Marian McHugh: The Traitors (Studio Lambert for BBC1 and other versions)

“No other show this year has had me constantly on the edge of my seat at every turn”

Tom Williams: Ripley (Netflix)

“The thriller showcases breathtaking cinematography which transports you into Tom Ripley’s slowly crumbling world of luxury, deception, and danger”

Paul Weatherley: Industry (Bad Wolf for HBO and BBC1)

“The final episode took so many turns I really didn’t see coming”

Ellie Kahn: Sambre – Anatomy of a Crime (Federation Studios, Versus Production)

“The series might be in French, but its message feels instantly and unsettlingly familiar”

Chris Curtis: Hell Jumper (Expectation for BBC2)

Members of the team pick their favourite programmes of 2024

Top 10 interviews of 2024

Including Wayne Garvie, Alisa Bowen, Steven Knight and Abi Morgan

How a first-time director tackled a 10-year-old food scandal

Henrietta Esme Bennett on her Wonderhood Studios project for Sky Documentaries’ Emerging Directors Initiative

Whatever to do with linear TV?

Unpacking the unique problem facing US studios and national commercial broadcasters alike

​Will Apple Smart TVs redefine home entertainment?

Claire Huxley at Design Bridge and Partners on Apple’s much-rumoured potential entry into the smart TV market

Top 20 news stories of 2024

Click for a round-up of the year’s most significant events

FAST, India & second windows: Rashmi Bajpai’s ATF takeaways

Banijay Rights Asia EVP Rashmi Bajpai discusses her key takeaways from the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF)

Swiped: Boldprint Studios delivers a lesson in life without technology

Producers Naomi Gayler and Leah Green discuss the results of their social experiment and the challenges of working with a group of young people

First look: The Death of Bunny Munro, Sky Atlantic

Clerkenwell Films, in association with Sky Studios, six part series starring Matt Smith

All hail TV’s ‘women of a certain age’

After many years of challenges, a generation of tough and determined female execs are the ones ready to speak out, writes Kelly Webb-Lamb

End Credits: Karen Kelly

The Directors UK chair on Taylor Sheridan and swimming in the sea

Self-funding shows: If you build it, will they come?

Blue Ant’s Ben Barrett on balancing the stress & success of financing shows

What next for Lineker and MOTD after the long goodbye?

Tim Jotischky, divisional managing director of reputation at The PHA Group, looks at how podcasting has changed Lineker’s career

From TV4 & SVT to Netflix: How a Swedish prodco went global

B-Reel Films’ Ulf Synnerholm on securing Netflix, TV4 & SVT commissions

UK drama: Tackling the cost conundrum

What needs to happen for prices to come down and the gap between greenlight and the start of production to close significantly?

Unpicking the formula of Israel’s scripted format success

Yes Studios managing director Sharon Levi on the potential of scripted formats and how her company has become so prolific

Job satisfaction still high in ‘fun, varied and creative’ role

Despite complaints over a lack of autonomy, the bulk of survey respondents are happy in their roles

Hints of optimism after a tough period

Commissioners in our survey see signs that the market is improving

Why Netflix’s move for a YouTube format underlines industry evolution

Cowshed Collective co-chief George Cowin on what Netflix’s commission of The Sidemen’s Inside means to the wider landscape

​Joe Barton: how Black Doves came together was crazy

Writer talks whirlwind of Keira Knightley Netflix series and enigma of SVoD algorithms

Cracking the case of Sherlock's enduring longevity

Sherlock & Daughter creator Brendan Foley explores what continues to draw audiences – and commissioners – back to the enigmatic detective

Emperor: The Rise & Fall of a Dynasty, Channel 5

Producer Bob Marsden reveals how October Films used AI and comic strips to bring the debauchery, violence and excess of ancient Rome back to life

Michael Jermey: journalism on TV is as strong as it’s ever been

ITV’s outgoing news chief reflects on almost four decades with the broadcaster

Gallery: Broadcast Sport Awards 2024

Familiar faces from across the industry gathered for the annual Broadcast Sport Awards, hosted by Maisie Adam and Suzi Ruffell

Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, ITV1

Executive producer Kerene Barefield discusses working with the Queen and an all-female crew on ITV’s domestic abuse doc

Gallery: Grierson Awards

Selection of images from this year’s Grierson Trust Awards ceremony, held in London on Wednesday

Back From The Dead: Who Kidnapped Me? U&W

Series director and producer Susanna Herbert on bringing a true crime story that’s stranger than fiction to life

End Credits, Brad Danks

The OutTV chief executive on Canada, kayaking and bad jokes

James Durie: How a Leonard Cohen biopic became a case study in co-pro

For So Long, Marianne, Cineflix had to bring on board 16 different funding partners to get the project over the line

Gunpowder Siege: the untold story of the gunpowder plotters

Guy Fawkes takes a back seat in Lightbox’s first docudrama, which delivers a fresh take on history with a modest budget

Diverse-led indies: the hunt for a British Shondaland

Broadcasters have made progress on diversity, particularly with cast and crew, but has this had any impact on who produces scripted programming?

Park the horror and hype and get hands on with AI

Artificial intelligence is a divisive subject, but in times of great change, it’s essential to keep an open mind, says Roy Ackerman

Get ready for a ruckus about AI - the rules need to be settled soon

The industry’s big players need to collaborate on a framework to harness the potential of AI rather than let it run wild

Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, ITV1

Series director Leo Burley on working with the prince and not wanting to make a ‘traditional royal documentary’

How to create the right conditions for creativity

Psychologist Janet Evans explains how to create the right environment for development

First look: The Rig, Amazon Prime

Second series of the Wild Mercury thriller is set to premiere January 2025

Trump: The Criminal Conspiracy Case, BBC2

Director Marian Mohamed on the inside story of how the former president allegedly tried to overturn the election result in 2020

First look: Bookish, Alibi

Eagle Eye drama has been created by Mark Gatiss

Plimsoll eyes natural history ‘Trojan Horse’ to grow fact-ent slate

Andrea Jackson and Karen Plumb explain indie’s heartland can strengthen ’noisy and audacious ideas’

So Long, Marianne, ITVX

Benji Wilson discovers the challenges of filming on the Greek island of Hydra

Spiked: The Hunt For The Origin Of Covid-19

‘The global importance of the story should endear Spiked to international buyers’

Virgin Island

‘This isn’t a ‘dating in paradise’ reality show cast from Instagram and TikTok. These are real people’

Gunpowder Siege

‘We all know the myth of the Gunpowder Plot, but this is about understanding some of the truth behind it’

Plum

‘Plum uses a medical story to tell massive universal truths about human relationships’

Earth Abides

‘As we face more frequent and severe environmental challenges, the message in this series is timely’

Crossing Land, Sea and Air

‘Crossing Land, Sea and Air is joyful and heartwarming content. It’s the perfect antidote to dark nights and dark news’

Factual

Mozart: Rise of A Genius; Arming The Arctic; Do You Want To Live Forever?; Made In Korea; Mysteries Of…; Spiked; Virgin Island

Mysteries Of…

‘This series offers fresh perspectives and delves into lesser-known stories that bring these subjects to life in a new way’

Made In Korea: The K-Pop Experience

‘Buyers are looking for the next talent show, and this is fresh, unique and fits the bill nicely’

International scripted

Safe Harbor; Earth Abides; Plum; The Kollective; Video Nasty

How Pobol y Cwm reflects modern Wales

Dafydd Llewelyn discusses the Welsh language soap as it marks its 50th anniversary

What do visualised podcasts mean for fiction?

