interested in this then:
http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/play.asp?playid=288

A TASTE OF HONEY
12 November 2008 to 06 December 2008
Royal Exchange Theatre

'Geof: We’re unique!
Jo:Young!
Geof:Unrivalled!
Jo: Smashing!
Geof: We’re bloody marvellous!'

When her mother abandons her in favour of her latest fancy man, Jo looks for love herself, and soon finds that life is awfully difficult to get right in Shelagh Delaney’s FUNNY, VIBRANT and UNFORGETTABLE play.

A TASTE OF HONEY
By Shelagh Delaney
Directed by Jo Combes

jrb

July 17th, 2008, 12:12 AM

from How Do.

Liverpool and Manchester to host BBC Silk Screens

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

Liverpool and Manchester are among a small group of UK cities which will host BBC Silk Screens, billed as the largest ever festival of Chinese culture, this coming week-end.

Timed to co-incide with the run up to the Beijing Olympics, ‘Silk Screens’ is a series of free outdoor film screenings and live events in cities across the UK featuring films and events focusing on the lives of British Chinese.

A 20 foot high white tiger (animated by five people) will be accompanied by dragons, martial arts groups, live performances of Chinese pop songs and Shanghai jazz. As well as performances of traditional Chinese dance, there will be dance workshops on offer and the opportunity to try Tai Chi.

A number of short films will be shown including Chinese Scouser – a film about a man who feels his heritage has always led to tensions in his life in Liverpool, Journey to the West, in which children at a Sunday Chinese School in Manchester prepare a play which helps them to explore their cultural roots and Liverpool Yiping Yang.

"Silk Screens has been a wonderful opportunity for the BBC to break new ground, creating what is possibly the most comprehensive video portrait of British Chinese ever made in this country" said Rosemary Richards, editor, BBC Video Nation.

Films in Manchester will be screened from noon and films in Liverpool from 1pm.

jrb

July 21st, 2008, 01:48 AM

Survey targets digital sector

The Manchester Digital Development Agency and trade association Manchester Digital are to survey the digital sector in Manchester and the North West.

Manchester Digital and the MDDA hope to gain a better understanding of the digital sector from the two-phase survey. Participants will be invited to complete a short online survey about their business and any issues they might be facing as a digital company.

Manchester-based marketing agency The Savvy Partnership is carrying out the research, the first phase of which will be done over the next three weeks.

“By asking directly what their experiences are and how they see the industry developing, the results from the survey will enable us to develop services and membership benefits in direct response to the real world needs of our members and the sector in general,” said Shaun Fensom, chair of Manchester Digital.

flange

July 23rd, 2008, 05:08 PM

Manchester considers plan for digital production hub

By Joanne Birtwistle

Manchester City Council’s executive is today considering plans to invest £5m in turning the old Sharp electronics factory on Oldham Road in East Manchester into a hub for the digital production sector.

The move would “protect and enhance” the city’s media sector in the face competition from Salford’s Media City, according to the agenda notes ahead of the meeting.

Animation company Red Vision, currently based on Canal Street, is working with the council to help “shape the vision”.

Red Vision has an urgent need to expand the business because of recent commissions from ITV and other broadcasters, and it plans to find new accommodation by the end of the year.

“In the absence of suitable space in Manchester there is a risk that they will grow in London instead, as it is easier to recruit freelance animators there,” said the report.

The Sharp building provides around 200,000 sq ft of space and the report states that anticipated rental income at full occupancy would be £800,000. It adds that a more realistic occupancy rate of 80 per cent would bring in £640,000 for the council, which would continue to wholly own the building.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/FREE/546339203/1026

jrb

July 24th, 2008, 12:33 PM

Following on from Flange's article.

From http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Manchester council approves £5m investment in new digital media production hub | Print | Email to a friend
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Manchester city council yesterday approved an initial investment of £5m in refurbishment work of the former Sharp distribution centre building in east Manchester with the aim of creating a new digital media production hub.

The investment was initially prompted by fears about the city’s creative media and digital base with the development of Media City and the likely relocation of ITV Granada to a site adjoining the Imperial War Museum.

Back in June 2006, the council specifically asked that steps would be taken to “identify the actions necessary to protect and enhance the city’s media sector.”

The decision to look at east Manchester is believed to have been decided by the ultimate loss of the Casino and the expected benefits that development would have brought to east Manchester.

The council believes that the “Sharp building has the potential to become a significant digital media production hub, providing large-scale, cost-effective office, workshop and studio accommodation, combined with a world-class technical infrastructure.”

The BAFTA award winning visual effects company Red Vision is understood to have been a close collaborator throughout the process and is expected to take space within the development.

Red Vision is based in Canal Street in Manchester’s gay village and has a pressing need to expand its operations due to recent commissions from ITV and other broadcasters and the company needed new space in Manchester by December 2008. The council added that “in the absence of suitable space in Manchester there was a risk that they would opt to grow in London instead.”

The complex will include a ‘Media Village’ including a café, together with incubator offices and workspaces available on ‘flexible terms’.

The development will also include the 'Virtual Super Studio' currently in development in partnership with the Australian Centre for Digital Innovation and it is believed that Discovery Channel has also held exploratory talks about getting involved.

In April How-Do reported that only weeks after buying itself back out of parent company Inspired Gaming Group , Red Vision signed a deal with the Australian Centre for Digital Innovation to create a 24-hour virtual studio where the two businesses can share each other’s workload.

www.redvision.co.uk

jrb

July 24th, 2008, 12:35 PM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Online soap opera Spinning Jenny goes live with daily show

Tuesday, 22 July 2008

Following months of development and four pilot shows broadcast in May and June, Spinning Jenny, a new online soap opera set in Manchester’s PR industry has gone into daily production.

How-Do flagged up the soap’s imminent arrival back in March.

The show follows the life, loves, family, friends and losses of 23 year old PR Jenny Hargreaves, played by newcomer Ruth Maher, who works out of offices not dissimilar from those at Brazen PR and some of its clients’ premises.

Ruth (Jenny) MaherAspiring actress Maher is in real life a part time PA to Mark Thomas, editor of the Liverpool Daily Post.

The production company behind the show is Silk Press Productions. Silk Press was founded by Colin Bannon, the former editor and publisher of lifestyle magazine Living Edge which he had earlier sold to Archant.

There will be a daily showing of Spinning Jenny from Monday to Friday. The shows will be between one and three minutes in length. The first season of the show will run until Christmas Bannon told How-Do.

He cites the best-known online soap opera Kate Modern – which attracted over 1.5m visitors at its peak when it was hosted on bebo - as a sort of predecessor but maintains Spinning Jenny will be quite different by mixing the format with social media interactivity. Bannon claimed that “Unlike other soaps Jenny will go right across the social networks with a presence on Facebook, YouTube, bebo and MySpace, as well as a daily blog http://spinningjennytv.blogspot.com.”

Among a number of guest celebrities lined up for the show is former kids’ TV presenter and ex-Corrie actress Casey-Lee Jolleys, who has contracted to appear around three times a week in the soap, X-Factor contestant Rowetta and Dean Sullivan from Brookside

Casey-LeeBannon is hoping that Jenny will in due course attract around 20,000 unique visitors a day giving the show a total weekly figure of around 100,000 visitors. There are currently almost 1100 people signed up to the Facebook site he said.

The production budget for the show is £20,000 a month and Bannon said he is optimistic the show will be able to recoup a significant proportion of this as the show evolves. Revenue he said will come from product placement and sponsorship. He was unwilling to disclose any names but said talks were already ongoing with some commercial clients. Bannon said he and his team were managing the sales function.

Bannon is advertising the show on Google and Facebook and added that Brazen is helping with PR.

The site has three main video channels: one for Episodes, where the central plot will develop; Jenny’s World, where individual characters have their say and related events are covered; and Secrets & Lies, where ‘characters tell you things about themselves even Jenny doesn’t know’.

www.spinningjenny.tv

jrb

July 24th, 2008, 12:38 PM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Smoothe wins scene visualisation work on Brit movie Splintered

Thursday, 24 July 2008

The Manchester office of creative Agency Smoothe has won a contract to visualise scenes for a new British hack-and-slash horror film called Splintered, due for worldwide release next year.

The film claims it will be the first UK movie to be shot entirely on RED Cam, a high-end digital format at the leading edge of the digital film industry.

The contract will be led by visual artist Ben Haworth who recently joined Smoothe as head of film from fellow Manchester production house Red Vision. Howarth has won a number of RTS awards and is a former Broadcast Magazine young visual artist of the year.

Smoothe promotes itself as a specialist creative agency producing CGI for broadcast, on-line and print media.

Sam Crothers of Smoothe said: “Manchester’s media industry is coming of age and digital convergence means that we can apply film-making technology used in blockbuster movies to businesses in the region. Having produced work for BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery, Ben’s experience and expertise will play a vital role in achieving this.”

www.smoothe.com

www.splinteredthemovie.com

jrb

July 25th, 2008, 08:42 PM

From How Do

Smooth maintains lead in RAJARs | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 25 July 2008

Smooth FM has remained the region's most listened to radio station in this month's RAJARS. While Century lost 37,000 listeners to 678,000, Smooth gained three thousand and took a 5.8% audience share.

"Smooth Radio just keeps going from strength to strength here in the north-west and the whole team is delighted with this latest set of results. It’s great that listeners are listening for longer and liking what they hear," said Andy Carter, managing director of Smooth Radio.

Key 103Key 103 also saw big gains, beating Radio 1 in hours and reach, of more than half a million.

And in Liverpool, Radio City has also seen a growth of 10,000 listeners, putting it well ahead of BBC Radio Merseyside.

Most stations have seen their listening figures remain constant compare to last month, although combined there has been a slight drop in overall listening figures for the region.

The main development has been the increase in people listening to radio on their mobile phones – a development which XFM has been using in their latest ad campaign.

106.1 Rock Radio will post its first RAJARs in January next year, and City Talk in Liverpool will announce its first results two months later.

Mar-08 June-08
Station Reach /1000s' % share Reach /1000s' % share

102.4 Wish FM 76 6.3 80 7.6
106.7 Merseyside 3 0.7 4 0.7
106.9 Silk FM 29 6.8 28 6.8
107 The Bee 22 8.1 24 10.2
107.2 Wire FM 73 9.1 66 7.3
107.4 Tower FM 47 4.8 56 5.1
107.6 Juice FM 142 4.4 117 3.3
107.9 Dune FM 20 2.2 17 1.9
2BR 62 15.9 60 14.7
96.2 The Revolution 19 1.7 17 1.4
97.4 Rock FM 291 8.5 282 7.7
BBC Radio Cumbria 115 13.5 119 16.7
BBC Radio Lancs 245 10.7 252 9.1
BBC Radio Mcr 236 3.9 209 4.6
BBC Radio Merseyside 343 16.4 361 16.4
BBC Radio Stoke 172 11.3 155 11.4
C F M Radio 98 21.4 94 20
Century Radio 715 5.3 678 4.9
Chester's Dee 106.3 31 7.6 29 7.9
Coast 96.3 44 8.1 46 9.2
Galaxy Manchester 449 4.9 475 5.8
Gold Manchester 55 0.9 50 0.7
Gold N Wales/Chester 6 1 4 0.5
Imagine FM 38 2.2 39 3.1
Key 103 490 7.5 525 8.5
Magic 1152 Mcr 101 1.6 77 1.7
Magic 1548 Lpool 76 1.8 82 1.9
Magic 999 Preston 49 1.3 50 1.6
Marcher Sound 69 7.6 68 7.3
Radio City 96.7 470 11.8 480 11.9
Radio Wave 96.5 73 15.4 75 17
Smooth Radio 718 5.1 721 5.8
The Bay 89 11.1 89 11.3
The Buzz 97.1 35 2.8 39 3.3
XFM Manchester 190 2.3 189 2

Source: RAJAR / Ipsos MORI / RSMB

jrb

July 28th, 2008, 01:19 AM

GShutty

July 28th, 2008, 03:55 PM

I reckon Granada are considering a move to Media City, but waiting until works have further progressed and maybe more companies have signed up. Plus that gives them time to sell their own land. No rush for them I guess. It's not as though Peel would turn them away.

jrb

July 29th, 2008, 06:40 PM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Granada sports team heads to Olympics | Print | Email to a friend
Monday, 28 July 2008

ITV News has picked Granada to go to China and cover the Olympics for the entire network’s regional news output.

The team of three will provide stories for every single region from Channel TV to Grampian.

Mike Hall will be the onscreen presence and he explained to How-Do what he’s expecting:

Hall"It’s a huge amount of work for myself, producer Alastair Connolly and cameraman Dave Brown. We’re going out there as part of a big ITV team but there’s every chance we could be the busiest people out there.

"I’ve got to swot up on 313 athletes!! I’ll be ready for Sporting Mastermind when I get back! Each night I’ll be doing up to eight two-way chats between Beijing and regional studios across the country – all inside a two-hour window - bringing each region up-to-date with how their stars are getting along.

"We’ll also be chasing interviews with medal winners and their families and trying to capture as much colour as possible."

ITV regional news used to rely on ITN reporters to provide stories and send interviews back via satellite, however, with priorities for ITN and the regions being slightly different they introduced this new scheme.

With the North West's wealth of sport coverage and Head of News Richard Frediani managing to keep staff levels somewhat higher than most of the other regions, Granada has managed to win a number of these jobs.

Granada"From a financial point of view, it makes sense to have one reporter out there at these events (although the workload can be exhausting)," added Hall.

"It would cost the company a fortune to send reporters from every region. It just wouldn’t happen. My colleagues around the country have enjoyed trips like this in the past - to the Rugby World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and previous Olympic Games. And I was lucky enough to go to the 2006 World Cup in Germany on behalf of the regions.

"If something breaks that affects a region then we’ve got it covered. We don’t have to leave these stories to the network news – we’re there, we’re on top of it. And we can give it the air-time it deserves. Hopefully there’ll be more trips like this for ITV staff in the future. It’s great experience, great fun and very challenging."

The team head out to Beijing in a fortnight.

jrb

July 29th, 2008, 06:57 PM

I must admit, Crains has been a fantastic addition to Manchester's business news. Perhaps a larger edition wouldn't be a bad idea. Hopefully that will come in time. I'd like to see a few more in depth interviews with Manchester's big hitters. HB, RL, Allied, Bruntwood, West, Ask, Peel, CO-OP, MCRPG, BBC/Mediacity, Granada, etc, etc. (their plans and visions for the city)

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Crain’s claims online surge as Porter looks to delineate on and offline

Tuesday, 29 July 2008

Arthur Porter, the publisher of weekly paper Crain's Manchester Business, has revealed that the title's online audience is growing at a rate of 25 per cent month on month. He also took the time to explain to How-Do why he believes the imminent move to subscriber-only content is the best way forward for the fledgling title and its website. (I'm not liking that. I take it the likes of me and Flange who have promoted Crains since it's launch will receive a honorary subscription :) I do buy a weekly copy BTW)
Porter sounded happy and relaxed with progress at the paper – a regular on How-Do since its launch back in December – and keen to talk about the momentum that appears to be gathering online.

“We’re now getting page views of over 125,000 a month and 35,000 unique visitors,” he said when speaking of www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk , adding, “all that from a standing start at the beginning of the year.”

He imparted that this currently translates to “a 25 per cent month on month” increase – a statistic Porter feels is largely due to the growing awareness of the title within the business community, not to mention its popular daily email updates.

On this point he disclosed: “We’re currently at the stage where we have 4,250 people a day getting emails from myself with the daily updates.”

Porter: online changes“We feel that that’s pretty impressive.”

However, in a move that some of those 4,250 devotees might find slightly less than impressive (if they’re not offline subscribers that is), Porter is set to change the on/offline formula from September onwards.

“At the moment we’re still offering the whole content of the paper online,” he stated, “but that’ll be changing in the course of the next six weeks or so.(thought it eventually would)

“From that point onwards what appears in the paper will only be available to subscribers of the newspaper itself. In that way we aim to push more people to the paper as, after all, that is the main driver for the business.”

He continued: “The website will still be breaking news stories every day – there’s usually three or four there before 9am even – but the newspaper will be the source for stories that are not coming down the wires; news that’s come directly from our own 13-strong editorial team.

“In that way we think we can offer something different through the two channels – namely two services that combine to create a full service news offering to the business community.”

Porter added that commercially Crain’s Manchester is taking significant steps forward and has just signed Orbit Developments up to sponsor the daily email updates for a year from September.

“They’ve been great supporters of the paper,” he concluded, “and we're delighted to have them on board for a full year.”

staticmeltdown

July 29th, 2008, 11:03 PM

jrb

August 4th, 2008, 01:18 AM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

Another London indie quits Manchester? | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 01 August 2008

Industry sources have told How-Do that October Films is reconsidering its Manchester production base after just 18 months in the city.

Less than a month ago Hat Trick North confirmed that it was closing and now October is believed to be scaling down, or even closing down its Manchester operation.

Managing director Denman Rooke is currently on holiday, but when calling the London HQ, we were told that "nothing had been officially released."

More revealingly the Manchester office number "is not recognised" and they’ve changed the website (before ) to remove October North contact details, which suggests that the office is already closed.

Like Hat Trick, October Films was another beneficiary of the Regional Attraction Fund.

North West VisionIn an article on the North West Vision site they were featured as "Facility of the Month" and managing director Emma Worthington was looking forward to the BBC’s arrival in Salford:

"The people in London who run October Films have been very surprised by the community feel up here amongst the other independents,” reveals Emma. "I’m quite amazed by how much information is shared actually and I think there’s a real feeling that we’re all in this together."

Official word is expected when Rooke returns.

jrb

August 4th, 2008, 01:23 AM

http://www.how-do.co.uk/

GMG Regional Media 'seriously affected' by market conditions | Print | Email to a friend

Thursday, 31 July 2008

GMG's annual financial results have revealed that there has been a 26 per cent profits drop at GMG Regional Media.

GMG Regional Media controls the flagship Manchester Evening News publication and a host of associated weekly titles.

In the course of the last financial year it saw operating profit fall from £19.4m to £14.3m and turnover drop slightly from £122.2m to £120.5m.

This result led the firm to state that the division was “the most seriously affected by the difficult advertising market conditions and the migration of revenues - particularly in classified advertising - from print to online".

Classified advertising fell by 8 per cent over the year, while display crept up 1 per cent.

GMG’s radio portfolio, which includes a host of regional stations such as current RAJAR star Smooth, appeared to perform well, with revenues up 36 per cent to £48.8m.

However, the group only broke even – as compared to last year’s £3.5m profit – although this was said to due to the addition of new stations to the portfolio.

Speaking about the entire group entity, chairman Paul Myners surmised that it was in a strong position, but warned that the uncertainty in the UK economy was expected “to have an impact on a number of the group's revenue streams in the coming year."

In terms of the Regional Media operation it will be next year before the fruits of its ongoing ‘mines’ online initiative have an impact on the financial results.

GMG's sole shareholder is The Scott Trust, the body set up in 1936 to secure The Guardian’s financial and editorial independence.

www.gmgplc.co.uk

The Longford

August 4th, 2008, 02:47 AM

jrb

August 4th, 2008, 10:01 AM

From Crains.

Manchester still viable base say TV producers
By Joanne Birtwistle

Other London-based television production companies have no plans to follow comedy producer Hat Trick's example and close their Manchester outposts.

Hat Trick, maker of Have I Got News for You for BBC2, cited a lack of regional commissions for the July decision to quit the city.

Crain's understands Hat Trick North did have ongoing work in the region and internal issues within the company were a more important factor.

Rebecca Papworth, who lost her job as executive producer at Hat Trick North when the office closed, was keen to reassure other independent production companies.

Tougher across UK

“Of course it's tough and we need the quotas filled and ideally more commissioners, but Hat Trick did benefit from the initial migration and continues to do so,” said Papworth, who is now freelance executive producer on a BBC3 sitcom pilot for Freeform Productions in Manchester.

“I don't believe we should extrapolate from an individual company circumstances to draw conclusions about a general malaise in the region.”

Several production companies opened offices in Manchester around same time as Hat Trick.

