Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
01/04/2010

Bill's Demise 'Negative' Says BECTU

The decision by ITV to drop the highly popular programme The Bill has been described by the broadcast union BECTU as "short sighted and negative".
The union said it is an enormous asset to the industry, possibly unique outside of the BBC, and that it will be lost as a result of ITV's "blinkered approach".
The decision was made in late March even though 4.5million viewers watched the latest instalment - representing respectable viewing figures, said BECTU - and despite the way in which the programme has been moved around the schedule and had major changes made to its format.
Commenting on the news, BECTU supervisory official, Tom Bell, said: "ITV says that the decision will not affect its overall drama output but, while BECTU welcomes the broadcaster's intention to develop new short run shows, this should be in addition to, and not at the expense of, successful shows such as The Bill."
He said the union fears that the actual outcome of the decision will be the erosion of good drama, with more emphasis on sport and reality shows.
"It appears that ITV has not considered the dire effect that the closure - or massive reduction of the Merton base where The Bill is made - will have on the wider television industry," he said.
Tom Bell continued: "Over many years the Merton Base and The Bill have provided wonderful opportunities for new talent to blossom, from writers, actors and directors through to camera crews, technicians and costume and make-up artists.
"An enormous asset to the industry will be lost as a result of ITV's blinkered approach.
"BECTU is proud of its association with The Bill, and of its members who have worked so hard to make the programme," he insisted.
"This is a sad time for quality drama in independent broadcasting.
"BECTU will now work with TalkBack Thames to smooth the way as much as we possibly can for those who are now facing the loss of their jobs, on a programme that they love," concluded the BECTU official.
(BMcC/GK)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

12/01/2024
ITV And ITV Studios Appoints Executive Producer For Continuing Drama
ITV and ITV Studios has appointed Iain MacLeod as Executive Producer for Continuing Drama. With immediate effect, Iain will be responsible for leading
06/04/2023
ITV Unveils Social Media Awareness Hub
ITV has unveiled a new Social Media Awareness Hub, designed to help all participants on ITV-produced or commissioned shows to deal with trolling onlin
25/08/2023
ITV Studios Becomes An Associate Member Of The TV Access Project
ITV Studios has become an Associate Member of the TV Access Project (TAP), as part of its wider commitment to make the TV industry more accessible for
12/12/2023
ITV Studios Netherlands Appoints Managing Director
ITV Studios has announced the appointment of Laurens Woldberg as Managing Director of ITV Studios Netherlands, producer of Oogappels (Loved Ones), the
07/12/2023
ITV Studios Signs Co-Development Agreement
Augustus Dulgaro, EVP Asia Pacific, Global Partnerships, ITV Studios and GE Lai, President of Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation signed a Format Co-Deve
06/12/2023
ITV Studios Appoints Jaye Entertainment
ITV Studios has appointed Jaye Entertainment as its new distribution agent in South Korea. The exclusive two year deal which commences in 2024, will s
16/10/2023
ITV Studios Announces New FAST Channels
ITV Studios has announced new FAST channels across the globe as it continues to evolve its distribution strategy, building a suite of owned and operat
09/10/2023
Nathalie Garcia Appointed MD Of ITV Studios Iberia
ITV Studios has announced that leading entertainment executive Nathalie Garcia is joining its major international production group as Managing Directo
03/10/2023
ITV, STV, Sky And INEOS Join Forces
ITV, STV, Sky and INEOS have joined forces to tackle low levels of physical activity in children across the UK. Backing a national TV campaign they ar
16/08/2023
ITV Becomes Associate Member Of The TV Access Project
ITV Studios has become an Associate Member of the TV Access Project (TAP), as part of its wider commitment to make the TV industry more accessible for
27/07/2023
ITV And Pact Agree Pivotal New Terms Of Trade Deal
ITV and Pact have announced a pivotal new terms of trade deal fit for the streaming era. The new terms put audiences front and centre, ensuring they c
03/03/2023
ITV Adds Resi To Its Media For Quality Portfolio
ITV is adding architectural tech company Resi to its Media for Equity portfolio in its first investment of 2023. As part of ITV Adventures Invest, its
27/02/2023
ITV Commissions Jeopardy!
ITV has commission game show classic Jeopardy! from Whisper North. Hit quiz format Jeopardy! is heading to ITV1 and ITVX this autumn. Hosted by broadc
20/02/2023
ITV Joins Saatchi & Saatchi
Creative company Saatchi & Saatchi has announced ITV as its founding partner for Upriser, the free creative schools platform that it launched at the e
13/03/2023
ITV Launches Recovery Budget Planner Tool
ITV has alunched a Recovery Budget Planner tool for advertisers. Commissioned by ITV AdLabs, ITV’s commercial innovations umbrella, the free Recovery