To make audio fiction work financially, you have to understand its value & the challenges it poses, says Goldhawk Productions’ John Scott Dryden

Ally Castle: Ditch the disability doom and gloom

While we are not where we ultimately want to be, let’s not forget the advances made when it comes to disability

Family trust central to ‘raw’ and personal Nicola Bulley doc

James Rogan and Rachel Lob-Levyt talk through capturing individual experiences in BBC1’s The Search for Nicola Bulley

First look: Brian and Margaret, Channel 4

James Graham-penned drama is produced by Baby Cow

The decade-long friendship at the heart of Living Every Second: The Kris Hallenga Story

Neil Bonner on a relationship that began when he was a debut director and culminated in a new celebration of the breast cancer campaigner’s life

The Piano: Hitting all the right format notes

Already a big hit in the UK and Netherlands, distributor Fremantle is hoping for further success for the format in Spain, Germany and Denmark

Joan, ITV1

The creative team at Snowed In Productions reveals how it balanced budgets to make ITV1’s jewel thief drama sparkle

Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, BBC2

Series director James House and series producer Jemma Chisnall on how Kim Kardashian helped make an infamous story feel new and fresh

PBS Masterpiece on the hunt for quality UK drama

US network keen to commission or partner on British series from skilled writers with top-tier talent attached

Deficits grow as market softens

Distributors in our survey report being asked to increase funding to get programmes made, while also dealing with falling demand from buyers

Distributors show resilience in tough times

Banijay Rights overhauls BBC Studios to top this year’s distributors table with strong growth despite difficult conditions for the industry

On the presidential Frontline: how PBS addresses ‘multiple Americas’

Chief Raney Aronson-Rath unpacks the flagship doc strand’s programming strategy ahead of the Harris-Trump showdown

Scale is smashing, but has it got out of hand in drama?

The scripted arms race has catapulted the genre into new territory – but the funding model is creaking, writes Chris Curtis

Behind the Scenes: Nightsleeper, BBC1

Euston Films’ managing director Kate Harwood on why its runaway train thriller was an easy pitch but a hard production

First look: Death Valley (w/t), BBC2

Six-part new series from Paul Doolan

The making of In My Own Words: Alison Lapper

Director Poppy Goodheart on the sensitive interviews at the heart of a doc about grief and love

Gallery: Slow Horses, Apple TV+

Selection of images from the fourth series of espionage thriller. Produced by See-Saw Films

Sky cites ‘authentic talent’ as key criteria for Arts and Max

Commissioners say they are looking for talent with credibility and a genuine connection to the subject

When dealing with tricky personalities, a little psychology can be a very useful thing

In an industry we’re all passionate about, it can be hard not to take conflict personally - but psychologist Janet Evans suggests taking a step back

The problem with factual: How producers are balancing pressures and responsibilities

Broadcast asks indies about the challenges they are facing and what they are doing to improve working conditions for freelancers

Is it curtains for scripted comedy?

Comedians flocked to Edinburgh in their droves this month - but speakers at the TV Festival painted a bleak picture of scripted comedy’s future

Edinburgh 2024: a tale of class and company closures

Economic challenges make the urge to open up the industry even more compelling – but much harder, writes Chris Curtis

Brian May: The Badgers, The Farmers and Me, BBC2

Athena Films co-founder Claudia Riccio on a film that defied the odds to get made

Fatima Salaria: Why I wanted to be part of factual drama’s golden age

A move into new territory was daunting, but I’m relishing the chance to tell under-represented, real-life stories,

Who’s afraid of Artificial Intelligence?

Should the rise of AI be an industry concern? Broadcast’s survey of indies, broadcasters and post houses reveals the impact the technology is having

Gallery: Edinburgh International Television Festival, day one

The best images from the first day of this year’s event

Ian Katz: C4’s future is bright as spend returns to pre-covid levels

Chief content officer says tough decisions had to be taken, but the broadcaster is now in a stronger position to support indies

Scott Bryan: Broadcasters must be bolder with their digital ambitions

More original content on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok is the only way to attract younger audiences

Streaming is reshaping the indie sector, as it did viewing habits

The biggest SVoD shows now rival their traditional counterparts and the battle for tentpole titles is polarising production companies

Ade Adepitan: 'This is the beginning of a new Paralympic era'

The veteran Paralympic athlete and presenter tells Broadcast about 2024’s coverage, his production company and why we need more hope

Rachel Corp: Public service broadcasting is vital in these troubled times

ITN chief executive says misinformation-fuelled violence has highlighted the importance of trustworthy, accessible reporting

First Look: Curfew

Vertigo Films thriller stars Sarah Parish, Mandip Gill, Mitchell Robertson and Alexandra Burke

Giving Love is Blind a ‘British flavour’

Exec producer Nazleen Karim and series editor David Cheesman on bringing the hit Netflix dating show to the UK

Prash Naik: Doc makers need to get to grips with editorial ethics

Questions about moral responsibilities have ramped up following the death of a contributor to Retrograde

Celebrating 10 years of the RTS Bursary Scheme

Broadcast finds out how the Royal Television Society’s Bursary Scheme has kickstarted hundreds of careers over the past decade

Hollywood on trial: What can UK producers learn from the Alec Baldwin case?

Legal expert Mary Lawrence asks whether the case against Alec Baldwin was unique to filming in New Mexico or are there wider lessons to be learned?

Analysis: How can S4C win back the Welsh indie sector’s trust?

As the embattled PSB’s new interim leadership rolls out its action plan, Broadcast asks whether that will be enough to get things back on track

Gallery: Mr Bigstuff, Sky Comedy

Sky Studios and Water & Power Productions comedy starring Danny Dyer and Ryan Sampson

Comment: ​Virtual Production is a game-changer for sports advertising

Jason Blanc, director at Diamond View, explains why virtual production is a great fit for capturing sports-related branded content

Joyous support: How Shardlake shows what’s possible for disability access

The Disney+ drama put access, rather than disability, front and centre and reflects a slowly evolving industry

Sky and UKTV raise their ambitions for comedy shows

Sky seeks shows with a premium feel and an authentic voice, while Dave is keen to explore narrative stories

Broadcast Digital Awards 2024 in pictures

Familiar faces from across the industry gathered for the annual Broadcast Digital Awards, hosted by Ellie Taylor

Kate Bulkley: Why it’s not simply a case of either linear or streaming

Success for broadcasters depends on effectively using linear as a means to support a digital-first strategy