Manchester-based Channel K was also set up in 2005, by London parent Channel X. Like Hat Trick it received a grant from North West Vision and Media of around £60,000.

Matt Tiller, Channel K's director of programming, said things had got tougher for independent production companies recently, but that was across the UK. “For smaller and newer companies, BBC3 is the place to go. But they have less money than they did a year or two ago,” he said. To bridge the gap, Channel K has done some shorts for Paramount Comedy, for broadcast and online use. Tiller is pitching ideas to digital companies that are setting up comedy websites and is also looking at developing comedy concepts for corporate clients.

Stephen McGinn, executive producer and head of Objective North, opened Objective's Manchester office three and a half years ago, with no public funding.

The company started producing factual list shows but as appetite waned it now produces studio-based shows such as The Return of "Allo "Allo and most recently, the Comedy Sketchbook series for BBC, which aired in June.

McGinn also said TV is just a tough industry, in London or Manchester. “We have always been busy since we opened. It is difficult and getting more so but it's hard for everyone in the industry,” he said.

The BBC's commissioning executive for comedy, Cheryl Taylor, has been based in Manchester for the past couple of years — something all said had made a huge difference to the companies producing comedy here. Sumi Connock, the BBC's daytime commissioning editor, is also based in Manchester.

But Objective North's McGinn said broadcasters often fulfil their regional quotas by commissioning high volume shows like quizzes or daily shows, rather than commissioning one-off dramas in the region, which cost a lot more.

“That ticks one big box for them,” he said. “One-off programmes won't help them reach the quota.”

While ITV1 met its 50 per cent volume quota, achieving 53 per cent, the proportion of ITV1 spend outside London in 2007 was 44 per cent — below the 50 per cent minimum.

“Many of our most successful and best-loved programmes, from Coronation Street through to Jeremy Kyle, are produced in the regions,” said an ITV spokesperson.

Red Productions, which has produced programmes including Clocking Off, Queer as Folk and Casanova, is having to diversify into docu-drama feature films because the market for drama is “very difficult”, according to managing director Andrew Critchley.

“More people are doing features as well, especially as drama can suffer because it is so expensive.” Critchley said an hour's drama can cost between £500,000 and £1.5m to make. “It's the first to suffer when broadcasters are straightening financially.”

Comdot

August 4th, 2008, 10:25 PM

The Longford

August 5th, 2008, 01:22 AM

FcejJH_FSqc

not actually seen the video for this before. 1980. nice to see the factory that was demolished for my flat. imagine that video today. :)
and to be honest i only remember the tune from the end of a sopranos episode. what a tune.

Nice find comcooperclarkedot.

Manchester always looked like that in the late 70s - even during the day.
You young'uns dont realise - it was quite literally a different city back then.

jrb

August 5th, 2008, 10:18 AM

The MEN Business section has gone very media related today.

Incredible future for city animators
James Ferguson
5/ 8/2008

MOVE aside Hollywood, the next generation of hi-tech superheroes could soon be hailing from a multi-million pound studio in Newton Heath.

Computer generated characters like Wall·E and The Incredibles are box office blockbusters earning millions across the globe for the stateside studios behind them.

Manchester has always been an animated city, with hand- drawn children's favourites like Dangermouse and Chorlton And The Wheelies both born here.

But now plans have been announced for a new digital media centre at the 20,000 square foot former Sharp building in Oldham Road.

Council chiefs believe the building has the potential to become a significant hub for computer generated imagery (CGI) and they want to support the city's growing media sector. A report by the chief executive says: "There is a clear need for spaces where companies can co-locate in order to facilitate collaboration, innovation and share the costs of IT and technical infrastructure."

Bafta award-winning visual effects business Red Vision, based in Canal Street, have already backed the idea, helping develop plans for a virtual super studio.

It would take the form of a global network of digital production centres working together around the clock, with the Sharp building as the UK hub.

The council has also been taking with world leaders in the field, such as DreamWorks, Pixar and Aardman Animation, and partners in Australia and Canada have already been identified.

This has thrown up some skill gaps in the industry locally, which it is hoped to plug by using the building to run education programmes, like offering access to technical equipment and placements with established experts.

According to the executive, the building could accommodate a number of businesses, "generating a cluster effect that will build a critical mass of skills supply and demand to Manchester. "The Sharp building will become a place to mature and develop new talent."

Manchester Council bought the building in 2006 for £5.5 million and is now looking for partners to help develop the project.

It is planned to invest £5m refurbishing the building, which would then be worth £9m.

A further £200,000 investment is recommended to develop the idea over the next year.

Red Vision director Dave Mousley said: "We are likely to be one of the first large tenants. We have been commissioned to produce two feature films and three TV series so we are very keen to be in there by the end of this year. We have 150 people and have not been able to find another suitable space.

"I anticipate it will become an international location for film, TV and gaming, with everything from blue screen studios to the latest visual effects."

-------------------------------------

Future is looking bright
Simon Donohue
5/ 8/2008

A STATE-of-the-art training centre for the modern media industry is due to expand its range of courses as Manchester's importance as a production centre grows.

Privately-owned Futureworks, which is based in a six-storey building in Mosley Street, boasts "industry standard" equipment to train young creative talent in audio, film and TV, digital arts and games.

It opened in December, 2006 offering 50 different courses but will be offering more than 150 by the time the new term begins in September.

With the creative, digital and new media sector now accounting for 1.8m jobs in the UK, Futureworks' directors Chris Mayo, Tony Tyrrell and Alan Doyle hope to capitalise on growing demand.

Futureworks offers work-based courses and traditional degree courses.

Managing director Mr Mayo was previously an instructor on Pro-Tools, the industry-leading specialist sound engineering technology, and the technical director for a media education facility. His team includes senior managers with similar experience.

Paul Collins spent several years working in marketing and event management roles for media and music events before moving into education.

Ben Norris has experience in developing IT solutions and internal software programmes, and Chris Harper began his career as a sound engineer and music producer in a recording studio in Manchester.

Mr Mayo said: "The vision behind Futureworks is to create a unique production and post-production facility designed specifically for education. By creating a learning environment that exactly emulates the real world, students gain experience at the centre of a high-specification, working production facility as they study.

"Futureworks works closely with organisations in the industry to offer students high level technical skills, combined with the academic knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.

"Unlike other education establishments, Futureworks trains students on the same equipment that is being used in the industry; its SSL mixing desk is the same technology that is used by Timbaland, while its Neve VR Legend classic mixing desk is the exact machine used by PJ Harvey on her legendary Stories From The Cities, Stories From The Sea album, which won the Mercury Music award in 2001.

"It doesn't stop at music production; Futureworks' post-production facilities are equally impressive, boasting the very same equipment used in the production of popular TV programmes including Lost and 24." Futureworks has already had some success stories.

Tom Bohan, from Bury, now works at Manchester facilities house Sumners and said: "I wouldn't be in the job I have now if it wasn't for Futureworks.

"The knowledge and expertise of the teachers at Futureworks, combined with training on the very latest industry technology, meant I had a competitive edge over others going for the same job."

jrb

August 6th, 2008, 01:44 AM

How Do.

Whistle blows for XFM as Manchester United transfers to Key 103

Tuesday, 05 August 2008

Manchester United has made a new signing, with the news that the league and European champions are looking to Bauer’s Key 103 to be the club’s official commentary partner for the next three years.

How-Do understands that other regional radio stations were also approached before the contract moved to Key.

The news brings an end to the relationship between MUFC and Xfm Manchester, which provided exclusive commentary for all games last season and, thanks to the team’s success, arguably got good value out of the one-year contract.

Key 103 will be hoping for more of the same going forward, as it looks to combine its existing commentary on Manchester City games (also available on sister station Magic 1152) with the United reporting – which covers all matches across all competitions.

In a move to realign the schedule to fully exploit the station’s football connections, Key 103 will now be launching a brand new weekend show called Total Football.

The new programme will combine the commentary with build-up, analysis and listener debate, while online offerings of podcasts and webchats will augment the ‘total football’ proposition.

SteinIn a statement from the station yesterday, Gary Stein, Key 103 programme director said: "We have worked with Manchester City for the past five years and are delighted to add Manchester United to our line-up.

"Working with both clubs gives us balance and the opportunity to connect with football fans from both sides of the fence, making our weekend line-up unmissable."

The financial details of the deal were not released at the time of writing.

jrb

August 6th, 2008, 01:49 AM

How do.

New digital publishing solution launches to UK market from Manchester

Tuesday, 05 August 2008

Creative agency The Marlin Group has joined forces with Australia’s Digital DM to launch a new service to the UK market that enables publishers to get digital editions of their offline titles quickly, easily and – it is claimed – cheaply.
The Manchester-based firm is now offering a service that it says can produce exact replicas of printed publications that can then be distributed via email, URL link or on CD, while also being made available through client’s websites.

Making the move online... easierAgency MD Keith Jones explained: “Most internet e-brochures today are essentially just animated pages on a website.

“The client’s artwork is animated with Flash, meaning they can only be viewed inside an online web browser. The pages also often appear slowly and viewing and print quality is compromised in order to reduce streaming times to the reader.”

Jones says that Marlin’s digital publications are created from print-ready artwork and can be overlaid with video, animation and sound.

He also noted that they have very small file sizes – meaning they’re quick to download - and are automatically available both as online and offline options.

Jones believes that the UK has been lagging behind in “basic web-driven technology” while Digital DM has been plying its trade in Australia since 1999.

www.themarlingroup.co.uk

jrb

August 10th, 2008, 10:21 PM

From How Do.

New BBC comedy set in Bolton | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 08 August 2008
BBC Two has released more details about a new comedy series, which is based around an under-11 football club in Bolton.

The Cup is a six part series, produced by Coupling’s Sue Vertue and directed by Matt Lipsey (Jekyll, Little Britain).

BBC comedyShot in a documentary style, it’s about Ashburn United Football Club and their attempts to win the North and Midlands Under 11s Cup. But while the children are the story, it’s their parents’ who provide the comedy.

The show is based on a Canadian series called The Tournament, which was about junior ice hockey.

"Following a promising pilot we're delighted to have the world of The Cup on BBC Two," said Lucy Lumsden, controller, BBC Comedy Commissioning.

Among the cast are Steve Edge (Phoenix Nights) and Jennifer Hennessy (Drop Dead Gorgeous and Lilies).

A transmission date has not yet been announced.

jrb

August 11th, 2008, 10:04 AM

Not sure it's a good idea that both council's are fighting each other for these media companies.

From Crains.

A Sharp retort to Media City
When fully let, the east Manchester hub could generate £800,000 a year
By Simon Binns

Manchester City Council has been smarting ever since Salford snatched Media City from under its nose. Its response is a plan for a £5m creative hub of its own in East Manchester.

But the council is already preparing a fall-back should its plans for the Sharp distribution centre in Newton Heath fail to draw in companies from the digital media and animation industries.

Minutes of a Manchester City Council meeting held last month make it clear that the project marks “a trading activity that carries with it a level of demand and operating cost risk”.

The report adds: “In the event the demand from the digital production centre falls short of expectations it will be possible to sell the building or offer it for rent on the open market, either as a single letting as a distribution centre or for multiple office and warehousing lettings.”

The council has assumed that the 200,000 sq ft building, once converted, will be 80 per cent occupied and bring in an annual rental of £640,000, although half of that could be swallowed up by operating costs. This suggests a rental of £4 per sq ft compared with Media City's rental target of £30 per sq, which some in the creative sector say is much too high.

The council report says that if fully let, the Sharp building could generate an income of £800,000 a year. Currently it costs the council £250,000 a year in empty rates, £90,000 in security costs and £20,000 to insure.

Once renovated, the council estimates the value of the building at £9m, meaning a potential profit if it decides to cash in, but not before it spends £200,000 on research and marketing costs to test demand.

So where will the demand come from, given Peel's £3.5bn development on Salford Quays which opens in three years time and of which the BBC remains the only confirmed tenant.

Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Midas, told Crain's the BBC's decision to move had started to generate more interest in Manchester as a media location — but Greater Manchester needed to offer more than just Media City to prospective occupiers. Already on the drawing board is The Hive, a 100,000 sq ft joint venture between Argent and Manchester City Council in the Northern Quarter's Stevenson Square, which will also be pitched at the creative industries. The Arts Council has signed up for 18,000 sq ft as anchor tenant, and will relocate in 2010. The building is due for completion in 2009 and is expected to create 440 jobs.

“We've seen an increasing number of enquiries from global players in the creative, new media, digital and ICT sectors,” said Sinclair. “These enquiries, when added to the firms we have been targeting in London and the US in particular over the past two or three years, gives us huge confidence for the future.

“Media City UK is clearly a USP for the city region, however it's important to show potential investors there are a range of options to suit all needs and budgets. Potential investors each have their own unique requirements but one of the foremost is the availability and choice of different property options.

“We are keen to see a range of complementary locations develop across Greater Manchester, from incubator and managed workspace up to virtual studios and fully fitted out production studios. Sharp and The Hive will add to the breadth of what Manchester can offer to potential inward investors and local firms as they grow.”

But despite Brian Greasley, chief executive of Media City, viewing the Salford Quays development as being in “a totally different league” to the Sharp factory, he thinks the two should be complementary.

First-class facilities

“We don't see any competition between the two,” he said. “Media City is unique in global terms. It will be and is attracting new enterprises — corporations large and small — from across the world.

“Media City will offer first-class facilities and a technological infrastructure which is inimitable and will play a fundamental role in changing the face of the media in the 21st century.”

Greasley promised some “exciting announcements” over the next few months and years with regards to new tenants at the development.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said the Sharp factory was not a rival development to Media City.

“The Sharp development is by no means in competition with Media City,” he said, “it is complementary and adds to the city region's infrastructure to support the future growth and development of the creative sector. It complements the city's ambitious plans for creative developments elsewhere in the city, particularly the creative hub in the Northern Quarter.”

Smith added the Sharp developnment would offer space “from £3 per square foot to £10 per sq ft” and the plans to potentially sell the building were logical.

“Naturally, our report to the council's executive included contingency plans for possible alternative uses of the building as part of our risk assessment.

“But we fully expect this investment to be a great success and to attract jobs and investment to east Manchester.”

However, Alex Connock, chief executive of Ten Alps, is worried about an oversupply of office space and an undersupply in investment into growing the city's media sector.

Connock told Crain's his company had looked around Media City — “amazing and inspiring” — but he was worried that the glut of schemes being pitched at the media sector could mean that in four years' time, Manchester would be to media office space “what Saudi Arabia is to oil wells.”

“It does seem a bit over the top that Manchester is actually building more media space to rival Salford,” he said. “The civic rivalries of Manchester versus Salford are utterly baffling to anyone except a handful of people involved. Viewed from a media company perspective, the addition of yet more Manchester space is like someone shouting "We're going to need a bigger boat,' when actually they should have shouted "it's a shiny boat, but can we help get some more people to sail in it'.

“The issue isn't investment in office space for the media. The issue is investment for the media and digital industries in Manchester.

“Manchester and Salford should be acting as one to raise the serious investment capital needed to fund the digital and media businesses which will actually fill the media offices already being built. Let's get some hedge funds up to Manchester, sorry Salford, and tell them to get their chequebooks out.”

jrb

August 12th, 2008, 01:56 PM

From How do.

Manchester Evening News increases emphasis on business coverage | Print

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

The MEN has responded to an increasingly dynamic local publishing market - and the desires of its own readership - by increasing its business coverage to four pages a day and fixing its location at the heart of the GMG-owned title.
Readers of the MEN will be familiar with the ‘floating’ nature of the paper’s traditional business coverage, something that has resulted in the section appearing at different points in the title and arguably making it hard to find.

In response to feedback bosses have now decided to fix this perceived problem with a static placing in the central part of the newspaper.

Added to this comes the move to increase daily coverage to four pages, allowing the editorial team (it is currently unknown whether editorial numbers will be boosted) to look at more in-depth issues.

The move will be seen by many observers as a response to a rapidly evolving local market (see numerous stories relating to Crain’s, Insider, NXTBOOK et al) that has bred increased competition in the sector.

However, the MEN is heralding the move as more of a natural progression following on from the section’s “double-digit growth in revenue achieved in the past twelve months.”

Chris Barry, the paper’s business editor, continued: “The business pages have always been popular with our readers and we’re thrilled with the continued growth and recognition.

“As the voice of Manchester we will continue to build on what we do well and drive our product forward for the benefit of businesses of all sizes.

“As well as our print product we will be improving our web offering further still in the coming months, as we are seeing strong growth in online readership.”

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

jrb

August 13th, 2008, 01:03 AM

The MEN's revamped online Business page is now up. Sections to the left, inc downlaods, etc. Obviously Crains has made an impact.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/

andysimo123

August 13th, 2008, 01:15 AM

What gets me is how come out of all the cities in the world crains cover most of Americans Major cities and then randomly Manchester.

jrb

August 13th, 2008, 01:15 AM

What gets me is how come out of all the cities in the world crains cover most of Americans Major cities and then randomly Manchester.

They know what we know. Manchester is going places.(despite the downturn)
Best to get onboard early doors. :)

flange

August 18th, 2008, 05:50 PM

Channel M loses £4.7m as MEN Media reports dip in revenues

Turnover decline of 4.4 per cent means jury is still out on paid/free strategy for evening title

By James Chapelard

Greater Manchester local television station Channel M lost £4.7m before tax in the year to March, sharply worse than the £3.8m loss recorded in 2007. The station's revenue rose to £3.4m from £2.3m.

Newly filed accounts show that parent company MEN Media, publisher of the Manchester Evening News, has advanced £11.1m to Channel M since its launch in February 2000. However, directors Mark Dodson and David Sharrock said they “continue to see an attractive business opportunity for local television”, with a “significantly bigger” revenue potential if digital spectrum is secured following the analogue switch off.

Meanwhile MEN Media's accounts, also newly filed at Companies House, show pre-tax profits 37.6 per cent down at £13.08m.

However, much of the drop results from the sale of the company's now-demolished Deansgate headquarters and the move to newly built offices in Scott Place, Spinningfields. In the previous year the profit and loss account benefited from a £4.6m credit while in 2007/08 the project cost the company £5.14m.

Turnover was down 4.4 per cent at £86.1m, but there is no breakdown showing advertising and newspaper sales income.

The directors' report says the key risk facing the business is “migration of classified revenues to new digital competition”. It adds: “We expect the commercial environment for print advertising to remain difficult next year.”

Sales dropped in April 2006, the company began giving away 50,000 free city centre copies of the MEN while continuing to charge a cover price in the suburbs. Now nearly 100,000 copies are given away free while paid for sales dropped 13.5 per cent to 81,326 in the last six months of 2007. MEN Media has not ruled out giving the paper away free completely in the future.

The paid/free strategy was designed to boost advertising sales revenues to a point which would more than compensate for any loss of newspaper sales income. The downward movement in the top line casts doubt over whether this has been achieved.

Sue Davenport, head of regional press and associate director at MediaVest in Manchester, said moving to the paid/free model was not without risks for the MEN.

She added: “It seems logical, the strategy boosts reach/delivery, restores advertiser appeal and in the long run, increases turnover, but it's the original powerful demographic figures which lures advertisers into the fold. This strategy always had to be explored by the MEN and it has indeed upped circulation, but with a dip in turnover, I'm looking forward to seeing how their strategy evolves.”

Accounts also reveal that total director emoluments fell slightly to £1.1m but the highest paid director, not named in the accounts, saw pay increase to £403,000 from £295,000 in the year, an increase of more than a third.

Redundancy payments cost £1.9m, slightly down from the £2.4m paid out in the previous year.

The company, which owns the MEN's associated weekly newspapers in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, paid a dividend of £5.4m to its owners, the Scott Trust, a private entity which exists to ensure the continued publication of The Guardian and The Observer newspapers.

A spokesman for the Guardian Media Group — MEN Media's parents — said it did not comment on “ details of individual operating company accounts” adding: “MEN Media has performed well in a very difficult market for all players. It remains a strong business and a substantial contributor to the group. Executive pay is determined by independent directors on GMG's remuneration committee, using independent market benchmarking data. It is both appropriate and in line with industry norms.”

