“There’s a huge opportunity for news broadcasters to tell the softer or more interesting stories through the platform – also [stories] that aren’t necessarily so time relevant. That’s basically what our audience want,” said Edward Lindeman, TikTok’s European strategy manager.
“I don't really want to go on the platform and hear about [Brexit] – but I am interested in learning new things and discovering content.”
Robert Ambrose, consulting editor of IBC 2019, spent much of his time working with content producers. Looking back at September’s conference, he argued there was clear evidence that the industry is going through a period of disruptive change and uncertainty, as content owners try to figure out new business models to deliver content.
This was particularly focused on delivering content direct to the consumer and building a successful subscription streaming service. Both gained lots of coverage at IBC.
The late-September event was hosted by the University of Westminster, and chaired by media producer and consultant Aradhna Tayal. It featured Bloomberg media reporter Joe Mayes, London Centre Chair Phil Barnes and James Cordell, a London committee member and first-time attendee at the convention.
The panel noted that one of the key themes throughout was the rise of streaming and whether the already established subscription video on demand (SVoD) companies – with more set to enter the market – will dominate the UK broadcast industry.
The RTS London Student Awards was hosted at ITV and was presented by Ria Hebden.
The RTS London Student Awards was hosted by the event sponsor Channel 4 and was presented by BBC Radio 1’s The Gaming Show Julia Hardy.
Eleven teams faced five tough rounds of questions, including a music segment in which the host covered theme tunes from hit shows such as Friends, Mock the Week and Absolutely Fabulous.
“Shame of Thrones” bagged the prize for best team name but “Free Bag” secured first place in the quiz, which included teams from BBC Studios and the Film & Television Charity.
“It was great to see such a great turn out for our second RTS London Quiz and we were pleased to see a great time being had by all,” said RTS London Chair Dan Cherowbrier.
Timewasters has charmed critics and attracted healthy audiences with its mix of jazz, time travel and good jokes. Notably, it also has an all-black leading cast but, according to its creator, Daniel Lawrence Taylor, it is, “first and foremost”, a comedy.
“The standard of entries for 2019 was very high – several jurors said that you could ‘broadcast that tomorrow’ about many of the films we watched,” said Aradhna Tayal, the Chair of the awards.
“Many seized the opportunity to use their work as a means of challenging and addressing real-life, taboo topics,” she added. “The jurors were in agreement that the entries this year demonstrated the ways in which art can be both important and meaningful.”