Best Short Form Format: Teens On Cons

‘Great casting and fresh, layered take on a standard interview format that would be a joy to watch over a series’

Best True Crime Programme: High: Surviving a Dubai Drugs Bust

‘This film made me laugh, but equally it’s a shocking story about a dangerous world. Loved this’

Gamechanger Programme of the Year: Out Of Order

‘A great show that proves comedy and celebrating diversity go hand in hand’

Best Sports or Live Event Coverage: The Ashes

‘Excellent production values, excellent commentary, great packages - made me love cricket again’

Best Short Form Scripted: Murmur

‘An astonishingly beautiful piece’

Best Programme Acquisition: Beyond Utopia

‘A testament to the bravery of the film’s subjects’

Best Popular Factual Programme: The Great British Dig

‘An innovative, engaging series which brings history alive and shows us how close the past is. Brilliant casting and contributors’

Best Digital Support for a Strand, Channel or Genre: Sky News digital team

‘Bringing the news to where the audience is, not the other way around’

Best Documentary Programme: Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page

‘Extraordinary piece of access. Gripping storytelling. Amazing characters’

Best Content Partnership or AFP: Bangers: Mad for Cars

‘Thought-provoking & educational with brilliant talent’

Best Digital Children’s Content: Game on! For BBC Children in Need

‘Technically innovative and interesting while containing positive messaging for children’

Best Specialist Channel: History Hit TV

‘A fantastic addition to the History landscape, superserving the history audience with a clear concise offering which is clearly gathering momentum’

Curious execs hope Netflix doc will ’shine a light’ on sperm banks

Dov Freedman and Jessie Versluys discuss key takeaways from The Man with 1,000 Kids

End Credits: Laura Jones

The Blink Films creatve director on Is It Cake? and Keanu Reeves

Faraz Osman: We need clear rules on the use of AI in programming

To avoid future scandals over fakery, broadcasters must set out exactly what is and isn’t acceptable with this new technology

Michael Mosley proved there’s talent out there – just make sure you’re open-minded

Michael Mosley is testament to the fact that you don’t have to follow traditional paths to find true stars

Samuel Mundell

‘It was obvious from the start that Samuel was going to be astonishingly accomplished and a massive asset to our company’

Al-Hassan Kutubu-Kamara

‘Hassan’s humanity, empathy and curiosity have led him to uncover powerful unfolding stories’

Kathryn Wilson

‘I knew Kathryn was special when I took her to meet some of our cast in January and they made her dance in a circle of 25 people to The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles and she didn’t even blink’

Joe Gardner

‘Joe takes the brief he is given and looks at ways to expand it and go beyond what is expected of him’

James Brennan

‘To meet James is to like him – he has a prodigious ability to win people over’

Phoebe Dunmore

‘Her progress has been nothing short of meteoric’

Leah Newman

‘Leah is steely, dogged and a nerveless negotiator. She anticipates every possible setback or obstacle’

Shiva Talwar

‘Shiva revolutionised the way the development team operates, bringing a rigour and discipline to proceedings that was severely lacking’

Joshua Bawden

‘Joshua delivered the single greatest pitch deck I have seen in my career’

Ewan Denny

‘With a great ear for dialogue and a strong instinct for how to use the edit as an instrument to add value to laughs, he’s a boost for any show he’s working on’

Emma Garvie

‘Emma’s ability to overcome logistical obstacles and uphold exceptional production standards in extreme environments makes her a true industry standout’

Hot Shots 2024: Production managers

‘I have no doubt that one day she will be one of the best production managers in the business’

Avril Evans

‘She is a director with a bright future’

Lottie Haigh

‘She comes up with big, original ideas and has the creative energy, rigour and enthusiasm to see them through. It’s a thing of wonder to watch her pitch’

Amy Sargeant

‘She has a personal warmth and openness that helps her win the trust of documentary subjects’

Hot Shots 2024: Talent managers

‘Millie is brave, strong, passionate and is always going the extra mile, listening to her clients’ needs and staying across the detail’

Hot Shots 2024: Development producers

‘Jenna is whip-smart and tenacious to a fault, a true all-rounder. Nothing fazes her’

Hannah Scott

‘Hannah’s rise through the ranks is testament to her incredible instincts as a creative executive’

Geeta Wedderburn

‘The rate at which Geeta learns and develops her skills – taking naturally to secret filming, finding brilliant contributors and spotting stories that might be pitchable – is amazing’

Sharon King

‘Sharon embraced the complexity and detail of Doctor Who wholeheartedly, with an unwavering determination’

Hot Shots 2024: Post/craft

‘Phoebe rose to the challenge in exceptionally difficult circumstances and never let any challenges behind the camera show on screen’

Hot Shots 2024: Researchers & assistant producers

‘Leanne’s casting and background research are second to none – and it all comes from a hunger to succeed in TV’

Sheila Nortley

‘Sheila has a palpable passion for storytelling – as an executive producer and writer, she delivers emotionally truthful and compelling stories’

Kat Buckle

‘It was clear from the beginning that Kat has a distinctive taste and agent style, with an ability to identify fresh and diverse talent’

Emy Adamson

‘The cliched thing to say is ‘she’ll be my boss one day’, but in Emy’s case, not only is that true, but she’ll be your boss too. She truly is a prodigiously talented individual’

Will Stanbridge

‘Will is a rare combination of thorough, insightful and empathetic. He’s someone people feel at ease with because he always puts people first’

Cat Spooner

A champion of diversity on screen

Brian Birigwa

‘Brian leaves no stone unturned and will always be on the lookout for the next unique writer or performer’

Shannon Hamilton

‘Shannon jumps into everything with a can-do attitude. Her willingness to learn and adapt quickly makes a difference to the team’

Emma Dennis-Edwards

‘Emma is passionately engaged in the world and really wants to write about stuff that matters’

Jingan Young

‘Jingan’s work will surely pave the way for more East Asian-led stories in the UK’

Hot Shots 2024: Writers & script editors

‘Nathan’s voice runs the gamut from sweet to dirty, silly to wicked, all across impeccably plotted story’

Laura Miles

‘Laura’s dedication and work ethic make her the most wonderful person to have as part of a creative team’

Marcus Ryder: The most important survey in film, TV and cinema needs your help

Representation of all kinds matters if we want to make change - so complete the Looking Glass Survey on industry mental health

Glastonbury 2024: How the BBC brings the festival to life

BBC execs tell Broadcast how they make coverage of the world’s largest greenfield music festival bigger and better every year

Rob Wade: Creativity, creativity, creativity

Fox chief exec wants scripted and unscripted worlds to get ‘a bit loose and creative’ and focus less on money

First look: Suspect, Channel 4

Second series of the Eagle Eye Drama thriller, produced in association with Happy Duck Films and the Belgian Tax Shelter

Peter Williams: how I secured the crowning moment of my career

The inside story of how TV journalist legend Peter Williams, finally retiring aged 90, achieved the unthinkable by interviewing The Queen