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080818/FREE/273184124/-1/toc/-/-/channel-m-is-based-at-urbischannel-m-loses-47m-as-men-media-reports

TheGrand

August 26th, 2008, 01:26 PM

From RadioToday.co.uk
http://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3726.2

Revolution overthrown, flips format

According to reports online, the Revolution in Oldham has been sold to an unknown buyer.

The station, which was last reported to be owned by the Oldham Evening Chronicle and UKRD Group has flipped format in the past 24 hours, from playing rock and alternative music to an AC format.

This lunchtime the station was playing back-to-back music including Queen, Girls Aloud, the Bee Gees and Ace of Base. Upon playing Elton John's I'm Still Standing at midday, the presenter commented angrily: "No, this isn't ironic".

The station's format allows it to play "a broad mix of adult contemporary, adult alternative and soft rock hits".

In recent years the station has failed to attract a substantial audience, which has seen a steep decline since the launch of XFM Manchester in Spring 2006. Broadcasting to over half a million adults, the station claimed a weekly reach of 95,000 in 2002.

Since XFM launched two years ago, the weekly reach has dropped from 65,000 to 17,000 and a market share of 1.4 per cent.

Radio Today contacted UKRD but nobody was available to comment. Radio Today also contacted The Revolution but staff could not confirm the sale or confirm who currently owns the station, instead suggested our reporter "google for the details".

Chogmook

August 26th, 2008, 01:35 PM

Mez

August 26th, 2008, 03:22 PM

So all that Xfm has done by coming up here and then retreating back to london is kill-off one of gtr mcr's best stations.

Can someone please nuke Leamington Spa and cut this Island into two.

Slow Burn

August 26th, 2008, 10:35 PM

There's no xfm Manchester anymore?

Mez

August 26th, 2008, 10:53 PM

There is yes, but it's a half arsed effort of a station from the people I know that work there.

jrb

August 28th, 2008, 11:49 PM

From Crains.

MEN paid for sales down 11.27 per cent

The Manchester Evening News saw its paid for sale drop 11.27 per cent in the first half of 2008, according to figures released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations today.

The paper’s headline circulation was 161,545 in the first half of 2008, comprising 77,125 copies sold at 40p on Monday-Saturday with the remaining 52.2 per cent given away free.

On Monday to Friday, the MEN distributes 180,236 free and paid for copies per day. Its total distribution remains the largest of any regional daily newspaper outside London.

Paid for sales were 86,923 in the first half of 2007. The year-on-year sales decline has slowed from previous levels of 24 per cent in the first half of 2007 and 13.5 per cent in the second half of 2007.

Mark Rix, managing director of MEN Media, said: "Rather than just increasing the number of papers we circulate, we look at how the market wants to receive news and then provide the most appropriate media channels.”

Greater Manchester’s other daily newspapers also saw paid for sales dwindle. The Oldham Evening Chronicle was down 8.8 per cent year-on-year with a daily sale of 20,149, the Wigan Evening Post was down 8.6 per cent at 8,549 and the Bolton News was down 6.3 per cent at 28,835.

heatonparkincakes

August 30th, 2008, 03:37 AM

jrb

August 30th, 2008, 12:17 PM

well Well you start giving it away free and well.....................

But to be honest in a generations time will people just laugh and say "Why oh why did they bother putting news on paper when you can read it on line??"

Unfortunately theres numerous articles that never appear on Manchester online which have relevance to this forum. Take for example the commercial property section. That hasn't been updated for the last two weeks. I only buy the MEN just incase it features these none online articles. Crains is going that way next week. I get it anyway so I'm not bothered. Not looking forward to scanning it though. :nuts:

MaastrichtRob

August 31st, 2008, 03:11 PM

The BBC is facing a significant revolt among some of its biggest radio stars over plans to move 5 Live to Manchester.

Staff and presenters are growing increasingly unhappy over plans to move the sports department and radio station shortly before London hosts the Olympic Games.

A number of 5 Live presenters are considering their position including Nicky Campbell, the presenter of the flagship breakfast show, Peter Allen, the veteran Drivetime presenter, and Simon Mayo, who won the Sony award for speech broadcaster of the year.

Discussions are now underway to consider allowing the station's breakfast show to remain in London to allow Campbell to stay on.

The £400 million relocation of 3,000 staff who will co-ordinate and present the Olympics coverage will be completed shortly before the opening ceremony.

The BBC, which sent more than 400 staff to Beijing, will deploy double or even triple that number at London 2012 which will be the biggest sporting event Britain has ever hosted.

All the staff who have moved to the north of England will be brought back to the Capital and relocated in hotels at an undisclosed cost.

The disruption has made the Salford move, which has already caused huge resentment among BBC staff who do not want to uproot their families, even more unpopular.

Critics of the move of the sports department and 5 Live cite the fact that London is home to international football matches at Wembley Stadium which is also the home of the FA Cup.

Rugby internationals are staged at Twickenham, high profile athletics competitions are hosted at Crystal Palace sports stadium, while the London Marathon and Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race all take place in the capital.

Match of the Day, fronted by Gary Lineker, will also be aired from the new studios.

Children's Television is also going to Salford which means Blue Peter will be operating from a new home alongside the Bafta-winning CBeebies channel for the under-sixes.

Many programme makers fear it will be more difficult to persuade guests to go into their studios in the north.

Despite the growing rebellion, Mark Thompson, the director-general, is in no mood to compromise.

But one senior BBC figure told the Daily Telegraph: "We will get a real kicking over this. What ever way we try to sell it people will think it's madness. Some good people will simply not go. The move could be delayed. But Mark Thompson will not even consider it."

The BBC has already put Television Centre in west London, the home of BBC Sport and 5 Live, on the market. The new Media City has already been built in Salford. Staff will begin top move at the end of 2009.

The corporation will help find new jobs for the partners of staff who move to the north and will help with the cost of relocation by assisting with the cost of stamp duty and legal fees involved in buying new properties.

More than £10 million has been set aside for the relocation package.

The BBC relocation company will also buy the homes of some personnel if they are proving difficult to sell rather than pay the cost of renting homes in the Manchester area.

A senior BBC official defended the move.

"There will be no retreat. By 2012 the move will be complete to Salford. And Radio 5 Live is going to Salford. Period. Any new presenters who are being taken on do so in the knowledge that by 2012 they will be working in Salford. There is no turning back. The BBC staff, even if they were based in London, would be put up in hotels for the Olympics."

Nicky Campbell has won four Sony awards, including a Gold last year for the 5 Live Breakfast programme as best news and current affairs show.

Peter Allen, a former ITN political correspondent, won six Sony awards with his former co-presenter Jane Garvey, including the gold award for news broadcaster of the year in 2002.

Aside from the Sony award last year, Simon May also won the accolade for radio broadcaster of the year for the Simon Mayo Programme on Five Live, at the annual Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

A BBC spokesman said: “We do not recognise this story. The move is still three years away, and discussions with individual 5 Live presenters are still at an early stage, so any speculation is misplaced and completely premature.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2645173/BBC-revolt-over-plans-to-move-to-Manchester-months-before-London-2012.html

STUBBY

August 31st, 2008, 04:41 PM

I inadvertently tuned in Radio 5 Live on a small portable radio the other day and was surprised at just how poor it is. The Campbell guy - is he the one on that TV consumer programme? - just as useless on radio.

It resembled The Sun transposed to radio, but on second thoughts it's not that good.

If it died tomorrow it would be no great loss. We live in hope.

Unremarkable

August 31st, 2008, 11:04 PM

Nicky Campbell, the radio equivalent of beige, slagged off one of my favourite albums of all time on his show which I'll never forgive. Leave him in London and let him find alternative employment, he'd be good as one of those announcers at train stations, he's got the face for it and the charisma to match.

macc

September 2nd, 2008, 12:17 PM

Crains confirms that an online-only version of City Life magazine will be returning in a few weeks. It will be a major competitor of Manchester Confidential, which I think is most definately needed.

Whilst I do like and subscribe to ManCon it comes across as increasingly prone to a bit of back-slapping and bigging up of their mates, when they are the owners of establishments being written about. The informal banter they post on their own stories in one sense makes the authours easier to relate to but the name dropping further depletes the impartially of their writting.

Its easy to forget they have a whopping number of subscribers for such a relatively small site and I think they weild a little too much power to be so blase about their writting.

Thats not too say they should change, but what they do need some stiff competition.

Welcome back City Life...

flange

September 2nd, 2008, 09:12 PM

Town stars in another TV show

5:48pm Tuesday 2nd September 2008

FILM crews descended on Bolton town centre as the borough once again became the backdrop for a television programme.

The BBC 1 show, which has the working title, The Choir Project, features a number of Bolton buildings, including the town hall, a church in Farnworth and a town centre cafe.

It stars Sarah Lancashire, who played Raquel Watts in Coronation Street, and Sarah Alexander, who has appeared in many comedy TV shows, including Green Wing and Coupling.

The drama is about a choir whose enthusiasm far outweighs its musical ability.

But a new member arrives, upsetting the harmony of the group and causes mayhem.

The group finally splits, with the one talented singer pursuing recognition and the misfits deciding to form a new choir.

Jackie Carrier, owner of Tiffany’s in the Square, said: “The crew have been using the outdoor seating area which has the town hall in the background.

“The BBC contacted us a while ago and asked if they could use the cafe as it was the style they were looking for. It is very exciting.”

Kate Harwood, BBC head of series and serials, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing such an original and feel-good drama to BBC audiences, and hope to have them singing along.”

There are six one-hour episodes. It is due to be shown in the New Year.

l The Castle Street police station in The Haulgh, Bolton, was used as a location for Coronation Street in July

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/boltonnews/3641120.Town_stars_in_another_TV_show/

staticmeltdown

September 4th, 2008, 12:01 AM

Chogmook

September 4th, 2008, 12:47 PM

The new owner of 96.2 The Revolution is...

Steve Penk buys The Revolution

NATIONAL radio and TV presenter Steve Penk has bought a radio station.

Penk, who has more than 30 years industry experience, has become the sole owner of Oldham-based station 96.2 The Revolution after he bought the entire share capital of Oldham FM Limited.

He was advised on the acquisition by law firm Heatons LLP and is confident his experiences at Manchester station Key 103, Fox FM, Virgin and Capital Radio will help bring listeners to his latest venture.

Penk, who also presented small screen shows TV Nightmares and TV’s Naughtiest Blunders, said he is looking forward to this latest challenge, adding: “For some time I’ve been looking at various possible acquisitions but was very keen to find something in the two UK markets I know best, the North West and the South East.

“The Revolution fits the brief perfectly and I have big plans for the radio station. The North West is a fantastic market currently dominated by the huge radio groups and the BBC.”

The Revolution currently hold 1.4 per cent market share but Heatons LLP corporate partner Jim Truscott said his client will take steps to bolster this.

He added: “The station was failing to demonstrate commercial viability so my client has seized the opportunity to turn the business round and offer positive prospects for the station.”

The deal marks Penk’s first acquisition as he makes the transition from TV and radio personality to business owner.

Visit www.heatons.co.uk for further details.

:cheers:

Rusholme Ruffian

September 4th, 2008, 04:05 PM

Steve Penk buys The Revolution

Is this a wind up?

jrb

September 5th, 2008, 10:59 PM

Manchester Confidential.

Alternative Revolution: Steve Coogan to get battered for cash

Helen Clifton talks to Steve Penk about the new Revolution radio but Martin Coogan has other thoughts

From the ashes of Oldham’s much-loved Revolution radio station could rise a phoenix. It seems former breakfast presenter Martin Coogan hopes to enlist the considerable talents of his brother Steve to launch a new independent radio station for Manchester.

He’s always on the lookout for positive places to put his money. There is no way that he wouldn’t. It’s as simple as that. Or else I’ll batter him.

The news comes just a day after the official announcement that the station has been bought by radio prankster Steve Penk, and two weeks since owners decided to flick the MOR switch, ditching the station’s independent ethos for Phil Collins and Simply Red.

The move prompted the station’s impressive roster of DJs to jump ship, with Mani, Mike Joyce et al all handing their notice in, while devoted listeners were left stumped at the sudden and inexplicable shift in music policy. It is understood that Elliot Eastwick is the only DJ not have quit.

Martin Coogan – who two weeks ago was heard sarcastically extolling the virtues of Celine Dion - said he was certain his brother would say yes to the venture. In 2006, Steve recorded the Revolution’s Christmas Day special.

“He will contribute. He’s always on the lookout for positive places to put his money. There is no way that he wouldn’t. It’s as simple as that. Or else I’ll batter him.”

Former Revolution Head of Music Phil Beckett confirmed that the new city centre station would broadcast the music their listeners know and love across Greater Manchester – and that they were already looking for premises.

“It is very exciting. All the former presenters are involved. We have got very good connections financially. People have come to us saying they feel bereaved, and how much money do we need to get things going again. The reaction has been incredible. We are going to do something. We are not going down like that, as Cypress Hill once said. We are going to rise again.

“I was quite disgusted at the way it happened. They just flicked a switch and that was that. They made us look like idiots and slapped the listeners in the face. It could have been handled a lot better.

“It comes down to the fact it was a maverick radio station. There hasn’t been anything else like it really. We were doing it from the heart. Every single person who was on air was doing it for a reason that most people in radio wouldn’t understand.”

But with a three per cent market reach and 17,000 listeners, the Revolution’s RAJAR figures make dismal reading. They have plummeted considerably since March 2006, when there were 65,000 people regularly tuning in.

RAJAR measure listeners by transmission area, which in the Revolution’s case is Oldham, Tameside, Rochdale and Moston, with a potential listening population of 503,000.

This area can be increased for a fee – but Phil says they didn’t have the funds to do that.

“The fact of the matter is that people who listen in Chorlton and Stockport didn’t exist as far as the figures are concerned,” he adds. “I’m certain we had more listeners.”

Joint owners UKRD and Hirst, Kidd and Rennie – who also run the daily Oldham Chronicle newspaper – sold up to the former Key 103, Fox FM, Virgin and Capital presenter, Steve Penk, for an undisclosed sum late Wednesday night.

Penk first heard rumblings the station was up for sale three to four months ago, and says the former owners changed the music policy after they realised the station couldn’t compete commercially.

“The old Revolution had become like a small members club. It was almost elitist. That's all very well for listeners who like that, but in this city you have XFM and Rock FM that are basically going for the same market. There is competition from superior radio stations.”

But XFM closed its Manchester base in February 2008 and now operates from London. It seems likely there just isn’t as large an appetite for indie-style radio in Manchester as advertisers would like.

“For a period, there was definitely a defection to XFM,” Phil says. ”But I don’t think they were the competition – its like comparing Smash Hits to Q. They are fast and furious and we were trying to be a bit more seasoned.”

Steve says his Revolution will emulate BBC Radio Two by being comfortable and mainstream, combining new accessible artists like Adele with old favourites like Blondie. According to OFCOM documents released this week, the station now aims to tap into the 25-54-year-old 'easy listening' market.

“The Rev is clearly not working in its current format,” Penk adds. “It has lost an unbelievable amount of audience: I am all about bums on seats and trying to get people to listen. I am hoping to offer good quality entertainment programmes. It's as simple as that.

“I suspect that the current Revolution listenership will absolutely hate what the new Revolution stands for. They don’t want to hear Madonna and Simply Red, but that is what freedom of choice is about.”

He calls attempts to discredit the RAJAR figures desperate, saying they are the currency of the industry. And while he has no names in mind for the new line-up, he says economics will dictate the choices, while adding he finds it “bizarre” that the old line-up left.

“That was their decision, but it’s a decision that dumbfounds me. They didn’t know who the new owner was going to be. Its all very well having principles but principles don’t pay the mortgage.”

Manchester is a crowded radio marketplace - with Key 103, Galaxy, and Century offering something not dissimilar to what Mr Penk proposes. He may struggle. And judging by the Rev fans’ reaction to the loss of their beloved station, they will jump at the chance to once again embrace its esoteric ethos.

If Mr Coogan can put his money where his brother’s mouth is, they may be tapping into a whole new demographic

jrb

September 5th, 2008, 11:03 PM

From How Do.

New BBC One drama filming now in Manchester | Print | Email to a friend
Thursday, 04 September 2008

According to the BBC press office, new six part drama The Choir Project is set in “an unremarkable town in the north of England.” So, what better place to film it than in and around Manchester?

Hmmm, can’t remember seeing that description in Marketing Manchester’s literature anywhere…

Nevertheless, despite this rather blatant undersell of the charms of the city’s environs, Manchester’s broadcast community will be buoyed to see another major filming project touching down in their midst.

The Choir Project has been written by Cutting It’s Debbie Horsfield and stars local lass Sarah Lancashire, alongside Neil Pearson, Sarah Alexander and Coronation Street’s Richard Fleeshman.

The plot centres on Esther (Lancashire), her husband (Pearson) and the arrival of the glamorous Layla (Alexander), who drives a fissure between the pair and, crucially, the choir that they’re both part of.

Pearson: striking the right noteWe won’t spoil the plot for you, but expect tears, laughter and (very probably) a lot of singing of varying quality when the show hits the prime time schedule early next year.

Filming began last month in and around the city, with Richard Burrell of Robin Hood producing the series and Manda Levin, Phil Collinson and Debbie Horsfield as executive producers.

In a statement from the Beeb, Kate Harwood, BBC Head of Series and Serials, said: "A passion for music lies at the heart of Debbie Horsfield's warm and uplifting drama.

"As the characters' individual stories unfold it's the power of music that holds them together – we're delighted to be bringing such an original and feel-good drama to BBC audiences, and hope to have them singing along!"

Again… hmmm.

The Choir Project will run over six hour long episodes and was commissioned by Jane Tranter, controller, BBC Fiction.

jrb

September 5th, 2008, 11:05 PM

From How Do.

Penk begins The Revolution

Friday, 05 September 2008

Former Key 103 presenter, Steve Penk is now the proud owner of Oldham’s The Revolution .

Music changes, Rajar ratings, website disappearing and an unwillingness to speak to the media. Yes, How-Do’s spidey senses were right to be tingling.

Indeed it was only when Revolution’s previous owners UKRD decided to answer the phone and talk to How-Do that we realised something was well and truly up - and low and behold a press release arrives from Mr Penk himself - in the guise of Altrincham’s RMS PR .

So what does this mean for the station and their increasingly irate listeners? Well, we’re not all that sure as we couldn’t get in touch with Steve Penk today, although we do have some quotes:

"For some time I’ve been looking at various possible acquisitions but was very keen to find something in the two UK markets I know best, the North West and the South East.

Gonna start a revolution"The Revolution fits the brief perfectly and I have big plans for the radio station. The North West is a fantastic market currently dominated by the huge radio groups and the BBC."

Penk has more than 30 years industry experience and he bought the entire share capital of Oldham FM limited. Advised by law firm Heatons LLP, their corporate partner, Jim Truscott said that he was aiming to build up the 1.4% market share that Revolution currently holds:

"The station was failing to demonstrate commercial viability so my client has seized the opportunity to turn the business round and offer positive prospects for the station."

But before legions of indie fans throw their arms up to their new saviour, we have a couple of questions to ask - we would have asked direct, but as we say, he never phoned us back and we know how influential we can be :

Who instigated the music change?

And would the takeover have happened if Ofcom had said ‘no’ to those changes?

With a background at Key 103, Fox FM, Virgin and Capital, it seems unlikely that The Revolution will go back to a market dominated by Xfm.

heatonparkincakes

September 6th, 2008, 03:05 AM

Steve Penk buys The Revolution!!!!!

:bash:

:banana:

More like Penk kills the revolution.

But its hilarious. Should we expect the Paul Carrington aka the Funster, Tim Grundy, Becky Want Andy "Drew" Peacock to return?

What format? Easy like another radio two (good grief. A hundred radio stations all playing Adele..............)

To be honest radio stations??? Who needs them if you have the internet and/or shuffle on yer mp3 player.

My daft brother donwloads radio jingles (!!!) puts them on his i pod for that radio effect.

