Hot Topic - The BBC

The Agony Of Neutrality, An Objective Lesson - October 16, 2017
Public broadcasting executives fall into two distinct groups. Many are lifers, sealers of the mission, steeped in the culture, occasionally blinded by it. Others are the change agents, coming in from outside the organization with new ideas or, at least, less baggage. More often than not, politicians have a large voice in selections, vacillating between staying the course or changing it. With the nature of media as it is in the 21st century, change is the first choice.

Dictators Firm In Commitment To End Media Freedom - September 5, 2017
Every crisis is an opportunity for the world’s authoritarian rulers. Removing critical voices enhances their positions, they believe. Jailing reporters and editors is easy, like chasing away media support organizations. The real bonus for dictators is closing publishers and broadcasters.

The New Digital Rules Aren't Digital At All - August 4, 2017
Brand loyalty continues to challenge the media sphere. Those darned young people are brand switchers. They see media brands differently, some say, identifying more with digital platforms and smartphone apps. Legacy media brands are doomed, say the same prophets of digital wisdom. Alas, media consumers aren’t paying attention.

Slipping Into Uncertainty And Making It Pay - May 19, 2017
Uncertainty is a rude force on conventional media wisdom. The audience wants their expectations fulfilled, except when they don’t. They want to see, figuratively, their reflection, so long as it’s very pretty. Then, too, they want to find what they’re looking for, preferably without major expense or lifestyle change. Uncertainty brings out frustration but only for a moment.

TV Growth Opportunity Is TV Executives - May 8, 2017
Transitional media environments create considerable froth among top executives. The hardest-charging eventually want to “seek new opportunities” or are asked. Stability is a warm-fuzzy memory as audiences, platforms and owners change. Growth - however possible - is still the priority. Getting there is the journey, not the destination.

Strategy To Fit The Mold - August 5, 2016
Broadcasters have different brand strategies, each suiting a particular customer. Audience reach is obvious but often just a means to an end. Complex strategies can be tricky, confusing the customer very risky. Atop everything shareholder’s needs and interests must be satisfied. The meetings can seem endless.

The Lessons From Retail And Never Resting In The Shade - April 18, 2016
The digital age has changed everything; trite, now, but still true. Broadcasting and publishing are so last century, when engaging each individual customer was considered déclassé. The media sphere is now strictly retail; apps as aisles, clicks and swipes the points-of-purchase. Stars are now showcases, changing regularly, and headlines point to the check-out line. It’s a different business every day.

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The BBC

Few pure media brands transcend borders and boundries to acheive the iconic status of the BBC. The institution has come to define public service broadcasting. Yet missteps, errors and judgment questions fuel critics. The BBC battles those critics and competitors and, sometimes, itself. 155 pages PDF (August 2015)

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