Energy and empathy: a personal tribute to Michael Mosley

BBC Studios head of science unit Andrew Cohen describes three decades of friendship with the outstanding producer-turned-presenter

The Fall: Skydive Murder Plot, Channel 4

Series director Guy King on blending drama and documentary to tell the story of a chilling relationship which culminated in an attempted murder

Camilla Lewis: When you hire female-led teams, the results speak for themselves

Women are often employed on docs tackling traditionally female subjects, but doing things differently can create powerful, exciting films on any topic

HBO to the Max - Casey Bloys on running Warner’s signature brands

The veteran programming exec talks curation and quality control, his desire for international co-pros and how he’s never turned on a PlayStation

On Thin Ice: Putin Vs Greenpeace, BBC2

Producer Clare Beavis on telling the story of a 2013 Greenpeace protest against a Russian oil rig that went terrifyingly wrong

End Credits: Daniela Neumann

The Spun Gold TV managing director on dog-walking, Oprah and Javier Bardem

Steven Moffat on Douglas Is Cancelled and theatrical rejection

The Doctor Who and Sherlock scribe discusses the long route to getting his new ITV drama on screen and taking the Tardis out for another spin

No joke: comedy in crisis

Top producers and broadcasters come together to discuss the current state of the genre and what can be done to ensure the laughs keep on coming

Danny Sanz: The international production industry sees this election as an opportunity

From an international perpective, it would be great for TV to play a role in the return of Cool Britannia

Election reaction: what the next government could do for TV

In the wake of this week’s general election announcement seven TV execs give Broadcast their inital wishlist for a new government

Matt Risley: Ignore the possibilities of YouTube at your peril

Using the video platform requires new language and insightful reading of the data - but will pay dividends

​Small indies call for solutions to market turbulence

Victoria Powell outlines a number of measures that producers believe could sustain the sector during the slowdown

Henry Birkbeck: The government must follow through on Independent Film Tax Credit

Done properly, the IFTC, in concert with the AVEC and VGEC, has the potential to meaningfully move the dial for film and television

‘Keeping people at the heart’: C5 News coverage of the infected blood report

Hour-long special to cover latest developments in a decades-old scandal – and how Mr Bates vs The Post Office could help the fight for justice

LA Screenings Hot Picks: The shows to watch out for

As the Hollywood event kicks off, Broadcast pinpoints the eyecatching series for global buyers as book adaptations dominate

Barrington Paul Robinson: We must open the doors to new talent

The Responder creative producer explains how early career support can make all the difference

The kids are alright: The Gathering

Broadcast speaks to the creators of Channel 4’s new series on making a drama for adults and teens alike

Derek Wax: Thou shalt produce from the heart

The Wild Mercury chief on The Sixth Commandment, relatable drama and individual expression

Why the best sports docs aren’t really about sport

John McKenna, CEO of documentary producer Noah Media Group explains what ‘sport documentary’ really means at this point in time

I Kissed a Girl, BBC3

Executive producer Dan Gray on assembling the perfect team to turn a groundbreaking format into the UK’s first dating show for gay women

Adam Jacobs: Why it might be time for guerilla commissioning

The creative director of Quintus Studios on getting unscripted ideas greenlit in difficult times

Crowning glory: Why royal docs are reigning at Sky History

Dan Korn and Hayley Reynolds reveal how exploring the monarchy’s past fits into the channel’s wider commissioning strategy

Netflix UK orders cheating-focused reality series

Amanda Holden-fronted series hails from ITV Studios labels 12 Yard and Lifted

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton: Closing the door on No. 9

Creators and stars of the black comedy anthology series on pulling down the shutters after nine series and wrestling with the best kind of send-off

End Credits: Sam Beddoe

The It’s All Made Up Productions co-founder on Nashville, balloon arches and Ryan Reynolds

Indie Summit 2024: Charlotte Moore on getting the BBC fit for the future

Content chief reveals why she is laser focused on iPlayer, explains the need to make cuts and promises to do more to support struggling indies

Broadcast Intelligence: UKTV looks to evolve with call for ‘exciting, original’ shows

Helen Perry, Mark Iddon and Emile Nawagamuwa reveal plans to freshen up content offering on Dave, Alibi and W

Humble winners are a cause for optimism in tough times

The 1% Club and Baby Reindeer couldn’t be more different – but these relatively modest British shows are both smashing it

Dan Li: Red Eye’s representation of South East Asians is long overdue

SE Asian actors are too often confined to minor, stereotyped roles - but mercifully things are starting to change

Danny Dyer: How to Be a Man, Channel 4

Executive producer Hugh Whitworth on how he tackled finding contributors to talk about the thorny issue of masculinity

Autism is not an on-screen entertainment fix

To mark Autism Awareness Month, Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson urges the industry to reflect different experiences of those on the spectrum

Camilla Arnold: Start bringing deaf talent into your team

To mark Deaf Awareness Week, the chief executive of the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust outlines the organisation’s achievements

Bangers & Cash: Air TV’s humble hit makes the case for the ob-doc

As Bangers & Cash hits its 100th episode, Yesterday channel director implores TV to leave space for the traditional ob-doc

How Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods aligns with commissioning at BBC Current Affairs

A combination of access and creative risk resulted in a doc that matched the wishes of commissioners Joanna Carr and Gian Quaglieni

Sector shows resolve amid the downturn

‘The current downturn is the most acutely felt, but is helping producers and distributors laser-focus on their strengths’

International scripted surges in the wake of US strikes

Premium drama is set to feature heavily at Mip TV in expectation of a slowdown in the US content pipeline, but factual will still dominate

The Steal

‘The Steal has broad appeal. The US election has worldwide relevance, so we expect this to do well globally’

UK Scripted

Playing Nice; Red Eye; Coma; Nightsleeper; Renegade Nell; The Cuckoo; The Jetty; Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light

Unscripted

Including Meet The Neighbours; The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship; The Steal; My Family Mystery; Escaping Utopia; The Push; Side Hustlers

Married To The Game

‘Married To The Game offers something for reality fans and football fans alike’

Gold: A Journey With Idris Elba

‘The talent, access and scale of the story mark it out from other specialist factual docs of this nature’

International scripted

The Count Of Monte Cristo; Austin; Borderline; Conflict; Monsieur Spade; Paris Has Fallen; Rebus; Samber; So Long, Marianne; Spinal Destination

PBS seeks UK co-producers for science doc strand Nova

US broadcaster looking for ideas that take a deeper dive into mainstream science and tech stories

8 Top Tips to shift your podcast from audio to video

Michael Olatunji of Outset Studio offers eight tips to make the most of the possibilities of taking your podcast from audio to video

Scott Bryan: continuity announcers are television’s unsung heroes

The role could be at risk in the age of streaming, but their empathetic and skilful contributions would be sorely missed

Kate Bulkley: Big sporting events are key in ‘challenging’ ad market

Euro 2024 will provide a much-needed boost to ITV’s coffers during a difficult period for the commercial broadcaster

What makes a successful podcast?