Its just bland shite, bland crap on most radio stations these days. Back to the 80's and humdrum.

Personally I'd liberalise the whole wreck like Spain. Prefer a hundred pirates than a hundred Smooth Fms. Let it be more like the internet.

Steve Penk. Next you will be telling me a rich Arab has bought City

heatonparkincakes

September 6th, 2008, 03:11 AM

From WIkipedia

Never trust wikipedia

The Revolution

The Revolution is an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting to the areas of Oldham, Rochdale and Winchester in Greater Manchester, England. Owned by the Oldham Evening Chronicle and UKRD (both 50% shareholders).

It takes its name from the Industrial Revolution, in which the region took a major role, and the initial letters of its three main target areas - Revolution.

The station initially launched with a general pop and rock format, but in 2005 this changed to a more specialist rock and indie music format with the commencement of former Inspiral Carpets keyboard player Clint Boon's role as head of music. Boon has since left the station for a rival, XFM DOncaster. :banana:

The signal comes from the Civic Centre in Downtown Los Angeles.

The station has announced it will relaunch as "The Steve Penk Experience" :ohno:later in the year. It has also been intimated on several industry websites that the TV and radio personality will take the unusual step of presenting all daytime output, excluding the wind up hour, where he will play out old unoriginal and unfunny wind up calls from the past 4 decades. OFCOM have been informed of this, and the character of service document has been changed to allow this new format.

TheGrand

September 8th, 2008, 03:33 PM

www.myspace.com/radiorepublicmanchester

Looks promising

jrb

September 10th, 2008, 12:27 AM

From How Do.

Support gathers online as Radio Republic looks to launch new Revolution

Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Scanning across How-Do’s stories relating to the demise of the old format of Oldham’s 96.2 The Revolution it soon becomes obvious that - even if it wasn’t reflected by RAJAR - the station did enjoy a hardcore of passionate support.

It has now become clear that the former presenting team from The Revolution is looking to tap into that (apparently affronted) fan base and launch a new, independent radio entity for Manchester – codenamed Radio Republic.

The Revolution was bought last week by broadcaster Steve Penk, bringing a curtain down on its ‘we play the music we love’, rather radical music policy and ushering in more mainstream play lists and audience appeal.

However, the former presenters at The Revolution, who migrated en mass with the introduction of the new music policy, have quickly set up an online movement to launch a phoenix operation out of (what they see as) the ashes of their former station.

Radio Republic is the current working name for a group led by Phil Beckett, Martin Coogan, Cottee and musicians turned DJs Mani and Mike Joyce.

Other presenters that have pledged allegiance to the Republic include Mick Ferry, Scott Carey, Kati, Alex Carter, Broady, Graeme Hawley, Jeff Hordley, Mark and Leon, and Tom and Gnash.

Together they are planning to launch a new station with a similarly independent ethos to the ‘old’ Revolution, playing a diverse range of music that shares the common denominator of being ‘cool’.

Although the format/broadcast platform of the station has yet to be decided, the group is already looking for premises within Manchester city centre.

According to the Radio Republic MySpace page the nascent collective is currently trying to sign as many ‘friends’ as possible to show a groundswell of support for the concept prior to approaching investors.

A standalone Radio Republic website is rumoured to be going live in the near future.

The Revolution’s last RAJAR figures showed audience figures of only 17,000 and a market share of 1.4 per cent.

http://www.myspace.com/radiorepublicmanchester

jrb

September 10th, 2008, 12:29 AM

From How Do.

TheBusinessDesk.com launches North West edition and looks to rapid

Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Those with a voracious appetite for business stories in the region will be licking their lips this week, with the news that TheBusinessDesk.com has launched into the marketplace… only a matter of weeks after bosses informed How-Do that it was “a bit early” to discuss their plans.

The new launch means that this already competitive sector has just got even more crowded, as a third daily email news alert (alongside Crains’ and Insider’s) begins beaming out to business inboxes.

It was only back at the tail end of July that David Parkin, the man behind TheBusinessDesk brand, denied that plans were advanced to expand the web-only service out of its Yorkshire home.

However, it appears as though Parkin’s coyness was probably down to the fact that he didn’t want another business website scooping his own on the launch story, as the ‘desk’ officially opened for business yesterday.

Parkin has set up shop in new offices on King Street in Manchester and taken on three established business journalists to help drive the site forward.

They are: former MEN business editor Sheryl Moore, former Yorkshire Post deputy business editor James Graham; and author and journalist Anastasia Weiner.

The team drink to the launchFor the time being Parkin himself has taken the reins of editor, although he expects to relinquish these duties in the very near future.

“The launch of the North West site was accelerated,” he explained, “partly by the success of the Yorkshire site and partly due to the fact that we wanted to establish ourselves here quickly.

“Ideally it would have been great to have an editor in place, but we’re looking to recruit one, alongside a deputy editor and another journalist, quickly. We’re serious about investing and expanding here.”

Parkin seemed unfazed by the competition that already exists in the region, acknowledging that there is “a lot of great media here already” but adding that TheBusinessDesk would be different as “we’re purely online and free - we’re just concentrating our efforts and resources on the one product, which is a strength.”

So far TheBusinessDesk Yorkshire has been well received. It currently has 7,500 registered users and attracts over 14,000 business people a month, all acquired since its launch last November.

Parkin believes that, given the greater concentration of businesses in the North West, the new operation will exceed those audience/subscriber figures in a similar timeframe.

One feature that may help it achieve that is the fact that the site claims to the only player in the market that sends out daily alerts by text as well as email (if requested), with the updates arriving before 9am.

At the moment it’s also the only site that is handing out hundreds of free cups of coffee, from BusinessDesk branded vans, in Manchester city centre every morning (this week only folks!).

It seems like Parkin and co want to satisfy their user’s thirsts as well as their hunger for news.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/

jrb

September 10th, 2008, 12:31 AM

From How Do.

Ex-BBC boss joins Made In Manchester | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
Independent production company Made in Manchester has recruited Russell Crewe, the former BBC documentaries commissioner, as its new head of radio programmes.

That's Crewe... not CroweCrewe, who formerly worked with both Radio 1 and 1Xtra, will now oversee production and delivery for all of Made in Manchester’s output, allowing company founder Ashley Bryne to concentrate on commissioning and development projects.

Bryne said of his new recruit: "I have always admired Russell's attention to detail, passion for production quality and, as a commissioner, his hands-on approach.

“He cares about every stage of the production process and he is just what we need as MIM continues to grow."

MIM has a growing reputation of producing programmes for the BBC and is currently working on projects for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 with several more short-listed for other networks.

www.madeinmanchester.tv

jrb

September 10th, 2008, 12:35 AM

From How Do.

Manchester Tower reaches for Sky | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
The huge digital screen that adorns the Manchester Tower building near Piccadilly Station is set to become only the second ‘roadside’ screen in the UK to broadcast news content.

Media owner City Gateway Media, which controls the content rights for the screen, has signed a deal with Sky News to run 30 second bulletins, within each four minute content loop, from six in the morning through to 1am everyday.

The news will include standalone business, sports and show business reports that will be sponsored, with five second ‘bumpers’ at the start of each report and on screen banners for their duration.

Gateway representatives have claimed that the Tower screen will be the only roadside screen outside the capital broadcasting news. A large format screen at Piccadilly Station in London was the first to achieve this.

The audience for the Tower screen has been measured at 207,000 people per day.

Mez

September 15th, 2008, 02:42 AM

New comedy series on BBC3 called Massive. It's about two lads making a record label in Manchester. starring Ralf Little and Johnny Vegas.

crazymanc1

September 15th, 2008, 03:06 AM

New comedy series on BBC3 called Massive. It's about two lads making a record label in Manchester. starring Ralf Little and Johnny Vegas.

I watched a little bit of that tonight, i caught a cutaway of the beswick area. Does anybody know why most BBC3 programmes are filmed or set in Manchester.

A6 Bypass

September 15th, 2008, 08:46 AM

I watched a little bit of that tonight, i caught a cutaway of the beswick area. Does anybody know why most BBC3 programmes are filmed or set in Manchester.

Cheaper for locations. More quality derelict land than London!

rolybling

September 15th, 2008, 09:41 AM

There was a film crew on Withington Rd, Whalley Range all day yesterday filming the new Kelloggs crunchy nut cornflakes commercial. I watched for about 5 minutes as they simulated RAIN of all things. It was cool seeing how they do these things, it was also funny, a few of the crew seemed a little.. on edge.. as a load black lads on bikes watched from across the road too, but they were only being nosy, like me.

Manc Guy

September 15th, 2008, 01:40 PM

Film crew spotted in Spinningfields on Friday.

jrb

September 16th, 2008, 12:27 PM

From How Do.

MEN Media to close five of its regional newspaper offices | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
MEN Media, the group behind the Manchester Evening News and a portfolio of 20 regional titles, is readying itself to close five local offices in what it calls “a prudent move.”
How-Do contacted the group after hearing that it planned to shut its Trafford/South Manchester office. However, this proved to be the tip of the iceberg with Heywood, Middleton, Beswick and Wilmslow also due to follow suit in the imminent future.

Nevertheless, in a statement prepared for How-Do, the group denied that there would be job losses as a result of the closures, explaining that staff would be relocated to alternative locations.

The cuts were occurring, it was stated, due to the fact that “these offices reach the end of their leases” over the next few weeks.

The statement continued: “The editors and staff from these offices will relocate to other MEN Media weekly offices and will operate as normal from their new bases, the individual newspapers will not be affected.

Editors and staff will relocate to:

Heywood and Middleton to Rochdale
Beswick to Ashton-under-Lyne
South Manchester / Trafford to Stockport
Wilmslow to Macclesfield

There will be no journalist job losses.”

It concluded: “As a business we are constantly seeking to make operational efficiencies and the merger of some of our existing branch offices is a prudent move at this time as several of our leases in these areas were up for renewal.

“We remain fully committed to the localities we serve with our weekly titles and these closures will not result in any decrease in the numbers of local journalists we employ nor editorial focus we give to our local markets.”

jrb

September 19th, 2008, 12:32 AM

Zen Internet wins Best ISP award

Rochdale-based Zen Internet has been awarded the PC Pro magazine’s Best ISP of the Year.

It’s the fifth time in a row that the company, based at the former MyTravel building, has won the title.

Zen provides web-hosting services, including domain names, managed hosting and broadband. According to the Crain’s List of Internet Service Providers, Zen has 81,500 broadband subscribers.

jrb

September 19th, 2008, 09:44 PM

Manchester Confidential.

MEN Media closes regional newspaper offices

Clarissa Scott takes an inside look at the closure of newspaper offices across Greater Manchester

Journalists have reacted with dismay to the news that MEN Media is to close five of their weekly newspaper offices, moving six titles miles away from their patches.

It is difficult to see how the much-loved South Manchester Reporter will be able to continue with “zesty, youthful feel” whilst operating from an industrial estate miles away from its stomping ground of Chorlton, Fallowfield, and Withington.

Although the decision won’t result in job losses, it will see the end of more than a century of community-based reporting for some of the affected publications.

Both the South Manchester Reporter and the Trafford Metro will now move from Didsbury to Stockport, while the Wilmslow Express is being shifted to Macclesfield. The North East Manchester Advertiser will move from Beswick to the offices of the Tameside Advertiser.

Following an arson attack on the Middleton Guardian office in June, the title has now been permanently shifted to the Rochdale Observer office, where it will be joined by the Heywood Advertiser. It is understood the moves will be made over the next few weeks.

An MEN Media insider said: "This will make our jobs even more difficult and affect the quality of journalism within the weekly group.”

A spokesperson for MEN Media - which is owned by the Guardian Media Group, and runs the Manchester Evening News, Channel M, and around 20 weekly titles across Manchester - said the decision had been made as the offices reach the end of their leases.

They continued: “As a business we are constantly seeking to make operational efficiencies and the merger of some of our existing branch offices is a prudent move at this time.

“We remain fully committed to the localities we serve with our weekly titles and these closures will not result in any decrease in the numbers of local journalists we employ nor editorial focus we give to our local markets.”

Yet it is difficult to see how the much-loved South Manchester Reporter will be able to continue with “zesty, youthful feel” whilst operating from an industrial estate miles away from its stomping ground of Chorlton, Fallowfield, and Withington.

Equally, it will be the first time in the Middleton Guardian’s 130-year history that it doesn’t have a base in the town, while the Heywood Advertiser has also been based locally since the 19th century.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said that members from MEN Media’s Greater Manchester Weekly Newspaper (GMWN) division were meeting up with management this week to thrash out some improved conditions, including higher mileage rates.

They added that the news comes on the back of this year’s below rate of inflation 2.5 per cent pay increase for GMWN employees. According to the Guardian Media Group’s 2008 annual report, Mark Dodson, chief executive of GMG Regional Media – which includes MEN Media and GMWN - received a package of £403,000, including a salary of £226,000 and a bonus of £153,000.

Guardian Media Group chief executive Carolyn McCall was paid a package of £827,000, including a salary of £424,000, bonus of £385,000 and benefits in kind of £18,000.

Guardian News and Media reported an operating loss of £24.9m last financial year, while GMG Regional Media posted an operating profit of £14.3m.

Jenny Lennox, North and Midlands Assistant Organiser for the NUJ, said: “We are disappointed that they have decided to do this. There is a very strong feeling among the members that it won’t be in the best interests of the community.

“There are also concerns about advertising – all the newspapers are pleading poverty at the moment, but are people likely to advertise in a newspaper which doesn’t have a presence in the community?

“Staff are pleased that there aren’t any job cuts, and they are picking on offices instead. But obviously the whole context isn’t great.

“There has been a real lack of consultation from the company on this. It is a fundamental change of contract, but they only decided to inform us after they had decided to change offices. There is quite a lot of anger about that.

“They have started consulting members, but it is almost a done deal. Obviously, there is a limit to what we can do. The company does have the right to move staff if they want too. But it is a bit of a damning indictment on the situation.

“This has also come as staff have a 2.5 per cent pay increase imposed, while chief executive Mark Dodson has received a pay increase in the form of a bonus of around 36 per cent. What that says is, we will reward people at the top level for closing offices down.

“The Guardian Media Group regard these newspapers as a way to fund the Guardian, and they don’t mind paying people not very much to do that. People think the Guardian Media Group must be better than everybody else, that they must be liberal.

“But unfortunately that is not the reality of the way they treat their staff.”

The age when stories were gathered in the local over a pint of bitter was arguably dead and gone well before the internet came to dominate the media. But these papers cover newsy areas with a strong sense of regional identity. For them to be moved miles away from their patch is a sad indictment on journalistic standards from an organisation which claims to protect those values.

It surely doesn’t bode well for the future of local news in Manchester.

jrb

September 20th, 2008, 01:18 PM

From How Do.

Manchester hosts digital trade show | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 19 September 2008
Manchester’s position as one of the country’s leading digital regions has been underlined with the arrival of a new trade show in November.

The Interactive Marketing Show at Manchester Central will be revealing the latest online and digital marketing technology.

There will be keynote speeches from MediaEdge, BBC and The Co-Op.

"Interactive Marketing 2008 will secure Manchester’s position as a key UK digital hub and offer an intimate and educated atmosphere for companies looking to understand the latest digital marketing technologies," said Event Director Michael O’Brien.

"Unlike many London-based shows, entry to the main venue and to all speaking events is free."

The event runs on 4 and 5 November and you can register on their website.

Interestingly we couldn’t spot any interactivity or web 2.0 on said website, not even a lowly RSS feed for updates...

jrb

September 23rd, 2008, 08:25 PM

From Crains.

Input Media opening Manchester office

London-based TV production company Input Media is to open a northern office based in Manchester.

The company, which employs 180 people and specialises in sports programming, already has a number of Northern-based clients as it produces the international broadcasting package sold to overseas TV firms for both Manchester City and Everton. It also produces a number of programmes for Setanta Sports, as well as “magazine”-style programmes for both the UEFA Champions League and the Football Association.

“W were producing boxing live from Sheffield on Saturday night t the same time as covering a Summer darts event for Setanta at Bridlington,” said managing director David Wood.

The firm’s new northern office will be based at the former headquarters of GUS, Universal Square, in the Ardwick area of the city. Wood said that as its presence in the city increased, the more likely it would be that production for events which take place in the North will be handled out of Ardwick.

jrb

September 23rd, 2008, 08:31 PM

From How Do.

Input Media North sets up shop to manage Manchester City, Everton and look to regional production | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Further evidence of the ‘northern creep’ within the broadcast sector emerged yesterday, as established sports production outfit Input Media launched a standalone operation in Manchester.

The firm is now looking to recruit staff, service existing clients and take advantage of ‘regional production opportunities’ from the new, autonomous base.

With the BBC’s move north seemingly gathering momentum, London’s Input has signalled its ambitions with the Universal Square launch, now trading as Input Media North.

Although currently only housing two senior members of staff - more on them shortly - Input (South’s) head of business development Richard Markell told How-Do that the new outfit is “currently recruiting for production and technical staff” and “looking to expand… as future contracts are commissioned.”

An official statement from the firm made it clear that it is looking to appeal to “major broadcasters like the BBC and C4” when they look to commission regional projects.

The payroll so far is made up of head of production Jonathan Parry, formerly a senior producer with ITV Granada, and Dale Umphray, who joins with experience from Chelsea TV as head of operations.

Together they will service the needs of current Input clients Manchester City FC and Everton FC, while looking to transpose the success of their parent firm to the North West.

Input: kicking off this weekDavid Wood, Input Media’s MD, noted: “This initiative is a major step forward in our development, and the new company will be ideally positioned to take advantage of the growing sports production opportunities arising in the north”.

Input has amassed an enviable reputation in the sports broadcast sector to date, currently producing magazine and highlights shows for the UEFA Champions League, the Davis Cup, Chelsea TV and Arsenal TV.

In addition it was recently appointed by the FA to produce all of its international programmes for the next four years, including over 200 live matches.

Input also works with Setanta Sports, producing and hosting the broadcaster’s boxing and darts programming.

http://www.inputmedia.tv/

jrb

September 23rd, 2008, 08:32 PM

From How Do.

ITV premieres flagship show online

Monday, 22 September 2008

ITV will be broadcasting their major new drama series Britannia High online , a week before it hits our television screens.

Online premiereFilmed predominantly in Manchester, it could prove a commissioning landmark for the channel.

While the online premiere is unique for ITV1, the multimedia surrounding the show is on a scale they’ve never done before.

Teaming up with social networking site Bebo, they’ve built special pages for the series and Facebook groups have also sprung up. They will also be using Twitter.

But that’s just the start, much like Hollyoaks, fans will be able to watch extra videos online, and in addition the radio show that actors present on the television will be broadcast online on a loop.

And if that’s not enough, there’s red button and mobile content, plus you will also be able to download images, ring tones and buy CDs through their tie-in with Universal.

While the individual elements have been used by BBC and Channel 4 in the past, the combination for just one series is a major investment.

Okay, so you may be wondering as a sceptical How-Do reader why this should interest you and that we’ve just swallowed some PR hype? Well in fact this represents a sea-change in ITV commissioning and underlines why producers have to think beyond the TV show.

Old school interactionAny producer who’s been down to Channel 4 will know that every second sentence is about multi-platform and that commissioners ask about 360-degree exploitation possibilities before they ask your name or see the programme title.

Whereas ITV used to be all about the programme content, and all that dirty 360-degree stuff was passed on to someone else.

But as they’ve now joined the party, television types are going to struggle if they don’t know their Twitter from their Technorati.

Will this mean increasing tie-ins between digital creatives and indies? We’ll have to see, but it’s no coincidence that the super-indies already have digital departments.

SleepyOne

September 24th, 2008, 02:15 AM

Nice shot of the conference district from Newsnight.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2duyrdy.jpg

jrb

September 26th, 2008, 10:26 AM

From How Do

Ofcom opens door for ITV regional cuts | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 26 September 2008
The broadcasting regulator put forward a number of recommendations, which are now open to consultation, this closes on December 4th with a final report due at the start of 2009.

In addition to changes in news and regional programming, there are proposals which effect indies outside of London.