Vibrant Television, talkSport and Two Circles execs discussed how podcast producers can monetise their content and ensure it pops with listeners

Indie Survey 2024: Indies have their say on the sector’s big issues

From the commissioning slowdown to C4’s plans for in-house production, respondents offer thoughts on the state of UK independent production

Solving the mystery of the lost IRA film

The 90-minute film for the BBC delves into the mystery surrounding an American documentary on IRA activity in 1972, and why it was never aired

How we marketed The Hundred

Contented executive creative director Paul Reid reveals the thought process behind the cricket competition

Indie Survey Table 2024

Click to view the top performing companies

Broadcasters in the firing line

Poor handling of the production slowdown, bad communication & a greenlight shortage are among the main complaints to this year’s survey

Indies point to toughest year in memory

With many indies describing 2023 as their toughest year ever, 2024 looks likely to be just as hard, though some see signs of recovery

Studio Lambert wins as Netflix ups hours

“Netflix is the largest SVoD commissioner of UK indies, responsible for more than half of the total hours launched on the four major services in 2023”

ITV: ITVX boosts range but stalwarts still key

PSB has received praise from the indies surveyed this year for being open to new ideas

UKTV bucks the trend with multi-year orders

Drama is a key driver of growth, particularly for streaming platform UKTV Play

Indies offer help to freelance workers

With work drying up in a tough period for the industry, 70% of indies have taken steps to support their freelance staff

Growth stalls in bumpy market

Owners & consolidators grew by 1.86% in 2023, way down on their 41% surge in last year’s Indie Survey, with All3M once again topping the table

C4 epitomises industry woes

Indie relations soured during C4’s Indie Briefing Day, when it revealed it is primarily looking for ideas for 2025

My Wife, My Abuser: The Secret Footage, Channel 5

Director David Ward explains the sensitivity need to help Richard Spencer open up about 20 years of abuse at the hands of his wife

Sky: Unscripted dominates hours but not spend

Top supplier Woodcut Media produced 30 hours of factual shows for the pay-TV giant

Derek Drennan: Is unscripted the forgotten child?

Last week’s budget had great news for HETV, but other areas of the industry are feeling a little neglected

Queens, Disney+

Showrunner Chloe Sarosh on pulling together a female-led team to capture animal societies where females rule the roost

Nicola Shindler: ‘There is a lot of complacency post-#MeToo’

To mark International Women’s Day, execs at Quay Street Productions discuss #MeToo, positive on-set experiences and workplace flexibility

The Titan Sub Disaster: Minute by Minute, C5

Series PD Daniel Smith on the challenges of shedding new light on the well-covered search for the Titan submarine

In conversation: Harnessing the power of real life drama

Directors of ITV’s Mr Bates Vs The Post Office and Breathtaking discuss their different approaches to making series based on real events

Sarudzayi Marufu: Producers must embrace private equity lifeline

It might not be a silver bullet, but it’s vital that the industry finds a way to diversify its funding

End Credits: Tom Garton

Wonderhood Studios’ Tom Garton on subversive comedy and getting arrested in Kazakhstan

Kerene Barefield: It’s time for a new way of doing business

As the freelancer crisis continues, the industry needs to create new ways to keep the door open for those who are struggling

First look: The Responder, BBC1

Martin Freeman and Adelayo Adedayo return in second series of Dancing Ledge Production’s thriller, written by Tony Schumacher

Josh Must Win: The Primal Media format turning the dial on reality TV

In this new E4 series, celebrities secretly influence the competition by trying to help an ‘ordinary Joe’ contestant triumph over their ‘alpha’ rivals

Distributors Index: BBC Studios on the hunt for content with global appeal

Execs Mark Linsey and Kate Ward discuss their aim of getting the best of British TV out to the world

This Town: Steven Knight revisits the ska era

The Peaky Blinders creator discusses his latest BBC1 drama, set amid the emerging music scene of 1980s Birmingham

Capital gains: The UK welcomes the world

The London TV Screenings has cemented its place in the industry’s calendar

Is the motorsport docuseries market overcrowded?

Simon Hinchliffe, Prism Sport and Entertainment head of motorsport, looks at whether the cluttered landscape of behind-the-scenes motorsport series is it makes it hard for new entrants to succeed

Bronagh Monahan: YouTube isn’t a threat - it’s an untapped resource

The video platform offers a pipeline for talent who can really shine on linear

The Negotiators International

‘The new series comes at a time when hostage negotiation is a highly topical issue’

Dead In The Water

‘It feels utterly accurate and authentic, allowing a real sense of place and time’

So Long, Marianne

‘It will appeal to a young audience that has no idea who Leonard Cohen is’

Samber

‘The series is about the massive failure of society and the system to protect women’

Paris Has Fallen

‘The movie franchise has a real added value that brings visibility to the series’

Borderline

‘This is very premium, with great storytelling. It’s gritty and it’s got a political dimension’

Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light

‘There’s a big footprint where the drama will travel, as period drama is a safe bet, particularly with this cast’

The Cuckoo

‘The Cuckoo is a suburban thriller, which always works well with global buyers’

Red Eye

Red Eye; Coma; Nightsleeper; Renegade Nell; The Cuckoo; The Jetty; Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light

Nightsleeper

‘Nightsleeper will have viewers across the globe on the edge of their seats’

Take a deep breath and keep the faith through tough times

The short-term outlook may still be gloomy, but viewers haven’t lost their appetite for quality TV

Fewer, bigger, better: Kate Philips unpacks BBC mantra

Unscripted director reveals how audiences have steered ‘painful’ programme cuts, but insists there is still space for features and lifestyle shows

Why broadcasters need to get off the sidelines to grow women’s sport

Anna Reynolds, consultant and Yonder Consulting, believes broadcasters could miss the opportunity available with women’s sport

Why I believe the entertainment industry mustn’t fear AI

Tim Levy, CEO of digital twin creator Twyn, gives his pitch as to why the media industry should embrace AI

Into the Congo with Ben Fogle, Channel 5

Series producer Frederick Martin on why careful planning and optimism are vital when filming extreme adventures

Eight things we learned at Realscreen

From co-pros to murder shows and FAST channels to theme park rides, here’s Broadcast’s top takeaways from New Orleans

Broadcast Awards 2024 in pictures

Familiar faces gathered for the 29th Broadcast Awards, hosted by Sue Perkins

Honoring the best of British TV

‘Big events, big shows and big brave programming bets have never felt so vital’

Broadcast Awards 2024 - the judges

Methodology and list of judges

Timeline TV Moment of the Year: Succcession

“The reactions of all four Roy children were revealing and fabulously acted”

Best independent production company: Studio Lambert

‘The Traitors became a truly elite format in doublequick time’

Emerging indie of the year: Curious Films

‘Curious Films made more hours of TV than ever before last year and grew its client base to include streamers and US networks’

Best children’s programme: A Kind Of Spark

“This series showcases neurodiversity in an organic and engaging way, without it being the sole focus”

Best current affairs programme: Russell Brand: In Plain Sight

“This was vital and remarkable journalism that changed the national dialogue”

Best documentary programme: Lyra

“A stunning tribute to a remarkable young woman whose story had only just begun”

Best multichannel programme: I Kissed A Boy

“A true depiction of dating in the modern age. This format needed to happen”

Best news programme: ITV News At Ten: The Lucy Letby Verdict

“Paul Brand’s exclusive interview with Dr Jayaram got closer to the story than any other coverage”

Best pre school programme: 123 Number Squad!

“Turns parts of the curriculum into an accessible and fun experience for its audience”

Best single drama: I Am Ruth

“A subject that we are all familiar with was handled with great subtlety and care”

Best sports programme: Monday Night Football

“The punditry is engaging and credible. This show is pushing football coverage to new heights”

Rukhsana Mosam: RIP RDF

The 30-year-old indie was past its prime - but that prime was something rare and special, says Ten66 Television’s creative director

First look: Clarkson’s Farm, Amazon Prime

Third series of agricultural format from Expectation

Analysis: Commissioning falls across the board in 2023

Orders taking a significant tumble in 2023, co-pros in decline and the streamers cutting back according to Programme Index analysis

Gallery: Broadcast Best Places to Work event

Winners in this year’s annual list attended a special event in London last week

Will Hanrahan:​ Midlands indies welcome BBC’s return and fund support

FirstLook TV’s creative director on the importance of the Small Indie Fund

Ian Rumsey: Collective effort is needed to weather the storm

The production industry can emerge from the slowdown in a good, if different, place

Broadcast predictions: What 2024 has in store for the industry

Broadcast’s editorial team look into their crystal balls to predict the changes, challenges and opportunities the industry faces in the year ahead

Best Places to Work 2024: category winners

The top-performing companies across four key disciplines

Run VT

‘We have a genuine family feeling, with a really eclectic mix of cultures. We treat people as people, and respect work/life balance’

Moov

‘MOOV is committed to being a net-zero business by 2030 and is working with Albert to calculate its carbon footprint’

Molinaire TV & Film

‘The Molinare culture is driven by a love for the craft, and a genuine care for one another, while having fun’

Best firms shine for staff in tough times

‘The 45 firms on our list have managed to keep morale high and workers feeling valued’

Creating a happy office

Staff at the Best Places to Work are rewarded for their hard work with everything from food & drink to team quizzes & parties

Woodcut Media

‘We actively promoted flexible working even before the pandemic. One exec told me I’d changed his life’

Wildstar Films

‘Wildstar has paid cost-of-living payments and offered free, on-site access to an external financial adviser’

Voltage TV

‘Both the co-founders are of minority ethnic origin so we place great importance on diversity and inclusion’

Analysis: the shape of a WBD/Paramount supergroup

Merger could create new player in the race for scale

Studio Ramsay Global

‘We ensure that everyone gets the most out of their time with us, and we try our hardest to offer longer-term contracts’

Rare Television

‘We believe in taking collective responsibility, which is repaid in loyalty and everyone having a sense of ownership of our output’

Optomen Television

‘We have a relaxed and welcoming environment where everyone is treated as equal and with a high level of respect’

Lifted Entertainment

‘We allow employees to participate in community service during business hours without losing pay or using holiday time’

Firecrest Films

‘The short-term freelance culture in TV is a significant discriminatory obstacle, so we often engage people on longer contracts’

Eleven Film

‘We are committed to creating an environment where people feel valued, inspired and confident to do their best work’

Fostering a culture of inclusion

The Best Places To Work are actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion policies

Curious Films

‘We actively seek to increase the number of people we work with who are from groups/communities that are underrepresented’

Buzz 16

‘We have regular social events to encourage team building and to celebrate milestones’

Stuart Pender: Podcasts can enhance TV documentary storytelling

Simultaneous commissions of podcasts and TV docs offer an efficient way to enage audiences and dig deeper into your subject

Blue Zoo

‘We have transitioned to 100% renewable energy for our on-site and off-site server farms’

Arrow Media

‘We have a good track record of people moving up through production roles and we’re big on in-house training’

A Productions

‘We are committed to ensuring A Productions is a welcoming, enjoyable, diverse and inclusive place to work’

Wilderness with Simon Reeve, BBC2

Chris Mitchell, series producer and director, on filming in remote areas where nature still has the upper hand

Hidden Light

‘We nurture new talent and promote training to ensure our team are confident in their role’

The Garden

‘We’ve signed up to We Are Doc Women’s 50:50 female director pledge, & BEAM Network to address the low South Asian numbers’

Dancing Ledge

‘We pay significant bonuses based on individual performance and company revenue’

Wild Child Animation

‘We set annual goals for recruitment, using Screen Scotland’s diversity goals, and assess our progress bi-annually’

Wonderhood Studios

‘We’ve publicly committed to We Are Doc Women’s 50:50 pledge, so half our directors are female’

Open letter to Tim Davie: 10 ways to survive 2027

BBC expert John Mair lays out his thoughts for the director general as the BBC prepares for the future funding debate

Gallery: Gladiators, BBC1

Selection of images from the Hungry Bear Media reboot of the popular competitive series

Mr Bates Vs The Post Office writer “flabbergasted” by public response

The impact of the series highlights the importance of continuing to make such dramas, ITV’s Polly Hill says

Silverback, BBC2

Executive producer Andrew Zikking on a wildlife documentary that went in an unexpected direction

The Secret Life of the Safari Park, Channel 4

Executive producer Alex Sutherland on the challenges of filming animals who are free to roam on a budget that isn’t

Bariau, S4C

Producer Alaw Llewelyn Roberts explains why she chose to build a prison from scratch

Ellie Kahn: Such Brave Girls (Various Artists and A24 for BBC3)

“In a year of incredible TV, this one came late and out of left field”

Paul Weatherley: Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland (KEO Films & Walk on Air Films for BBC2)

“It shone a light on a very dark period where communities were ripped apart and it all seemed very normal. An essential watch”

David Singleton: Succession (Gary Sanchez Productions for HBO/Sky Atlantic)

“For my money, TV writing doesn’t get any better”

John Elmes: Koala Man / Colin from Accounts

“Peppered throughout this annus horribilis were some moments of respite in the form of Australian scripted comedy”

Top 10 behind the scenes of 2023

Including The Piano, 007: Road to a Million, The Long Shadow and Go Hard or Go Home

Top 10 interviews of 2023

Including Amelia Brown, Russell T Davies, Tanya Shaw, Joe Lycett and Esther Rantzen

Year in Review: scandal, strikes and royal ghosts

From a new monarch to a slew of celebrity scandals + the end of two of TV’s finest dramas, Broadcast looks back at the past 12 months

Seetha Kumar: assessing eight years at ScreenSkills

Outgoing chief executive discusses the successes and challenges of navigating skills policy in our sector

Why broadcast & streaming need standardised sustainability metrics

Johan Bolin, chief business officer of media & broadcast at Agile Content, calls for collaboration across the industry

Alice Redman: Daisy Jones and the Six (Amazon Prime Video)