Ofcom is seeking views on the following options concerning ITV in this region:

- Merging Border and Tyne Tees. There would be separate 15 minute opt-outs in the main weekday programme for viewers in the Border and Tyne Tees areas and separate late-evening bulletins.

- Reducing the weekly amount of regional news from 5 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. This would mean dropping the mid-morning bulletin and weekend lunchtime bulletin.

- Non-news programmes in the English regions to be 15 minutes per week. This can be delivered within news slots, but it’s in addition to the weekly news output.

- Out of London network spend and volume reduced from 50% to 35%

Ofcom added that these changes can take place with retrospective effect from the beginning of 2009.

jrb

September 26th, 2008, 10:28 AM

From How Do

Management changes at GMG Regional Media | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 26 September 2008

Manchester Evening News publisher, GMG Regional Media has announced the appointment of David Sharrock as chief operating officer.

SharrockSharrock is currently the group’s chief financial officer. He will report to GMG Regional Media chief executive Mark Dodson.

The changes follow the announcement of the departure of MEN Media’s managing director Mark Rix who leaves in January to become CEO of Catchpole Communications, the Dubai newspaper company part-owned by DMGT.

Ruth SprattOther changes include Ruth Spratt, who will be Rix's replacement as managing director of MEN Media, moving from her role as digital and broadcast director. Spratt has been at the group since graduating from Liverpool University and was Channel m's station director in 2005.

Alex Davies will look to develop the company’s digital platforms as chief information officer for GMG Regional Media.

And Paul O’Halloran will become managing director of S&B Media which looks after the company’s southern portfolio.

"I am really pleased that we have been able to continue to develop the best talent in our business and these latest appointments are testament to the effectiveness of our succession strategy here at MEN Media," said CEO of GMG Regional Media, Mark Dodson.

jrb

September 26th, 2008, 10:28 AM

Krypton Factor could return to our screens | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 26 September 2008
ITV could be on the verge of resurrecting The Krypton Factor according to industry magazine Broadcast.

Quiz-masterThe show, which began the careers of a thousand pilots - well possibly, but that flight simulator game was great - was last broadcast in 1995.

It ran for 18 years on ITV, and Granada still hold the rights to the franchise. This adds a little more weight to the rumour.

On a busy day for the commercial broadcaster, we were unable to get a comment from their press office to confirm or deny this.

That said, if we see Gordon Burns limbering up on the BBC NWT set, we’ll know he’s in training.

Rusholme Ruffian

September 26th, 2008, 11:44 AM

Krypton Factor could return to our screens

Cool. I wonder if they'll use the same assault course in Rawtenstall or wherever it is.

jrb

October 9th, 2008, 03:45 PM

Another business paper on it's way.

From How Do.

City AM to launch in Manchester | Print | Email to a friend
Monday, 06 October 2008

Free London business paper, City AM , is expanding to Manchester and Edinburgh from spring 2009.

Last year they ditched similar plans believing that regional editions would "dilute the brand."

In the meantime, a number of business titles have already established themselves in the city including TheBusinessDesk.com and Crains with the MEN also increasing its daily business pagination from three to four pages.

The managing director of City AM, Lawson Muncaster is confident that they can be successful and aim to distribute up to 17,000 extra copies through the regional expansion.

What remains unclear is whether they will be employing staff in Manchester and Edinburgh to provide local, editorial content, or if it will just be a mirror of the London edition with some local copy and advertising.

80,000 copies of City AM are distributed to the City’s financial districts every day.

The paper claims it has just had its best month ever for distribution despite the credit crunch and City workers tightening their belts.

City AM reported a 45% rise in revenue to £3.5m for the six months to March this year against the year before.

jrb

October 9th, 2008, 03:46 PM

From How Do.

Crain’s cuts rates in response to worsening market conditions, but unfazed by City AM launch | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 07 October 2008

Crain’s Manchester Business publisher Arthur Porter has told How-Do that he has come to the decision to make the title’s advertising rates “more attractive” in the face of the worsening economic environment.

The move comes at a time of rapid evolution for business publishing in the city, with the imminent arrival of City AM as the latest testament to the apparent dynamism of the marketplace.

Crain’s has been in Manchester for 39 issues now and although it has found favour with observers due to the perceived quality of its editorial, it has also been quizzed on its unwillingness to compromise on what some see as a high rate-card.

However, in a candid chat with How-Do yesterday Porter said that the time had come for a change, but warned; “we still won’t be negotiating though!”

“We have to face up to the fact that the market is in a different shape now than it was when we were planning to launch into Manchester,” he noted, with reference to the current financial turmoil spreading from the markets to businesses around the globe.

“We’ve looked at it and taken the market into consideration.

“We’re sure a lot of companies will be pleased at what we’ve arrived at for the 2009 rate-card. It’ll be a lot more attractive to a lot more businesses.”

Porter: responding to the marketAlthough it was too early to reveal the cuts in their entirety, Porter said that they were “across the board” taking in all sizes and positions.

As an example of what to expect he pointed out that prior to the move a full page colour ad in the paper would come in at £6575. This would now be pared back to £4410.

This equates (roughly) to a drop in rates of one third, which will now come into play across all spots.

Porter opined that this amounted to “a pretty significant decrease.”

He added that feedback from within the marketplace had helped steer the move towards the cut, but chose to focus on the positive feedback received with regard to the paper, to the new subscription-content on the site and the Crain’s proposition in general.

“We’re close to hitting the target of 1,000 paid for subscriptions (out of a circulation of 16,000) that we had for the end of year one and we now send out 5,800 daily emails,” he revealed.

“The new website has been well-received and we’re continuing to break stories in the paper that no-one else has – not from the wires, not from other titles, purely from our own team of investigative reporters."

He added that the paper has established itself as “a unique proposition” in the marketplace.

However, How-Do itself added that the marketplace was growing ever more crowded and with the arrival of City AM competition would now be more cut-throat than ever.

City AM: another launch loomsThis failed to faze a confident Porter though.

“If it follows a model similar to its London edition then I think it’ll end up looking more like the North West Enquirer than Crains,” he imparted.

“They tend to cover the whole gambit of ‘City’ life - including sport, gambling and so on – and their news is not strictly local.

“Our paper is strictly local, strictly Manchester and strictly business, so I think there’s two different propositions there.”

He concluded that he didn’t think City AM would find the same ‘core’ business readership that Crain’s could boast.

“Good luck to them though,” he finished, “they’ve done well in London so they’ve obviously got a good, general, upmarket newspaper there.”

Porter also noted that Kathryn Toledano had been promoted to the role of director of advertising at the firm and that Dawn Gibbons, the ex-CEO of Flowcrete, had been brought on board to co-MC the upcoming Businesswoman of the Year initiative.

jrb

October 11th, 2008, 01:09 AM

Fron How Do.

It's all out war on the business front. :lol:

TheBusinessDesk.com recruits deputy editor from Crain’s as publishing war

Recently launched business news website TheBusinessDesk.com is continuing to rock the regional business publishing boat, with the news that it has raided another rival to fill a high ranking editorial position.

This time it’s Crain’s, rather than the MEN, that has felt the heat of founder David Parkin’s ambition, as one of the paper’s senior business reporters has moved across to fill the role of deputy editor under Chris Barry.

Joanne Birtwistle is the journalist in question – a former Insider writer who joined the NWDA’s ill-fated Outbox project, prior to signing up with Crain’s in April.

She is, according to Parkin, “a great talent” and will fit perfectly alongside Barry – who, he revealed to How-Do, is now set to join on 27 October.

“It’s really come together for us,” Parkin commented. “I didn’t expect to get this kind of team in place so quickly, so I’m delighted.”

Birtwistle started at TheBusinessDesk on Tuesday and is, in the words of Parkin, “further proof of the investment we’re making” in the new North West portal.

Parkin: shaking things up“There seems to be something going on all the time now,” he said, with reference to the events detailed below, “but we’re confident of the team we have and I believe we can build a great product here.”

Birtwistle’s move marks the latest development in what is fast becoming a compelling spectator sport – watching the players in the Manchester business publishing scene jostling for supremacy.

Already this week How-Do readers have learnt of the launch of City AM and the move by Crain’s to slash its rate-card in response to the deepening economic mire swamping the business world.

Crain’s is currently advertising for a new reporter to fill the position left by Birtwistle, while the MEN is advertising externally to fill its vacant business editor seat.

The GMG-owned paper is stressing that it is looking for “a top flight journalist who is equally at ease with entrepreneurs, chief executives of multi-nationals or small business bosses.”

jrb

October 14th, 2008, 12:18 AM

From Crains.

Kids’ show sound effects firm expands into picture editing

Hullabaloo Studios, which produces sound effects for childrens’ TV shows, has moved from Chorlton in Manchester to a new base on Altrincham Business Park in order to expand into picture editing.

The 12-year-old company, run by Darren Cox and Simon Hall, has won several awards its work on programmes such as Postman Pat, Roary the Racing car, Rupert Bear, Fifi and the Flowertots and Bob The Builder.

The move gives Hullabaloo post production capability including Smoke, Final cut Pro and Pro-tools HD software.

Hullabaloo, which employs nine, receives the animation and dialogue script and adds the sound effects.

Hullabaloo director Cox said: “The new production facilities are a great step forward for us and ensure that we have the capability to handle increased volumes of work from both the sound and picture editing markets. We were struggling for space at our old base and for the business to keep growing it was essential to find a new site.”

The move was financed with the help of Lombard, the Royal Bank of Scotland’s asset finance arm. Lombard lent the company £300,000 which has been used to purchase production equipment for the new studio.

jrb

October 14th, 2008, 10:17 AM

From How Do.

26 jobs to go as ITV closes Granada Factual North Tuesday, 14 October 2008
ITV’s continued commitment to cut some £40m from its annual operating budget and shed 1,000 members of staff resulted in more bad news for the regional team yesterday, as it was announced that Granada Factual North would be shut down.
The outfit, which only last year bore witness to the demise of its sister operation in Leeds, will now be closed with the loss of 26 jobs.

It has recently made commissions for ITV, with the two-parter Martin Clunes: Man and His Dogs, and Five, producing the six part series Warship.

A statement from the firm yesterday outlined the details of the decision: "ITV is considering proposals to restructure its Manchester factual, features and current affairs teams following a detailed review by the Boston Consulting Group, which was carried out as part of a wider appraisal of ITV's Global Content division.

"It is proposed that the current affairs and features departments will merge and that the factual division will close at the end of January 2009.

“ITV will now be entering into a (30 day) consultation period with employees."

The news follows on from the cuts the broadcaster announced to its regional news teams at the beginning of the month – a decision that led to eight further redundancies.

jrb

October 14th, 2008, 10:28 AM

Frrom How Do.

Krypton Factor return confirmed with sponsor and contestant recruitment drive, but no Gordon Burns | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 14 October 2008

After recent reports in the trade press that iconic quiz show The Krypton Factor was set to make a comeback, it has now been confirmed that it will return in the new year with “a 21st century makeover.”

ITV yesterday confirmed the name of the sponsor that was making the resurrection possible, but not the name of a new presenter. Meanwhile, former front man Gordon Burns appeared to rule himself out of the running to How-Do.

Burns said that he had “been inundated” with media requests to comment on the return of a show that he presented for the entire duration of its 18-year life span (drawing to a close in 1995), but had “absolutely nothing to say.”

All he did impart was that he was “totally focused on my job presenting the award winning BBC North West Tonight in my 11th very happy year here.”

With Burns seemingly ruling himself out (he told How-Do last year that, if there was a comeback, “they’d go for a handsome young person to do it, not me”) online rumourmongers are currently suggesting that the show could be fronted by Carol Voderman, Vernon Kay or a number of other celebrity contenders.

When it does re-appear in early 2009 The Krypton Factor will be fully funded by software giant Sage, in what it is widely believed to be ITV’s biggest advertiser funded programme deal to date.

The firm, which is paying an unspecified amount for the primetime show, will receive sponsorship break bumpers and exclusive content across ITV’s various platforms. It has signed up to the agreement to push its Business IQ campaign.

ITV has already rushed to start a contestant drive for the show, with an online statement claiming, “the stakes are bigger, the competition is harder and the pressure has never been higher.”

It continues: “A series of rounds will test mental agility, observation, physical ability, intelligence and general knowledge. It's mean, it's menacing and as tough as ever, but with new challenges, twists and technology.”

ITV is holding auditions from the end of October.

How-Do’ers that fancy their chances at ‘TV’s toughest quiz’ can apply here.

The deadline for applications is 24 October.

http://www.itv.com/Games/Gameshows/TheKryptonFactor/default.html

jrb

October 14th, 2008, 10:31 AM

from How Do.

CBBC orders second series of Frankenstein’s Cat

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Altrincham’s Mackinnon & Saunders is celebrating after hearing that CBBC has decided to take up the option of a second series of the firm’s animated comedy show Frankenstein’s Cat.

Stinky... but lovableThe show, which launched at the beginning of the year, has apparently been a hit with the public, many of whom have fallen for the “slightly stinky but strangely lovable fall-apart cat,” voiced by comedian Joe Pasquale.

The first series consisted of thirty 11-minute episodes and won distribution deals to markets including Spain, Israel, Australia, France and countries across Southeast Asia and Latin America.

CBBC is now looking for more of the same of a concept that controller Anne Gilchrist has called “completely unique, funny, freaky, fantastical.”

Responding to the news, Mackinnon & Saunders’ executive producer Peter Saunders said: “CBBC’s continuing enthusiasm for Frankenstein's Cat is excellent news for the whole team who worked so hard on the show.

“The quirky adventures of Nine (the cat) and his friend Lottie really have captured kids’ hearts and imaginations, and it’ll be great to embark on another series.”

Frankenstein’s Cat is a co-production between Mackinnon & Saunders and Kayenta Production of Paris.

The show has been championed by industry support body Northwest Vision and Media through its Regional Attraction Fund.

http://www.mackinnonandsaunders.com/

jrb

October 16th, 2008, 01:15 AM

Originally posted by Erebus

BBC evicts top shows from London
By Torin Douglas
Media correspondent, BBC News

Quiz show The Weakest Link is to have its production base moved to Glasgow as part of a plan to make sure the BBC represents all parts of the UK.

The Anne Robinson-fronted programme is one of a number of shows which will move from London, senior executive Jana Bennett has announced.

Question Time and arts programmes Imagine and Newsnight Review will move to the BBC's new centre in Glasgow.

Crimewatch and Casualty are to be relocated to Cardiff, Ms Bennett added.

Casualty moves from Bristol, which will remain the home of natural history programmes and other factual series.

BBC Vision director Jana Bennett on plans to produce more top shows out of London

Departments such as sport, children's programmes and BBC Radio 5 Live are already due to have to a new base in Salford, but the announcement from Ms Bennett, the director of BBC Vision, will increase the pace of change.

She told the Royal Television Society in London that there would eventually be BBC "centres of excellence" in London, Salford, Bristol, Birmingham, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow.

'Close relationships'

"I believe that by investing in talent across the UK there will be more talent on our screens which reflect different types of voices and a different sense of place and a different way of thinking," she said.

"The BBC wants to increase its approval in the north of England, for example, and in Scotland."

The BBC should develop "close relationships" among people who felt its programmes were "representative" of their lives, she added.

Approval ratings for the corporation fall noticeably the further people live from London.

In response, the BBC plans to produce half its network television programmes outside London by the year 2016.

Chorley Boi

October 16th, 2008, 02:22 PM

SleepyOne

October 22nd, 2008, 11:04 PM

From Manchesteronline http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1073883_parkys_pride_in_city

Parky's pride in city

Paul Taylor
22/10/2008

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/483.$plit/C_71_article_1073883_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?21%2F10%2F2008%2018%3A32%3A00%3A627

SIR Michael Parkinson still remembers his first day as a reporter at the Cross Street offices of the Manchester Guardian in 1958.

"As I walked upstairs, there was a bike parked on the landing with a carrier pigeon basket on the back," says Parkinson. "It was kept there as a reminder of the days, not long before, when that method of transport was used."

Young Parkinson covered his share of chip pan fires in Stockport or Oldham, tapping out his copy on a sloping desk from which the heavy typewriter would often slither into the reporter's lap, threatening his future chances of fatherhood.

From the dusty era of typewriter and hot metal to the age of the internet - he has launched his own website michaelparkinson.tv - Parkinson has been there, done that.

As luck would have it, he has known a string of golden eras, from the glory days of Fleet Street to the birth of Granada, Beatlemania and George Best, even before his long career in talks shows began.

"I've got nothing but the fondest memories of Manchester. I love the city," says Parkinson.

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/718.$plit/C_71_article_1073883_image_list_image_list_item_3_image.jpg?21%2F10%2F2008%2018%3A45%3A54%3A882

But as he heads back to Manchester, he agrees that these are not so happy times for television today, with ITV shedding jobs and cutting back on the kind of regional programming where he learned his craft.

"The decline of Granada has been one of the saddest stories in all of television, if you look at what it was to what it is now," muses Parkinson.

"ITV don't care about regional news and they don't care about regional broadcasting. They're in a fight for their lives. You can see what the problem is.

"They're financially in deep water and now struggling to find a format which does not include that which they would regard as being unprofitable. So, out goes local broadcasting."

Chat show king

Out, also, went Parkinson last year, his last ITV show marking the end of a 37-year period when he was king of the chat show. He had left the BBC three years previously when his slot was taken by Match of the Day.

"ITV don't want a conversational kind of talk show," he says. "Their idea of a talk show is one done by Al Murray - a comedy show, basically. And that's the way that talk is going in Britain.

"When I started, there was David Frost, Michael Aspel, Gloria Hunniford, Russell Harty and three or four others, and we were all doing more or less the same thing - a conversation-based talk show. Now there's not a single one."

If you look down a list of Parkinson's talk show guests over the years, it includes virtually every big Hollywood star, politicians, statesmen, pop stars. But isn't our idea of fame now warped by the sheer numbers of celebrities?

"Celebrity now is cheap," he agrees. "But fame is even more precious than it was before. Fame is somebody who has achieved something worthwhile. A celebrity is somebody who appears in a glossy magazine. They're not the same thing."

Asked about the rise of reality TV, Parkinson huffs: "You've always had cr*p television. The problem now is it's regarded as the staple diet of television, that kind of celebrity programme, whether it be people dancing, people singing or people, I don't know, having each other's husbands and wives. It doesn't interest me."

Parkinson has been asked over and over again who were his best interviewees and tends to cite a list which runs from Salvation Army stalwart Catherine Bramwell-Booth to Les Dawson, Dame Edith Evans to Billy Connolly, pianist Arthur Rubinstein to Tommy Cooper.

But asked for the most remarkable human being he ever encountered, there is only one name - Muhammad Ali, with whom the talk show host had four encounters.

Angry Ali

One, infamously, was a bad-tempered exchange in which Parkinson quoted from a book by Budd Schulberg which said Ali was 'devoted to a religious movement that looks on the white race as devils, whose time of deserved destruction is at hand, and yet he's got more genuine white friends than any black fighter I have known'.

Ali launched an angry diatribe against Parkinson, concluding that he was too small mentally and physically to 'trap' him on a TV show.

Is there any question Parkinson now wishes he had or hadn't asked of any of his 2,000 guests?

"Maybe I would like to have asked Meg Ryan what the hell she was doing there," he says, recalling a famously frosty dialogue.

But asked whether the thought of this or any other interview has caused him a sleepless night, Parkinson replies: "No, not at all.

"She was not in any mood to give an interview. An interview is consensual. If I decide I don't want to answer your questions, you're stuffed."

But there are some regrets for the few names who got away. Frank Sinatra and Katharine Hepburn are the most notable absences from Parky's roll of honour, and his refusal to accept 'pre-conditions' on any interview meant Barbra Streisand never underwent his velvet inquisition.

Idyllic

Born in Cudworth, near Barnsley, in 1935, Parkinson was the son of a miner at Grimethorpe Colliery. The book recalls an idyllic childhood, full of epic games of street cricket and five-times-a-week visits to the cinema, where Parkinson hatched his romantic idea of journalism as a profession full of people like Humphrey Bogart buying cocktails for women like Lauren Bacall.

So happy was life in his caring extended family that when the TV programme Whose Life Is It Anyway? considered him as a possible subject, they gave up, because, as Parkinson himself puts it, he has 'the most boring background' they had ever come across.

Summer holidays in Scarborough or Bridlington were taken up with games of beach cricket, organised by his father Jack, who would have anyone on his team unless they came from Lancashire.

From Barnsley Grammar School, the young Parkinson became a cub reporter on the South Yorkshire Times, cycling 25 miles a day in search of news, writing wedding reports in the style of Hemingway and reviews of the local drama group with a nod towards Dorothy Parker.

Parkinson did National Service, becoming an Army public relations officer, rising to the rank of captain. Via the Barnsley Chronicle and Yorkshire Evening Post, he arrived, in 1958, at the Manchester Guardian - a place where he was 'never more happy and fulfilled in all my long career in newspapers'.

He married Mary in Doncaster and they set up home in Didsbury, where she taught at a local school.

"It was the days of the Free Trade Hall and Barbirolli and the Halle," he recalls. "It was a vigorous and proud city.

"Everybody's much more cosmopolitan now than they were then. Manchester was then identifiably a north country city."

A boozy spell as a feature writer at the Daily Express - including a stint as a war correspondent in Congo - followed. Parkinson was working in London, and Mary, pregnant, was back in Manchester.

Fearful of having a grandson who may be ineligible to play cricket for Yorkshire, Jack Parkinson spirited Mary back over the Pennines to have the first of three sons, Andrew, at a nursing home in Wakefield.

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/63.$plit/C_71_article_1073883_image_list_image_list_item_5_image.jpg?21%2F10%2F2008%2018%3A45%3A54%3A882

Parkinson came back to Manchester and Granada TV as a producer of the five-nights-a-week Scene At 6.30 live show, working with the likes of Michael Apted, Bill Grundy, Mike Scott and Gaye Byrne.

It was here that Parkinson served his TV apprenticeship before going to the BBC. He also began writing a sport column for the Sunday Times at the request of Harold Evans, whom he knew as a journalist on the Manchester Evening News.

"Sidney Bernstein created this extraordinary area called `Granadaland'. It had a separate entity, a separate voice. It had an accent. You had to have an accent to work for Sidney," says Parkinson.

" What happened at that time, in the early Sixties, was an entire cultural revolution and Manchester was at its epicentre.

"Then, slap bang in the middle of that. landed George Best. People forget there was a time before George Best, when footballers got on the same bus as you did to go to the ground. Bestie changed all that. He was the godfather of all modern celebrity football.

"It was a very exotic time to be there. As always, when you are in the centre of a thing like that, you never understand what's happening until later. All we know is we had a very good time."

The rest is TV history: from 1971 at the BBC, watched by millions, Parkinson interviewed 2,000 guests spanning the best part of four decades. That great archive of chat is now being collated for use on his website and in a forthcoming DVD collection.

"I thought I'd retired, but I'm working harder than I've ever done before," he says, recalling a book-signing in Dublin where he signed 600 books in two hours.

"My right arm is dropping off."

Sir Michael Parkinson is signing copies of his autobiography, Parky, (Hodder and Stoughton, £20) at WH Smith in the Trafford Centre today (Wednesday), 6pm-7pm. A two-CD collection of his favourite songs, My Life In Music, is released on Reprise on November 3. See also michaelparkinson.tv

Le Curé

October 28th, 2008, 12:45 PM

post removed

Le Curé

October 28th, 2008, 01:32 PM

Major film shoot going on in the area between Newton Street - Dale Street and Stephenson Square. They built a set in the past days and are preparing the filming for today/tomorrown.

Apparently for the new Guy Ritchie film 'Sherlock Holmes' with Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/DSC00171.jpg

Le Curé

October 28th, 2008, 02:00 PM

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/DSC00176.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/DSC00172.jpg

Goldie

October 28th, 2008, 03:10 PM

Saw a hansom cab and horsebox go past me on Mosley St yesterday - I know what it was for now!

Filming going on beside the canal, just over the road from Atlas as well. BTW, did anyone catch Manc masquerading as various bits of London in Wired?

Le Curé

October 28th, 2008, 04:15 PM

^^

yes, I did - wasn't the last scene on the skybridge of Manchester Airport?

Here the 2 main characters of Sherlock Holmes: Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. Filming will continue for quite a while

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/DSC00177.jpg

Le Curé

October 28th, 2008, 05:08 PM

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/robert_downey_jrjude_law.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/guy_richie_2.jpg

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/guy_richie_1.jpg

Le Curé

October 28th, 2008, 10:29 PM

Between Stephenson square and Dale street - parallel to Newton street; straight out of the office window:

http://s375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/?action=view&current=MOV00195.flv

The Longford

October 28th, 2008, 10:37 PM

Looks great ( the set design i mean - if its got Ritchies name on it the film will be shit)
I saw all the bods hanging out of the window (you included i'm sure Lecure!) today and had a quick peek - i was more interested in the olden days set design than celeb spotting but thought the whole thing looked very exciting.

Le Curé

October 29th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Clip of film shoot - Behind Newton Street/Stephenson square:

http://s375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/?action=view&current=MOV00207.flv

and discussing the scene:

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/DSC00202.jpg

Le Curé

October 29th, 2008, 01:59 PM

last one of today, gotta do some work at some stage...

http://s375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/?action=view&current=MOV00212.flv

The Longford

October 29th, 2008, 02:54 PM

Did they use your picture on the MEN website Lecure?

macc

October 29th, 2008, 03:44 PM

ooh, they have haven't they. I hope you got some wonga for them. If not I'd be on the dog and bone to the MEN.

Don't post all of your photos in case you need to prove you took them.

Le Curé

October 29th, 2008, 04:28 PM

^^

no worries - they were from a colleague and he is in touch with them

On another note - the shoot is now moving to Town Hall and the Great Hall is currently being set up as the interior of the Houses of Parliament; lame photo from the mobile phone but the setting inside Town Hall is getting amazing. You see, you don't need London really. The big balloon in the middle (black/white) is a lighting balloon for effects.

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/lecure/DSC00213.jpg

SleepyOne

November 3rd, 2008, 11:51 PM

jrb

November 4th, 2008, 12:01 AM

Has anyone had difficulty getting hold of Crains lately? Can't seem to find it in two stores I have bought it in, in the recent past. Has the move to an online subscription format reduced its hard copy circulation?

WHSmiths or you can subscribe via their interweb site. It's free on Virgin Trains, Monday mornings.

jrb

November 11th, 2008, 07:26 PM

Another company put off by the TIF Investment Charge. (n/t)

Mango ups the ante with Manchester move
Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Design and online agency Mango is making clear its ambitions with a move from its original home of Worsley into new offices in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The business, formed in 2001 by Marcus Castle and Mark Thompson, has made the switch after what it calls “a very successful year trading.”

This has seen the team bringing on new accounts such as Kruger Tissue, Care Shop and The Rating and Valuation Agency.

Mango’s new base is at the Royal Mills complex, a space that Castle described as “much more inspiring and conducive to a creative atmosphere.”

The agency’s business development director Steve Hallam added: “It’s good to be working in the city centre and while we realise image isn’t everything, it is important especially where new business is concerned.

“Our new offices are a lot more reflective of the quality of work we are producing and the high profile clients we are servicing”

www.mangocommunications.co.uk

jrb

November 12th, 2008, 10:05 PM

From How Do.

NME Radio on Manchester FM | Print | Email to a friend
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
NME Radio has started broadcasting in Manchester on a restricted service licence from Ofcom.

As previously reported on How-Do, it’ll be available on 87.7FM and runs for a month until December 7th.

"It’s great to have a dedicated platform in Manchester for the month of November and to provide the city with a true alternative to the mainstream," said NME Radio managing director Sammy Jacob.

The licence has been awarded to IPC Media to publicise the station, which is only available online or via digital or cable providers.

It’s believed they are looking at getting a DAB bandwidth at a later date.

jrb

November 12th, 2008, 10:06 PM

NME Radio Hits London And Manchester On FMWEBWIRE – Monday, October 06, 2008
NME Radio announces today a series of temporary local FM broadcasts, further increasing the number of opportunities for music fans in the UK to listen to the best mix of indie alternatives past and present.

The London RSL (Restricted Service License) commences today (October 6) and runs until November 2, closely followed by the Manchester RSL from November 10 until December 7. Both RSLs are available on 87.7FM.

NME Radio managing director Sammy Jacob says: “We’re committed to making the station available on as many platforms as possible and over the next few months we’ll be rolling out NME Radio on further platforms.”

Highlights of the month-long London RSL include:

· A special Kaiser Chiefs day on October 21 where the band will be Live In Session and chatting about their new album “Yours Truly, Angry Mob”

· Vampire Weekend will join NME Radio DJ Neil Cole on his weekday show on October 24. The band will also be discussing and playing some of their all-time favourite tracks.

· An acoustic set from Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek on October 10, during which he will perform two tracks from his recently released solo album.

NME Radio launched on June 24 with a line up of key presenters including Claire Sturgess, Neil Cole, Iain Baker and Chris Martin. The station features live sessions, music news, interviews, gig and festival guides along with the best indie alternative music. NME Radio is an essential listen for any fan of cutting-edge music.

NME Radio is also available on Sky 0184, Virgin Media 975, Freesat 727 and online via NME.COM.

About NME Radio
NME Radio is a presenter driven 24/7 alternative music service incorporating various cutting-edge sub-genres. The station is owned and operated under licence by DX Media.

http://www.nme.com/radio

jrb

November 13th, 2008, 06:09 PM

From How Do.

Is GMG set to launch a local Guardian-branded website for Manchester? | Print | Email to a friend
Thursday, 13 November 2008

It has come to How-Do’s attention that the Guardian Media Group appears to be researching the possibility of launching a new local website to cover the Manchester area.

The site, if it comes to fruition, will be branded with the Guardian name and offer a highly focused local service looking to “connect you with your local community.”

An ever-vigilant How-Do user informed us of the proposed plans after receiving a market research document entitled “Guardian Cities Desirability Concept.”

The objective of the digital survey seemed to be to garner information on how well existing local media sources catered for their audience in Manchester, while posing questions relating to how amenable respondents would be to a new service.

As such it quizzed on matters such as how and why the individual interacted with the local media, what they were looking for from these sources and whether they’d be interested in reading and taking part in city-based blogs.

How will it all fit together?It also stated: “We are considering launching a Guardian-branded website that would connect you with your local community, cover local issues and provide you with information that was highly relevant to your area.

“How interested would you be in such a website?”

When contacted by How-Do, a Guardian spokesperson told us that "We routinely use research to explore ideas. The fact that we are doing research doesn't itself mean we will or won't launch a new product. As an innovative media company we are continuously assessing the needs of our audience."

We weren't told however whether the ‘Guardian Cities’ concept is solely intended for Manchester or other regional centres around the UK.

It is also unclear, if the site were to launch in Manchester, how it would fit in with the MEN Media’s large portfolio of local news, entertainment and commercial sites.

www.guardian.co.uk

jrb

November 14th, 2008, 07:53 PM

From How Do.

Bullough made BBC's Head of Entertainment Production in Manchester Friday,

14 November 2008

BulloughJon Beazley, the controller of BBC Entertainment and Events Production has announced a shake up of their in-house entertainment team.

And Helen Bullough is one of the main beneficiaries as she has been promoted to a more senior role at BBC Manchester.

"This is a defining moment for entertainment production and development. As the programming slate is constantly growing, the need to look after both production and development becomes even more marked,” explained Beazley.

"I'm looking forward to working with all the department heads in their new capacities in a structure that properly reflects their role and responsibilities for the future."

He’s made the move to bring in more commissions and has created 4 new posts, including Head of Entertainment Production, Manchester, which has gone to Bullough.

She will now be responsible for all format and factual entertainment from Manchester including Dragon’s Den, Mastermind and Last Millionaire. She will also be looking at new development projects.

jrb

November 19th, 2008, 09:43 PM

Penk and Kay wind up Cowell on The Revolution

Oldham’s The Revolution has pulled off a major coup by giving Peter Kay a slot on Christmas Day as his alter ego Geraldine McQueen.

It comes after a war of words which started after Geraldine won Channel 4’s Britain’s Got the Pop Factor... and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice.

A certain Simon Cowell on the other channel suggested that the single wasn’t all that good.

So Kay approached new Revolution-owner and wind up specialist Steve Penk:

"Peter came to me for help after Simon Cowell publicly derided Geraldine’s debut single, ‘The Winners Song, describing it as "pathetic". I was asked to put-in a call to Cowell winding him up over the whole spoof X-Factor thing."

Face for radioRather than a prank call for a radio show (apparently not a good thing at the moment...), Geraldine/Kay was offered the chance of presenting a show on Christmas Day with total freedom to say what he/she likes.

"When my agent told me about Steve’s offer I thought it was just another of his wind-ups," said Geraldine.

"But he told me how he felt I had a lovely bubbly personality as well as the perfect face for radio. I’m really looking forward to getting to grips with his equipment."

The McQueen’s Christmas Message will be aired on Christmas Day between 10am and midday on 96.2fm The Revolution.

Metr0l1nk

November 21st, 2008, 09:02 PM

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5923/1000114hg3.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7281/1000113md6.jpg

was being filmed outside where the wife works the other day.

TheGrand

November 22nd, 2008, 01:27 AM

Is that Sale?

Metr0l1nk

November 22nd, 2008, 11:01 AM

Is that Sale?

Yes, that was taken just outside Boots.

I watched them film for a while.

Frank was staggering along complaining that the wine was on a two for one offer as he walked towards the Washway Road end of School Road.

Chogmook

November 22nd, 2008, 01:56 PM

Le Curé

November 24th, 2008, 01:03 AM

Anyone seen the first episode of the new series called 'Survivors' which started on BBC1 tonight? It was almost watching a promo of Channel M - Manchester all over the place! Quite nicely done though.

butterfingers22

November 24th, 2008, 01:18 AM

I watched it, thought it was rather good. The views of Manchester were fantastic, i love the way they made out that wealthy gentleman lived in CJC.

Beram

November 24th, 2008, 07:28 PM

I watched it too, and thought it was pants. Grauniad summed it up:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2008/nov/24/television-review

It was also a bit depressing that they used Manchester as a sort of generic non-London British city, refusing to specify where it was exactly and even going so far as to change the Metrolink to "Tram-link" in one of the early scenes. Is Manchester so anonymous-looking that they can use it without fear of someone in, say, Lincoln or Teignmouth saying, "Oi, that's Manchester that is!"

But there was the odd nice touch. In the shots from the wealthy character's apartment (actually shot in No.1) Beetham looks like a tower of Babel, or perhaps the monolith at the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Incidentally, they were filming Sherlock Holmes under the railway lines in Castlefield last week. The viaduct has been used before on TV versions.

Priscilla QOTD

November 24th, 2008, 07:57 PM

GShutty

November 24th, 2008, 09:42 PM

They were filming outside The Salisbury pub in the city centre at 9a.m. this morning- not sure if this was Holmes or not with the cobbled street setting the scene.

Griff

November 25th, 2008, 12:45 AM

I thought Survivors was all right. Wasn't "welcome to Manchester Airport" about the first line of dialogue in the whole thing, though? Also, I'd have thought some of the views of the city, e.g. the corner of Deansgate and Peter Street, were pretty easily recognizable to anyone who's been there in the last two or three years, and the more that views like that one are shown on TV, the more they will become etched on people's memories, wherever they come from. But yes, I get the point about "Tram-link" and suchlike.

The main criticism I have of the first episode was that it was too polished. The grittier the better with that sort of apocalyptic premise. Also, it took too long to get going; the first half an hour was unnecessary as far as I'm concerned. Much criticism has been made of the blatant politically-correct box-ticking, too. The casting does seem somewhat contrived.

Interesting fact: the guy who played Greg Preston (the character played by Alan Johnson from Peep Show in this one) in the original version wanted to do a remake some years back but then canned the idea when his thunder was stolen by The Last Train (coincidentally, part of the first episode of which was also filmed in Manchester, at Mayfield Station).

Beram

November 25th, 2008, 01:20 PM

Wasn't "welcome to Manchester Airport" about the first line of dialogue in the whole thing, though?

:hammer: Good point, forgot about that. They could have "situated" the drama a little more precisely throughout though, I thought.

One thing that struck me about the shots of the city in Survivors was how sunny and European it looked. Reminded me of a couple of years ago, walking in St Peter's Square, when I saw the arches under the Town Hall extension were being used for a French street scene (all the signs they had put up were in French.) Don't know whether this was a British drama with a scene in a French city, but the implication was that Manchester could serve just as readily as an anonymous continental city, too. I don't know what to make of that...

Savage Henry

November 25th, 2008, 01:26 PM

Incidentally, they were filming Sherlock Holmes under the railway lines in Castlefield last week. The viaduct has been used before on TV versions.

They were shooting for it in a courtyard just off Hilton Street a few weeks ago too, they had a load of the horses for the scene stod around with their handlers on Brewer Street for a few days!

dave99

December 1st, 2008, 11:08 AM

One thing that struck me about the shots of the city in Survivors was how sunny and European it looked. Reminded me of a couple of years ago, walking in St Peter's Square, when I saw the arches under the Town Hall extension were being used for a French street scene (all the signs they had put up were in French.) Don't know whether this was a British drama with a scene in a French city, but the implication was that Manchester could serve just as readily as an anonymous continental city, too. I don't know what to make of that...

seems those sunny scenes might just have been clever lighting :D

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/technology/onlocation/2008/11/on_location_survivors.html

Beram

December 1st, 2008, 01:48 PM

seems those sunny scenes might just have been clever lighting :D

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/technology/onlocation/2008/11/on_location_survivors.html

^^ Thanks for posting that, an interesting read. I expected to see lots of "rainy city" jibes, but there were none--refreshing!

Peeks

December 1st, 2008, 05:43 PM

And guess who's producing it... ;)

In that case, if you have Penk's ear, can you thank him for utterly ruining what was a great radio station.

Goldie

December 1st, 2008, 10:26 PM

Anyone caught the manc featuring heavily in (the missus's choice!) Britannia High? Each episode you get thity seconds of photogenic london landmarks on the title sequence followed by solid Salford Quays and Manchester masquerading as the capital for the rest of the programme...

Chogmook

December 4th, 2008, 01:44 AM

In that case, if you have Penk's ear, can you thank him for utterly ruining what was a great radio station.

Trust me, you've got the previous dual-owners to thank for that, no investment, no support, bad management, poor resources, they let us rot. We lost 70% of number of listeners since 2002, advertising slumped, we wasn't marketed prperly (if at all) - so economically, we were in the preverbial sh*t.

I almost left after being there 4 years, I loved it, but all we got was false promises from the so called 'management', but thankfully, although the music may not be what it used to, Mr P. bought the station, making sure wages are being paid, jobs are secure and some well overdue investment is being put into the station, I was sceptical at first, but I'm enjoying it again, in a different way, yes, but we're well on the way to becoming a truly local station for the area we serve. It'll take time, but I'm going nowhere. (Can't afford to in this economic climate either!)

:)

The Longford

December 4th, 2008, 12:03 PM

Chog - if you see Elliot Eastwick tell him Eddy says hello and that he is a bad tit.
He'll understand. :)

CDX

December 9th, 2008, 01:04 PM

From:www.how-do.co.uk (http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-digital-media/amaze-officially-launches-in-manchester,-while-lexus-retains-team-for-pan%11european-brief-200812094220/)

Amaze officially launches in Manchester, while Lexus retains team for pan-European brief
Tuesday, 09 December 2008

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/amazenewlogofrontpage.jpg

Hasgrove Plc is finally, officially due to unveil its new look marketing services agency after the merger of Connectpoint, Pavilion and Amaze Europe into the single entity that is Amaze Plc.

The news comes as luxury car manufacturer Lexus announces that it has also retained the firm for its pan-European brief following on from a six-way pitch.