“The styling was particularly gorgeous and entirely to blame for me spending most of my paycheck at Free People the month it came out”

End Credits: Blair Mowat

The freelance composer on Doctor Who, buying a lightsaber and bringing back Blake’s Seven

Virtual production in the spotlight

Experts on virtual production discuss the benefits of the technology, the essential kit needed to get the most out it, and the impact of the recent layoffs at Unreal Engine maker Epic Games

Dan Korn: Keeping ahead of the pack in true crime documentary

Crime+Investigation’s vice-president of programming discusses the innovations helping content stand out in a crowded genre

The Crown: The royal saga that ruled the airwaves

Left Bank execs reflect on the landmark royal drama, while Netflix UK’s  Anne Mensah reveals the potential successors to its throne

Danny Brocklehurst: ‘Real life’ drama should always be rooted in truth

Writers getting a little creative with the facts is one thing, but we don’t want Arthur Scargill on a motorbike

Provocative language and antisemitic tropes don’t help the industry come together

Suggesting people are scared to speak out against Israel implies the old trope that Jews control the media, writes Fulwell 73’s Leo Pearlman

BBC’s future up for grabs, even as good sense prevails with chair

Samir Shah breaks the mould, but faces plenty of challenges as licence fee review kicks off in earnest

Winning strategies for fan engagement

Top sports content makers reveal the thinking behind industry-leading campaigns that have engaged and entertained fans and athletes alike

Hope Street: Providing opportunities for Northern Irish talent

Executives at Long Story TV reveal how the BBC1 drama has built a skills training platform & an outlet for local production talent to thrive

Amelia Brown: From runner to the top job at Fremantle

The Fremantle UK chief exec on taking on the top job after 20 years at Thames, mining its back catalogue and creating an inspiring workplace

Big Zuu: Hitting the big time

The grime star and TV chef is bringing fresh flavour to the food-travel genre with 12 Dishes In 12 Hours for ITV1

Channel 4 trio named unsung heroes

Channel 4 executives Clemency Green, Art Sejdu and Kiran Nataraja are recognised by their peers in this year’s survey for always going the extra mile

End Credits: Phil Mount

The Potato creative director on ’80s rock, ice baths and Rebel Wilson

Alisa Pomeroy tops peer poll

C4 head of documentaries dethrones two-time winner Ben Frow as peers vote her the commissioner they most admire

Job satisfaction high among commissioners

Despite having to negotiate a slowdown and strained indie relationships, a resounding 93% of commissioners say they are happy in their role

Indies desperate for clarity as brutal year draws to a close

Uncertainty over Channel 4 commissioning patterns has been a factor for much of the year

Gallery: Christmas on the BBC

Click to view a selection of programme highlights unveiled by the BBC for the festive season

Analysis: The fractured relationship between indies and C4

Suppliers have criticised the broadcaster for its handling of the commissioning slowdown and what they see as poor communication

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived - how closeness gave the film breath

Creatives behind the HBO/Sky single discuss the personal bonds which made the doc possible and using it as a platform for industry exposure

Lucy Frazer: The Media Bill will unleash the full potential of our PSBs

Culture secretary praises broadcasters but says ‘success today is not a guarantee of success tomorrow’

Why we shot our JFK doc on film

Producer director Sarah Hunt explains the joys and challenges of taking modern-day Dallas back to the 1960s using Super 8

First look: Big Boys, C4

Roughcut TV comedy returns January 2024

Dan Walker: TV can still be a powerful tool to make a difference

Programmes which touch people’s lives are public service broadcasting at its finest

Gallery: Grierson Awards

Silence from colleagues is a terrible sound for our industry’s Jews

Documentarian Neil Grant issues a plea for understanding as antisemitic incidents escalate in the UK

Mixmups, Channel 5

Creator, writer and exec producer Rebecca Atkinson explains how she mixed play and representation to create a magical new world for kids

First look: Murder is Easy, BBC1

Agatha Christie novel is latest adaptation from Mammoth Screen

End Credits: Chris Reindorp

The Rex development executive on Chris de Burgh, Cling Film and James Norton

Lorraine Heggessey: Talent’s bad behaviour has been indulged for too long

The industry has to commit to stamping it out and creating an environment where people feel heard

What makes a show risky? Top execs have their say

The BBC’s Clare Sillery, UKTV’s Mark Iddon, ITV’s Sue Murphy and C4’s Tim Hancock discuss the shows on which have taken risks

One Life: The story of a remarkable hero

How Nicholas Winton’s wartime efforts and heroism inspired a SeeSaw Films/BBC Film feature starring Anthony Hopkins

Esther Rantzen: in her own words

The veteran TV presenter on the funniest moments on That’s Life!, the story she’s proudest of and the state of consumer journalism today

Big Brother, Survivor and Deal or No Deal: a Remarkable run

How have Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe resurrected a trio of monster formats – and what’s next?

Licence to thrill: the inside story of 007 Road to a Million

How 72 Films’ globe-trotting adventure format for Amazon Prime Video makes the most of Bond

Black women in TV salute their sisters: Part two

Nicola Gregory, Sarah Asante and Samantha Stewart are among those celebrating their peers for this year’s female-focused Black History Month

C5 greenlights thriller from The Teacher creator

The Cuckoo (w/t) is a ‘tense and twisty’ drama created by Barunka O’Shaughnessy

Race for scale amid tough times points to reshaped indie sector

The bigger players are competing for mega-budgets, while smaller producers get resourceful

Alexander Jacob: Doctors cancellation puts a generation of talent at risk

Director warns loss of a key training ground could have huge impact, and urges greater investment in continuing drama

Ria Hebden: Let’s realise the true value of mentorship

The TV industry has some truly brilliant mentors - with greater commitment we could make their expertise available to everyone

All smiles as comedy comes to the fore

While unscripted still dominates, international drama and comedy are well represented as the knock-on effects of the US writers strike continue

Comedy and local content out in force

International editor John Elmes highlights which programmes are likely to make biggest splash in Cannes

The Dark Emu Story

‘International audiences have always been fascinated with the Aboriginal experience in Australia’

The Nobody Zone: Interview with an Irish Serial Killer

‘This is a striking and immersive way of bringing this extraordinary story to life’

Haaland: Breaking Ground

‘Offers unfiltered access to the biggest name in football right now’

Banged Up

‘This is quite full on – the celebrities have to be tough to even agree to do this’

ReSolved

‘Combines conspiracy theory, true crime and the deep journalism for which Vice is well known’

Of Money And Blood

‘It’s a gripping thriller featuring solid characters with strong back stories and intriguing personal journeys’

International Scripted

Davey & Jonesie’s Locker heads up an eclectic array of global dramas and comedies including Bargain, Estonia, Strife and Obituary

Strife

‘It is not a conventional comedy or drama - it’s a relationship dramedy with a lot of nuance’

The Continental: From the World of John Wick

‘The series offers the action and edginess of the box-office franchise, but with its own distinctive feel’

Bargain

‘It’s an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. A cat-and-mouse survival sequence’