Amaze (the Plc that is) was originally due to come into being on 15 September this year, creating a firm with a payroll of around 170 members of staff and a turnover of £14m.

This was delayed, however, and the firm is now expected to release formal news of its launch this week.

In the interim an agency spokesperson confirmed to How-Do that the merged team has bedded itself in at its newly-branded Quay Street office, while the website and client-facing branding had also gone live.

The new look agency has also been buoyed by a very timely announcement from Lexus, which has confirmed that it has retained the team to handle its pan-European website business.

Amaze retains the account after a hard-fought six-way pitch and the success of the Lexus Europe website it launched in late 2007.

So far the team has rolled out a total of 39 market-specific websites - across 33 countries and in 28 languages – for the manufacturer.

The agency has now been charged with providing web support and core development work, including the provision of technical strategy, site usability, rollout and implementation.

In a statement from the firm, managing partner Natalie Gross said: “We have built a strong relationship with Lexus over the last four years and look forward to playing an instrumental part in moving forward the brand’s presence online.”

www.amaze.com

L@tic

December 9th, 2008, 10:03 PM

Trust me, you've got the previous dual-owners to thank for that, no investment, no support, bad management, poor resources, they let us rot. We lost 70% of number of listeners since 2002, advertising slumped, we wasn't marketed prperly (if at all) - so economically, we were in the preverbial sh*t.

I almost left after being there 4 years, I loved it, but all we got was false promises from the so called 'management', but thankfully, although the music may not be what it used to, Mr P. bought the station, making sure wages are being paid, jobs are secure and some well overdue investment is being put into the station, I was sceptical at first, but I'm enjoying it again, in a different way, yes, but we're well on the way to becoming a truly local station for the area we serve. It'll take time, but I'm going nowhere. (Can't afford to in this economic climate either!)

:)

Small world! I used to work there doing various bits (2002-2004). The RAJAR's went up for a bit and the station was doing OK. However bad management meant the figures totally collasped around the time I left.
It always needed to have a local feel rather than trying to be a big sounding station in a small area. Glad to hear things sound on the up for the place.

Goldie

December 10th, 2008, 12:28 AM

Bit of shameless filming on church lane in Ashton upon Mersey tonight. And a nice georgian house next door, because I had my camera out. They were just packing up when I happened upon it...

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii16/Goldie_78/PC080015.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii16/Goldie_78/PC080016.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii16/Goldie_78/PC080017.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii16/Goldie_78/PC080018.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii16/Goldie_78/PC080019.jpg

CDX

December 10th, 2008, 11:50 AM

From:www.pressgazette.co.uk (http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=42633&c=1)

City AM shelves expansion plans outside London
10 December 2008
By Paul McNally

London's free daily business newspaper City AM has postponed plans to expand to other cities including Manchester and Edinburgh until the economy "gets back to something like normal".

Newly published accounts have revealed that the title made a loss of more than £1m last year, but City AM chief executive Jens Torpe has told Press Gazette that the company is now close to breaking even.

The title, which launched in September 2005, is handed out to about 100,000 City workers every morning.

City AM’s 2007 accounts, which were recently filed at Companies House, reveal a £1.8m loss in the 12 months to the end of December 2007.

The publisher’s total accumulated loss since the paper launched in 2005 hit £7m last year.

But Torpe said the £1.8m loss on the City AM balance sheet last year included “a lot of non-cash items” and, in real terms, the publisher’s 2007 pre-tax loss was in the region of £1m – down from about £3.5m in the previous year.

“What you are looking at is effectively our second year in the market,” he told Press Gazette.

“If you look at most newspapers in their second year, most newspapers would give their right arm to be in that territory.”

He said City AM’s revenues in 2008 so far were between 20 and 25 per cent up on last year, and the publisher was close to breaking even.

“I’ve been involved in setting up a number of newspapers around the world,” said Torpe, a former chief operating officer at free newspaper giant Metro International.

“For free newspapers in the first two or three years it’s a very good result. We were very happy with that. Even in a tough market, given the conditions, we’re quite satisfied.”

In October, City AM said it was planning to distribute up to 17,000 extra copies in Manchester and Edinburgh from early next year.

Torpe said that the plan was still on the agenda, but would not be going ahead until the advertising market – and economic conditions as a whole – recovered.

“We had to judge the market conditions,” he said. “Since then the market has hardly moved upwards – there’s a lot of uncertainty. Most advertisers are pruning back.

“In the present climate you’d be an absolute fool to invest heavily, unless you have a sovereign wealth fund behind you.

“As soon as the market gets back to something like normal again we’re absolutely ready.”

Asked when that was likely to be, Torpe added: “Nobody really knows, nobody tries to say that they do know. It’s a big question mark.

“There’s a big uncertainty at the moment. We hope that that uncertainty goes away.”

In June, City AM axed eight jobs in a move that has seen reporters file copy directly to a page without sub-editing.

Torpe said he was proud of the way the editorial staff on the title had reported on the ongoing economic crisis.

“Whenever we go out and test it, we see that there are more and more readers and more awareness. We’re quite proud of the newspaper we are doing,” he said.

“It’s a very [tough] time for advertising but journalistically it’s been a very interesting time. There’s so much going on in the US which has an impact on London. We’ve been at the forefront.”

CDX

December 10th, 2008, 12:21 PM

A couple of articles/comment from Media Guardian:

Proud to be provincial
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/06/regional-newspapers-decline-comment-mckie)
Regional newspapers' sad decline is underlined by a reminder of the great influence they once had
David McKie
The Guardian, Saturday December 6 2008

Every morning the Today programme includes several reviews of the day's papers. The day's London papers, that is. The score for three sequences yesterday morning was this: London newspapers, 34 mentions; newspapers from elsewhere, 1. One might have thought the Yorkshire Post's views would have been worth including on the Matthews case at Dewsbury; but apparently not. Regional papers are for regional people. For a national audience, it is assumed, it's what London says that matters.

And that is not so surprising given the decline of the regional and local press since the 19th century. You can find some indication of that in a book to be launched on Monday - the Dictionary of Nineteenth-Century Journalism. Editors and proprietors in those days (quite often, as with CP Scott at the Manchester Guardian, the proprietor was the editor) presided over papers bursting with pride in themselves and the cities they served.

These were often people of real political consequence, communing with cabinet ministers, and themselves politically active: Scott of Manchester, Edward Baines of the Leeds Mercury, Edward Russell of the Liverpool Post, all were also MPs. Some left for magnetic London; others stayed put; and still others returned from London to their regional base, such as the leading radical Joseph Cowen, who stood down from his Newcastle seat after some 20 years to devote himself to the Newcastle Chronicle.

Often these newspapers grew out of political engagement in the towns where they circulated. The people who ran them were local, imbued with the spirit of the communities they sought to sustain. They rarely deferred to London. What Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham or Leeds had to say on national issues was for them every bit as valid as what the capital's newspapers said.

Weekly papers in modest towns would put aside comment on local issues to pronounce on national and international questions. Nor were their aspirations to national relevance always mere wishful thinking. WT Stead was appointed editor of the Northern Echo, Darlington, at 21. He had never set foot in a newspaper office before; he had merely till then been a contributor to the Echo. Yet his feet were scarcely under the table before he began writing vehement leaders condemning the Ottoman empire and lamenting the fate of Bulgaria. When he sent copies to Gladstone, the great man wrote back saying he was impressed. Stead's appointment to the Pall Mall Gazette, where after three years he took over as editor, was on Gladstone's recommendation.

Yet inevitably, as ease of communication spread, and London's views could at last be delivered to provincial doorsteps each morning, it was London that would be listened to. As the Dictionary puts it: "The emergence during the 19th century of national titles edited and printed in London brought with it a new newspaper economy to which the English provincial titles were obliged to adjust, and which lent to the term 'provincial' an increasingly derogatory tone." Once that trend had begun it could not be stopped.

Today the direction of local papers is increasingly in the hands of non-local editors, and crucially of non-local proprietors - organisations such as Trinity Mirror, Johnston and Gannett-Newsquest - with little instinctive feeling for the culture and traditions of the communities where they practise. Most provincial circulations, like most national ones, are falling; recession and the internet are biting savagely into revenues; downstaffing and downsizing reign. Less than one decade in, the history of 21st-century journalism is already utterly, irreversibly and, to my mind, sadly different.

• McKie's Gazetteer, by David McKie, has just been published wherever@btinternet.com

North of the Watford Gap our local heart is still beating
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/dec/09/regional-newspapers-birmingham-mail)
Regional newspaper editors out of touch with their communities? Poppycock, says Steve Dyson
Steve Dyson
The Guardian, Tuesday December 9 2008

It was exasperating to find respected national journalist and historian David McKie so presumptuously wrong about the local credentials of regional newspaper editors (Proud to be provincial, December 6). McKie claimed: "Today the direction of local papers is increasingly in the hands of non-local editors ... with little instinctive feeling for the culture and traditions of the communities where they practise."

That is, as McKie might have said in his esteemed Elsewhere and Smallweed columns: "Poppycock!"

Let's for one moment consider the origin of editors currently in charge of some of Britain's most influential regional newspapers: Alan Edmunds, editor of the Western Mail, born and raised in Cardiff; Marc Reeves, editor of the Birmingham Post, born and educated in the Handsworth Wood suburb of that fine city; Paul Robertson, editor of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, as true a Geordie as anyone has ever met; Paul Horrocks, editor of the Manchester Evening News, schooled in Bolton; Peter Barron, once editor of the Hartlepool Mail and now The Northern Echo, born in nearby Saltburn and raised in Middlesbrough; and Adrian Faber, editor of the Wolverhampton Express & Star, born and bred in neighbouring Birmingham.

Through rose-tinted spectacles McKie appears to sigh at how regional journalism was really so much better in the 19th century, when newspapers in the likes of Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool were edited by those cities' MPs. According to McKie, "editors in those days presided over papers bursting with pride in themselves and the cities they served".

Perhaps they did. But I cannot imagine that having MPs as editors did much for those newspapers' political independence, nor for what surely should have been the proper scrutiny of parliamentarians who happened to be in the chair.

In a final swipe at how the ability of national newspapers to reach the doorsteps of provincial towns changed local media, McKie concludes that "21st-century journalism is already utterly, irreversibly and, to my mind, sadly different" to the 19th-century profession.

However historically insightful he might feel this statement to be, I would urge McKie and other London-centric commentators to realise that regional newspapers continue to work hard to ensure they engage national decision-makers about local issues.

They are still largely edited by local men (and a few women); those editors still have great pride in their towns and cities; and they are still fearless in their criticism of local and national government.

Yes, we all know the landscape of journalism is changing beyond recognition. There are many of us in both the regional and national media grappling with declining print circulations and working out how to commercialise online content.

But while we can endlessly pontificate and argue about the rights and wrongs of the multimedia profession, please do not insult those of us who happen to edit in areas north of the Watford Gap by stating that we have no local heart.

• Steve Dyson is editor of the Birmingham Mail and was born in West Heath, Birmingham steve.dyson@birminghammail.net

SleepyOne

December 11th, 2008, 12:17 AM

I've said it before but both Crains and Manchester Confidential have done much to reinvigorate local journalism in Manchester. However the substantive point made in McKie's article above is how little clout local journailsm seems to carry at a national level - in many ways the mirror of the local politics; witness the relative antipathy towards the TIF bid and congestion charge in national media and political circles for example.

Until local government is adequately re-empowered, I can't see this situation changing. Until such a time, perhaps local titles should persue some syndicated content on important issues that affect their readerships?

heatonparkincakes

December 11th, 2008, 12:46 AM

Regional newspapers erm.

Lets just say how much on here would you read in a local??

In 20 years time, the majority of "local" news will be through some variation of new technology.

As for City AM, no loss there. At least the bins, trams and bus of the city centre wouldnt be spewn with City AMs.

CDX

December 11th, 2008, 12:15 PM

From: 'ow do www.how-do.co.uk (http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-marketing-services/fido-pr-spearheads-three%11year,-%C2%A34m-forever-manchester-campaign-200812114246/)

Fido PR spearheads three-year, £4m Forever Manchester campaign
Thursday, 11 December 2008

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/forevermanchester.jpg

The team at Fido PR has taken the wraps off of ‘Forever Manchester’ – a three-year, £4m fundraising campaign it will be spearheading on behalf of the government-supported Community Foundation for Greater Manchester (CFGM).

Fido created the Forever Manchester brand in a bid to capture the spirit of the city with a movement that takes in its proud traditions in music, art, film, comedy and fashion.

The team will now be handling the communications strategy for the body as it looks to build a multi-million pound endowment fund to support small community groups in Greater Manchester.

This will be boosted by the government through its Grass Roots Grants scheme, which promises to match fund every pound raised by selected organisations.

Fido co-founder Nancy Collantine explained more: “Fido’s job is to seek out those who have an affinity with Manchester and inspire them to become the next generation of philanthropists.”

“The campaign is already underway and includes establishing partnership marketing projects with much loved Manchester brands, people and well known businesses with the public facing launch planned for early 2009.”

So far a host of partners have signed up – such as Harvey Nichols, Urbis, Kro, Duerrs, Irwell Valley and The Printworks – while the agency has also recruited high profile ambassadors for the cause.

The two most headline grabbing signings are Salford band of the moment The Ting Tings and DJ Dave Haslam.

Frank Design has also been commissioned to create the Forever Manchester web site, which will work to engage with donators in the region and promote fundraising events.

www.fidopr.co.uk

www.frankdesignltd.co.uk

CDX

December 12th, 2008, 02:13 PM

From: How-Do www.how-do.co.uk (http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-publishing/lembit-opik-joins-daily-sport-200812124257/)

Lembit Opik joins Daily Sport
Friday, 12 December 2008

Manchester-based Sport Media Group has announced that Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik will be the Daily Sport's new political columnist.

He’ll appear every Friday to provide news, views and what’s happening in the world of politics.

"This is a huge coup for the Sport. Lembit is one of the only politicians that real people have heard of and can relate to," said Daily Sport editor Pam McVitie.

"He's opinionated, outrageous and knows what Sport readers want. We're thrilled to have him on board."

Opik sprang to fame outside the political world first through his relationship with TV weather presenter Sian Lloyd and then with one half of the Cheeky Girls - they subsequently split shortly after their engagement.

"I can't wait to get started, this is the perfect partnership," added Opik.

:hilarious seriously, what can the circulation figures be for this nowadays???

flange

December 19th, 2008, 10:31 AM

Nightmare vision of Manchester

Ian Wylie

18/12/2008

THIS is the nightmare world of a post-plague Manchester.

With 99 per cent of the population dead, a fire burns out of control in Spinningfields while the lawless streets are places of debris and disease.

Over five million viewers have been watching BBC1's post-apocalyptic drama series Survivors, which ends next Tuesday night.

The story began in Manchester city centre six weeks ago as a pandemic swept the world and it returns there for a dramatic conclusion.

A combination of early Sunday morning filming and added computer imaging transformed the city into an empty wasteland.

Now the main cast members are forced by events to go back to the abandoned city and risk attack from the few desperate urban survivors who stayed behind.

Food and water are in short supply, with no electricity, communications, medical care, police force or government.

The after-effects of the deadly virulent flu virus include cholera and typhoid, plus a climate of danger and fear for those left alive.

Actor Philip Rhys, who plays survivor Al, said: "It was quite eerie, actually, Manchester being closed off for filming with entire streets empty. You get that sense of desolation."

Other main cast members include Julie Graham (Abby), Paterson Joseph (Greg), Zoe Tapper (Anya), Chahak Patel (Najid) and Burnage-raised Max Beesley as escaped killer Tom.

This 2008 series is a 're-imagining' of the original Survivors TV drama which ran for three series between 1975 and 1977.

Creator and writer Adrian Hodges used the novel by Terry Nation, inventor of the Daleks, as a starting point.

Although yet to be given the go-ahead, a second series is planned for next year to continue the story of what happens to the survivors in a new era for mankind.

Locations used for the drama include the MEN Arena, Harvey Nichols, Withington Hospital, Salford Lads Club, a Middleton supermarket, Trafford Park warehouse and various city streets.

Other filming took place at Rossendale Hospital, Rawtenstall, with Torside Hall at Helmshore, Rossendale used as the house where Abby and her group stayed after leaving the city.

The final episode of Survivors is on BBC1 at 9pm on Tuesday.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1086246_nightmare_vision_of_manchester

jrb

December 19th, 2008, 06:30 PM

From How Do.

Crains celebrates 1st birthday with subscription boost | Print | Email to a friend
Friday, 19 December 2008

Crain’s Manchester has reached the grand old age of 1 and to celebrate publisher Arthur Porter had a chat with How-Do.

He has plans to treble subscribers and says the print edition will continue, even in today’s climate.

"It has been a good year," said Porter. "We’ve hit our targets. In our business plan, produced before the recession, we aimed for 1000 subscribers and we’ve managed that in less than a year."

In fact, the economic slow-down may have even helped circulation - in addition to subscriptions, they sell 220 copies over the counter every week and circulate 7000 emails a day.

"The feedback we get from people reading Crain’s is that the information is crucial to them and for the top executives it’s become mandatory reading."

When asked about ad rates, which have long been a bone of contention on How-Do’s messageboards, Porter told us:

Porter"We did reduce our ad rates to become more affordable and that has paid off. But the first year was all about building our reputation, no-one was doing what we are now doing and the advertisers are coming in."

With regular stories about the death of print, Crain’s is not (at the moment at least) looking to leave the paper behind.

"As far as I know, the paper will remain. Anyone can post articles online, a paper has to have exclusives."

How-Do chose not to rise to that!

So what are the highlights 12 months down the line?

"Actually, it’s probably Virgin giving Crain’s out free to first class passengers. We’re the only regional title they do this with."

As for 2009, Porter is already recruiting sales people and is aiming for 2000 subscribers and an all-subscription model. Although he added:

"If I were to place a bet, I think we’ll have 3000 subscribers next year."

jrb

December 20th, 2008, 02:14 AM

Nightmare vision of Manchester
Ian Wylie
18/12/2008

THIS is the nightmare world of a post-plague Manchester.

With 99 per cent of the population dead, a fire burns out of control in Spinningfields while the lawless streets are places of debris and disease.

Over five million viewers have been watching BBC1's post-apocalyptic drama series Survivors, which ends next Tuesday night.

The story began in Manchester city centre six weeks ago as a pandemic swept the world and it returns there for a dramatic conclusion.

A combination of early Sunday morning filming and added computer imaging transformed the city into an empty wasteland.

Now the main cast members are forced by events to go back to the abandoned city and risk attack from the few desperate urban survivors who stayed behind.

Food and water are in short supply, with no electricity, communications, medical care, police force or government.

The after-effects of the deadly virulent flu virus include cholera and typhoid, plus a climate of danger and fear for those left alive.

Actor Philip Rhys, who plays survivor Al, said: "It was quite eerie, actually, Manchester being closed off for filming with entire streets empty. You get that sense of desolation."

Other main cast members include Julie Graham (Abby), Paterson Joseph (Greg), Zoe Tapper (Anya), Chahak Patel (Najid) and Burnage-raised Max Beesley as escaped killer Tom.

This 2008 series is a 're-imagining' of the original Survivors TV drama which ran for three series between 1975 and 1977.

Creator and writer Adrian Hodges used the novel by Terry Nation, inventor of the Daleks, as a starting point.

Although yet to be given the go-ahead, a second series is planned for next year to continue the story of what happens to the survivors in a new era for mankind.

Locations used for the drama include the MEN Arena, Harvey Nichols, Withington Hospital, Salford Lads Club, a Middleton supermarket, Trafford Park warehouse and various city streets.

Other filming took place at Rossendale Hospital, Rawtenstall, with Torside Hall at Helmshore, Rossendale used as the house where Abby and her group stayed after leaving the city.

The final episode of Survivors is on BBC1 at 9pm on Tuesday.

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/362.$plit/C_71_article_1086246_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?18%2F12%2F2008%2015%3A19%3A12%3A070

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/855.$plit/C_71_article_1086246_image_list_image_list_item_2_image.jpg?18%2F12%2F2008%2015%3A19%3A12%3A086

skit_uk

December 21st, 2008, 02:53 AM

The latest issue of RIDE magazine (Motorcycle magazine) has a feature in the latest issue where they race a motorbike, bicycle, car and metrolink (public transport) from Altrincham to Picadilly gardens. It's all to do with the congestion charge and they talk about that to some extent too.
I'll see if i can scan it at some point.

I won't tell you who won ;-)

rolybling

January 6th, 2009, 10:37 PM

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1088634_city_firmly_in_the_frame

jrb

January 8th, 2009, 05:40 PM

Manchester leads region for film production
By Richard Morris

Film productions have brought an estimated £45m to the North West economy in the past year, according to figures released by Northwest Vision and Media.

The agency’s five offices in Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Liverpool and Greater Manchester received 1,106 enquiries in 2008, resulting in 526 productions being shot in the region. Out of the total of 1,475.5 days that crews spent filming in the region, 890 were in Manchester, making it by far the most popular location. Use of services, hotels and North West film crews all helped to bring cash into the region.

The agency’s director of production services and locations Kaye Elliott called the contribution to the economy as “staggering”.

She said: “I’m proud that our reputation as a film-friendly region continues to grow, at a time when some areas are reporting a downturn in filming figures.”

jrb

January 23rd, 2009, 12:57 AM

From How Do.

Unique 'talent retention' scheme aims to keep the best minds in Manchester | Print | Email to a friend
Tuesday, 20 January 2009

Yesterday saw the official launch of a post-graduate programme that aims to give marketing and media companies in Manchester a solution to the age old problem of the ‘London brain drain’.

Manchester Masters is an innovative – it is believed unique - initiative that will aim to tailor the best academic minds to various industry sectors… while letting students stay in the city rent free.

The programme has been created as part of Innovation Manchester; the brainchild of Manchester Knowledge Capital and Manchester Enterprise, and is jointly funded by NESTA, the NWDA and Manchester City Council.

It will allow ten successful graduates, all pulled from Manchester institutions, to work in a variety of media, advertising, PR, digital and design firms over the course of a year, developing and tailoring their talents to the sector where they are most suited.

These ten – all of whom will live rent free in the city for the course duration – will be selected from a two day bootcamp/workshop of the 50 most eligible applicants. This will see them competing for a place through exercises, interviews and ‘Dragon’s Den’ style scenarios.

A new approach for the cityCompanies that have so far expressed an interest in being involved in the programme include Tangerine (MD Sandy Lindsay is the project director), BBC Magazines, Mediacom North, Manchester Confidential, Marketing Manchester, Midas, Million-2-1, Bruntwood and MC2.

Lindsay said of the project: “Manchester is a key destination for students however the ‘brain drain’ issue of post graduates leaving the city in pursuit of careers elsewhere, mainly London or New York, is impacting heavily on retaining this talent for businesses.

“We need something that will be so temping that people will fight to study in Manchester, and then when they’ve finished, something that will keep the very best in Manchester.

“This programme has been put in place to make Manchester attractive to students long after they graduate.

“We are looking for extraordinary thinkers to apply to make this student programme the best in the country.”

2009 graduates from Manchester University, MMU and Salford University collectively, will be the first round of students able to apply for Manchester Masters.

Applicants are invited from all academic backgrounds, as the concept is to find and retain the best minds, rather than simply those that are working towards an industry relevant qualification.

www.manchestermasters.com

flange

January 23rd, 2009, 01:01 PM

Cosgrove Hall's new chapter

Ben Rooth

23/ 1/2009

A NEW era is dawning for animation company Cosgrove Hall which has moved the bulk of its operations to ITV's Manchester headquarters and is on the brink of announcing a major commission.

The M.E.N. understands that Cosgrove Hall will continue to keep a small production studio in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, where it was established 34 years ago, although it no longer leases its former 25,000 sq ft studios there.

Founded by Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall, the studios found global fame on the back of hit animated films such as Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Roary The Racing Car and Chorlton And The Wheelies - which was named after the Manchester district.

An ITV spokeswoman said that a `small team' had moved to Quay Street, led by Lee Marriott as commercial and finance director and Francis Vose as creative director.

The pair have also absorbed the responsibilities of former managing director Anthony Utley, who left last autumn.

The company said it would begin recruiting production staff in the near future for its new commission, which would use computer graphics and be targeted at the global market.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1092360_cosgrove_halls_new_chapter

flange

January 24th, 2009, 12:27 PM

Gloom: Eidos Closes Studio

Manchester developers laid off.

23 Jan 2009

Back in February of 2007 we wrote that: "Claiming that the global mobile gaming market will grow ‘considerably over the next few years from around $3-billion (£1.5) in 2006 to $10-billion ($5) in 2009”, Tomb Raider publisher, Eidos, is adding to its existing mobile games stable. It has reached an agreement to acquire Manchester-based Rockpool Games and its two sister companies, Ironstone Partners and SoGoPlay, for an undisclosed sum."

It's now sad that we have to report that, according to Develop Magazine Rockpool has been shut with 14 redundancies. According to Eidos, "As a company we need to focus our efforts on high-quality titles that will deliver long-term franchise value, and in these incredibly challenging and competitive times we need to pro-actively manage our cost base."

So, mobile gaming... not so great unless you're developing for iPhone?

http://news.spong.com/article/16975/Gloom_Eidos_Closes_Studio?cb=853

flange

January 29th, 2009, 09:10 PM

106.1 Rock Radio an airwaves hit

29/ 1/2009

THE first classic rock station to be established in Greater Manchester is proving a huge hit, according to official figures.

RAJAR, the organisation which monitors listening figures, has found that 106.1 Rock Radio attracted 139,000 adult listeners a week in the final three months of 2008.

This is more than XFM, Gold and Magic within Rock Radio's Greater Manchester transmission area.

The station was launched in May last year by GMG Radio North West - part of the media group which owns the Manchester Evening News.

Andy Carter, managing director of GMG Radio North West, said: "What a fantastic start - Rock Radio's an up-market male-led station playing classic rock songs all day long.

"We're over the moon with the performance of the station - we've proved that Manchester loves to rock."

RAJAR's figures also showed that Rock Radio's sister station 100.4 Smooth Radio increased its weekly listeners over the past year by 168,000 to 711,000.

Mr Carter said: "Smooth Radio continues to be the region's biggest commercial station."

GMG Radio stations - Smooth Radio, Rock Radio and Century Radio - now collectively command over 1.2m adult listeners in the north west every week.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1093596_1061_rock_radio_an_airwaves_hit

flange

February 3rd, 2009, 12:22 PM

Co-op's £10m splash to spread the word

3rd February 2009

By Chris Barry - Editor

THE Co-operative Group is taking over the airwaves as part of a £10m brand campaign.

The Manchester-based mutual giant will make TV history when it takes the entitre advertising break slot in Coronation Street at 7.40pm on February 16.

It is the first time an advert of this length has secured the whole break in the middle of ITV’s best-watched soap.

The two-and-a-half minute advert will be set to Bob Dylan’s iconic ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ soundtrack, will after its initial showing, be seen in cinemas in full and in a shorter form for the next month.

The group, which operates a wide range of businesses, from food retail, funerals, travel, pharmacy, financial services and holidays, will use the commercial to explain what makes it different from other high street brands.

Patrick Allen, marketing director at The Co-operative Group, said: “The co-operative is extremely proud of this campaign and we are delighted that we have been able to secure the exclusive revealing of our new brand in such a high profile manner.

“Coronation Street is a national institution like The co-operative so that’s why we’re thrilled to have secured this space which will allow millions of people to take part in TV history and see our brand and values.

“Our brand vision is ‘Good For Everyone’ so it’s only right that we had a launch that could be seen by millions of people across the country.

“We have invested heavily in the re-branding exercise and now through this advertisement and its iconic Bob Dylan music we can tell everyone about The co-operative.”"

Industry sources believe the cost of the two-and-a-half minute advert will be more than £300,000.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/8396-co-op-spends-big-to-spread-the-word.html?news_section=4148

Co-op Group spent £10m on re-branding

By James Chapelard

The Co-operative Group’s re-branding has cost it £10m, the retailer revealed today.

As part of the re-branding, a 2½-minute commercial which is set to Bob Dylan’s iconic “Blowin’ in the Wind” song will air on prime time TV this month.

The Co-operative said it has secured the entire national ITV1 break during the February 16 Coronation Street episode at 7.40pm to showcase the 2½ minute commercial.

The campaign is the culmination of the Co-operative Group’s work over the past two years to re-brand its entire operation. To date it has refitted 2,600 of its estate of 4,300 outlets with the new look, The Co-operative Group.

Patrick Allen, the Co-operative Group’s marketing director, said: “Our brand vision is ‘Good For Everyone’ so it’s only right that we had a launch that could be seen by millions of people across the country.”

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/FREE/902039987/1004

CDX

February 5th, 2009, 01:24 PM

From: http://www.how-do.co.uk (http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-media-news/north-west-publishing/chimp-magazine-finally-due-to-hit-manchester-this-month-200902054602/)

Chimp Magazine finally due to hit Manchester this month
Thursday, 05 February 2009

Manchester is set to get another lifestyle, entertainment and cultural title this month with the long-awaited launch of Chimp Magazine.

Chimp first appeared on the pages of How-Do back in March 2007, when there was originally talk of an August launch for the title.

It appeared to be gearing up to fill the cultural/listings void left by the demise of City Life (since re-launched online) and the tardiness of Time Out’s print entrance into the North West marketplace (since, it would seem, abandoned).

Despite the length of time that has passed, the Chimp concept now seems reinvigorated and, backed by financial support from The National Lottery, ready to launch into Manchester on 14 February.

Publisher Giles Bastow (a one time enthusiastic How-Do commentator, and apparent nemesis of Tony Murray) told How-Do that he didn’t have the time to talk about the magazine prior to its launch.

However, a sustained online campaign and a freely available PDF of the title’s media pack reveal significant details of the planned Chimp invasion.

The magazine is scheduled to go out on a monthly frequency with a distribution of 10,000 copies.

It aims to “reach all those inhabitants of the Manchester/Salford metropolis interested in music, the arts, entertainment and political commentary.”
In terms of a mission statement the media pack notes: “The truth is there is no magazine currently available that reflects what’s out there, be it gigs, cinema, exhibits or social commentary.

“Here is something the reader can become a part of, whether it is an axe you want to grind or whether it is an event you simply want promoting.”

Due to Bastow’s schedule the scale of the support from the Lottery and the identity of the editor have yet to be revealed, but the title’s MySpace page (where it boasts some 2091 friends) notes that the publication “will be produced by contributions from established journalists, unpublished new writers and volunteers from the city of Manchester.”

http://chimpmagazine.co.uk/1ADVERTISING%20RATES%20AND%20DATA.pdf

http://www.myspace.com/chimpmag

www.chimpmagazine.co.uk

flange

February 5th, 2009, 04:59 PM

Channel M coming to Freeview after switchover

Channel M gets licence for digital broadcast

By Richard Morris

Manchester television station Channel M has been awarded a licence to allow it to broadcast on digital television.

Channel M Television Ltd was the only company to apply to Ofcom for the licence. The switch to digital could allow over 500,000 households across Greater Manchester access to the station, extending the reach Channel M currently has through terrestrial television.

The UK’s switchover to digital television has freed-up a space known as interleaved spectrum, which is there to act as a buffer between television transmitters to stop them interfering with each other. However they can be used for a range of low-power uses while still preventing interference. The spectrum will become available to Channel M when the Granada region switches to digital this November.

Additional licenses will be awarded across the country as more parts of the UK switch from analogue to digital.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/FREE/902059965/1143

jrb

February 8th, 2009, 12:58 AM

And finally...... (it's not often one of my posts/quotes makes it to the papers) :lol:

Scanned from Crains.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/jb_0003x.jpg

jrb

February 8th, 2009, 01:02 AM

Monkey finally gets his wish?

From How Do.

Chimp Magazine finally due to hit Manchester this month.

Manchester is set to get another lifestyle, entertainment and cultural title this month with the long-awaited launch of Chimp Magazine.
Chimp first appeared on the pages of How-Do back in March 2007, when there was originally talk of an August launch for the title.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/chimpcontents.jpg

A look at what's in store

It appeared to be gearing up to fill the cultural/listings void left by the demise of City Life (since re-launched online) and the tardiness of Time Out’s print entrance into the North West marketplace (since, it would seem, abandoned).

Despite the length of time that has passed, the Chimp concept now seems reinvigorated and, backed by financial support from The National Lottery, ready to launch into Manchester on 14 February.

Publisher Giles Bastow (a one time enthusiastic How-Do commentator, and apparent nemesis of Tony Murray) told How-Do that he didn’t have the time to talk about the magazine prior to its launch.

However, a sustained online campaign and a freely available PDF of the title’s media pack reveal significant details of the planned Chimp invasion.

The magazine is scheduled to go out on a monthly frequency with a distribution of 10,000 copies.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/images/stories/chimppubs.jpg

No more monkeying about

It aims to “reach all those inhabitants of the Manchester/Salford metropolis interested in music, the arts, entertainment and political commentary.”

In terms of a mission statement the media pack notes: “The truth is there is no magazine currently available that reflects what’s out there, be it gigs, cinema, exhibits or social commentary.

“Here is something the reader can become a part of, whether it is an axe you want to grind or whether it is an event you simply want promoting.”

Due to Bastow’s schedule the scale of the support from the Lottery and the identity of the editor have yet to be revealed, but the title’s MySpace page (where it boasts some 2091 friends) notes that the publication “will be produced by contributions from established journalists, unpublished new writers and volunteers from the city of Manchester.”

http://chimpmagazine.co.uk/1ADVERTISING%20RATES%20AND%20DATA.pdf

http://www.myspace.com/chimpmag

jrb

February 11th, 2009, 08:56 PM

from How Do.

Another magazine.

Manchester gets its first free business and lifestyle mag

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

This week sees the official launch of WorkLife magazine – marketed as Manchester's first publication to combine business and lifestyle content in a freely distributed format.
WorkLife is a bi-monthly title and is produced by The Rejuvenate Group, which is headed up by MD Anna-Louise Gilhooley – the woman also responsible for the DivaLilly handbag brand.

It will have a circulation of 10,000 print copies across Manchester, bolstered by a further 20,000 digital e-zines, which will be circulated with each new edition.

Its USP, as the title suggests, is that it combines ‘work’ and ‘life’ elements in one single magazine, with two distinct halves and two corresponding front covers. This allows readers to focus, for example, on the lifestyle ‘issue’ first before flipping over for a flavour of professional news and features from the North West.

A release from Rejuvenate described the format as “playful but functional” and noted: “The content ranges from features, fashion, news, sport and gadgets on one side, to the flip side of business articles, including brand reviews and economics for entrepreneurs.”

How-Do was unable to contact Gilhooley at the time of publishing, but had received an invite to the WorkLife launch at Ithaca this Thursday 12 February.

In an online statement she explained: “WorkLife is what Manchester’s been waiting for.

“My approach to my worklife balance is that like so many in our vibrant city; ‘business is a lifestyle choice’.

"In an ever changing market place dominated by fashion led titles, WorkLife offers unique editorial content with the emphasis on modern living where our readers can find a balance between work and play.

“We’re delighted at the calibre of both our contributors and advertisers and despite the current economic climate WorkLife will go from strength to strength harnessing the dynamism, passion and tenacity of the team and our network”

Gilhooley, who is also the ‘work’ editor for the title, has been joined by Sarah Walker as ‘life’ editor and Shazan Qureshi as head of advertising and digital media.

WorkLife will be distributed across a number of “hot spots and exclusive venues” throughout the city centre.

http://www.worklifemagazine.co.uk/

jrb

February 11th, 2009, 08:57 PM

From How Do.

Property Week to launch Regional TV with North West edition | Print | Email to a friend

How-Do understands that leading national property title Property Week is gearing up to launch a new online TV show.
Details of the project were slim at the time of writing, while attempts to get concrete confirmation of the plans from the publisher were unsuccessful.

However, How-Do understands that the publication – the ‘industry bible’ for the sector, boasting an ABC in excess of 25,000 – is planning to tie the launch of the show in with its upcoming North West supplement, set to appear in March.

As such the inaugural online airing will focus on the region itself, with features on the publication’s activities here and topical looks at issues and projects that are currently defining the North West scene.

The show will apparently air monthly.

Property Week last hit the How-Do headlines when it was revealed that regional director Robin Wiltshire was leaving the title at the tail-end of last year.

Wiltshire has since been signed up by Crains.

www.propertyweek.com

CDX

February 15th, 2009, 05:12 PM

From the Sunday Express today...maybe Granada won't be needing space for the street @ the Quays.

ITV MAY HAVE TO SELL CORRIE
http://www.express.co.uk (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/84825/ITV-may-have-to-sell-Corrie)
Sunday February 15,2009

ITV was in a state of turmoil last night, facing the prospect of having to sell off its most popular shows like Coronation Street to raise money.

Against a background of steeply declining revenues, City and television sources have revealed that Britain’s biggest commercial broadcaster may cease making television programmes altogether.

Executive chairman Michael Grade admitted last week that flagship shows such as News at Ten cannot be guaranteed “indefinitely” as the ailing company struggles with the recession.

Mr Grade said the firm was facing a “dramatic” fall in revenues while *being locked into a regulatory regime drawn up when it had a near-monopoly on television advertising.

He said the financial state of commercial television was “severely challenged”, adding: “I have seen the cycle come and go over the years. I have never seen anything quite as dramatic or quite as profound as this in terms of the effect on advertising revenues.”

Mr Grade told the House of Lords communication committee that ITV needed a string of concessions if it was to survive as a public sector broadcaster.

These include lifting the ban on product placement in shows, scrapping the production of regional news and allowing it to cut broadcasting hours to shore up advertising rates.

If the company is forced to sell off ITV Studios, it would become a so-called “front-end broadcaster” like Channel 4 and Five, which buy in shows rather than make them.

As an interim measure ITV will announce more redundancies next month, and is considering closing Yorkshire TV and making Emmerdale, its other famous soap, set in the Dales, from Manchester.

The crisis has also engulfed news coverage. ITN, which makes News At Ten, is said to be “up for sale”.

An ITV spokesman denied the production wing would close, but left open the possibility of a sell-off, or management buy-out.

He said: “As you know, operational reviews are taking place to ensure that ITV is in the best shape to meet the unprecedented challenges facing the economy, but there are no plans to drastically scale back, or shut, ITV Studios.”

However, a well-placed insider said: “It’s fairly certain that Leeds will be closed and Emmerdale will be run from Manchester, which is effectively the end of Yorkshire TV.”

On a management buy-out, he said: “They were always angling for this but they are the very management who have brought ITV to its knees.”

A City media source said: “A sell-off could be excellent news for other independent production companies. But if it’s a management buy-out, its market share compared to other *production companies could fall as all the other indies try to grab work.”

One large media investor said: “ITV is a real mess. The real value is the value of its content and library. The rest of the business is still too fat.”

Gordon MacMillan, editor of Brand Republic, said: “Seeing its prime-time police footage show In the Line of Fire coming third in the ratings behind Five this week does not help.

“Add to this the fiasco over the FA Cup replay between Everton and Liverpool [when adverts on a loop meant viewers missed Everton’s winning goal], then you can see why advertisers are thinking twice.”

Mr Grade insisted that ITV “will survive”, but acknowledged the firm was having to take “painful decisions”.

It shed 1,000 jobs last year and is lining up further job cuts and a salary freeze for executives earning over £60,000. It has also axed funding to the National Film and Television School.

Its chief operating officer, John Cresswell, said the firm had planned for a modest rise in advertising revenues but was having to deal with a fall of up to 10 per cent. He said experts were now forecasting a drop in total advertising revenues of £350million.

The broadcasting regulator Ofcom and ministers are considering the future of ITV’s public service broadcasting obligations. Mr Grade said: “It is for policymakers to define how they see ITV going forward as a public service broadcaster.

“If it is in excess of what the licence is worth, we cannot do it. We have an alternative, which is to give up our public service broadcaster status and take our chance in the market.”