Truelove

‘We are excited because we know Truelove will be talked about by everyone who watches it’

Dead Hot

‘Dead Hot is irreverent and entertaining yet has the familiar pace, hooks and twists of a first-class thriller’

Men Up

‘What stands out is Men Up’s ability to balance comedy and heartfelt elements’

Charlotte Moore: Jimmy Savile drama demonstrates the BBC’s bravery

BBC content chief reflects on the challenges of showing past failures at a screening of The Reckoning

Inside the Big Brother House

The creatives behind the highly-anticipated revival on reimagining reality TV’s defining show

End Credits: Sharon Levy

The Endemol Shine North America chief executive on her passion for gift-wrapping, HBO’s Warrior and missing out on a circus career

Best Kept Secrets: The world’s hidden programming gems

Four TV executives from across the globe shine a spotlight on the local shows that deserve more international attention

​Innovation Takes Centre Stage at IBC

Andy Walker at Accenture provides his opinion on the main themes to emerge from IBC2023

Josh Duhamel: Let the Buddy Games begin

The Hollywood star on swapping film for TV and how competing in challenges with high-school friends helped inspire his new CBS gameshow

Kate Bulkley: It’s all change as media firms rethink their business models

Broadcasters are reviewing how their programming is curated and packaged in a hyper-competitive market

Edinburgh announcements confirm commissioning dip

Snapshot from the 2023 festival reveals a decline in the number of shows being greenlit by broadcasters

All3Media holds on to top spot in Peer Poll

The Traitors outfit wins the backing of its peers for the sixth consecutive year, while Banijay achieves its highest ever position in second

Distributors express concern over gaps in funding

Companies say they’re being asked to invest increasingly large sums up front

Culture is as important as process in weeding out behaviour

The sector must close the gap between the rhetoric of zero tolerance and the reality of working life for freelancers

Otto Baxter: Not a F***ing Horror Story/Puppet Asylum, Sky Documentaries

Producer Daisy Allsop explains how the combination of a documentary and a short film helped a man with Down Syndrome tell his own story

Supporting care-experienced children, BBC Teach

Exec producer Andy Glynne on how his team sensitively animated real-life testimony to help teachers support children who’ve been in the care system

How Hardcash delivered the Russell Brand doc

Executive producer Esella Hawkey reveals the meticulous work that went into the C4 Dispatches programme

First look: The Doll Factory, Paramount+

Buccaneer Media’s period drama series airs late autumn

Securing free-to-air services in broadband homes is crucial

Everyone TV boss Jonathan Thompson explains why Freely is an important step in securing the future of the PSBs

Top Boy director sets her sights on ‘darker stories’

Myriam Raja talks to Broadcast about the series ending, collaboration with actors and similarities between Top Boy and The Wire

How Data Is Empowering Innovation

Skip Levens explains how building modern technology infrastructures will aid the growth of AR, VR and VFX

Our Sea Forest, BBC1

Producer director Sarah Cunliffe on braving the elements to film the underwater worlds off the UK coast

First look: Boat Story, BBC1

Two Brothers Pictures thriller starring Daisy Haggard, Paterson Joseph, and Joanna Scanlan

Gallery: Top Boy 3, Netflix

Selection of images from Ronan Bennett’s East London drama. Produced by Cowboy Films, Easter Partisan and SpringHill Entertainment

Julie Fernandez: We are making progress on accessibility, but there’s still work to do

Disability access co-ordinators are vital if the industry wants to make real, sustainable change

End Credits: Ian Rumsey

ITN Productions’ managing director on his love of Liverpool, cricket and Jeremy Vine

Scott Bryan: This year’s Edinburgh was fascinating, but not for the reasons you’d expect

Nobody seems to have the answers, Broadcast’s columnist concludes from a surprisingly downbeat TV Festival

Fatima Salaria: Who are we to judge the choices that people make?

Whatever the reason for women stepping away from the industry, we need to do more to help them return to work

Roundtable: Distributors make their case for building relationships with indies

Our panel bust some myths and highlight the important role they can play

Declan Lawn and James Bluemel on Northern Ireland past and present

Blue Lights writer and Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland director discuss the differences and similarities between their versions of the region

Greenlight slowdown: ‘It feels pretty horrendous out there’

The TV ad market has crashed, the licence fee is frozen, inflation is rampant and streamers have slashed their spending. Five people offer an anonymous snapshot of their experiences

Rosie Jones: “I’m not the disabled poster girl”

Rosie Jones on the tricky balance between humour and activism and why the cynic in her thinks she’s ‘just the right amount of disabled’ for TV

Fiona Campbell: TikTok influencers are key to attracting young viewers

BBC’s controller of youth audiences explains how its Creatorlab scheme will help social media talent make the transition to television

Is the sector nurturing the next generation of creative leaders?

Experience has been key to dealing with industry challenges, but should we be bedding in execs’ successors?

Commissioning slowdown: Freelancer #1

“I had quite a few friends leave the industry in the 2008-9 recession – and this feels worse”

Commissioning slowdown: Indie boss #1

“I do worry about the impact on freelancers. There are some great people who haven’t worked for a really long time”

‘Dramatising trauma’: Ruth Wilson on her latest drama

Star and exec producer of BBC1’s The Woman in the Wall reveals why a blend of genres drew her towards a ‘vital’ story about Ireland’s dark past

Tops Guns: Inside the RAF, Channel 4

Exec producer Mark Tattersall reveals how unprecedented access to RAF Lossiemouth allowed him to take the audience into the cockpits of active fighter jets

First look: The Long Shadow, ITV1

New Pictures drama airs in September

First look: The Woman in the Wall, BBC1

Motive Pictures thriller examines the infamous Irish Magdalene Laundries

Alone, Channel 4

How do you make a contestant feel alone in the wilderness, while ensuring they can capture great footage? Rachel Bloomfield explains

Ultimate Wedding Planner: A marriage of chaos and calm

BBCS exec Chi Ukairo explains how the production crew ‘faded into the background’ to capture the stressful world of planning nuptials

Open Door looks to expand remit

Founder David Mumeni on widening the charity’s scope to help disadvantaged groups enter the industry in behind-the scenes roles

Roundtable: Holding the ladder for young talent

Four of last year’s Hot Shots on what the industry is doing right and what more could be done to support emerging talent

Accommodations for neurodiverse staff can benefit the whole industry

Runner Hassaan Mohammad reflects on how his experiences show that a little flexibility can go a long way

Scott Bryan: There’s nothing wrong with a relaxed take on copyright

Stopping viewers from sharing footage on social media risks losing the buzz created by great TV moments

Acelya Kancelik

‘Acelya brings clarity of thinking to complex storylines, and her insights are fresh, unexpected and nuanced’

Kaio Grizzelle

‘One of the sharpest and most impressive execs working across the digital landscape’

Art Sejdiu

‘His range is standout but, most of all, his manner is joyful and inclusive’

Eleanor Wight

‘Eleanor is a truly gifted development producer. She has really strong ideas and knows how to turn them into reality’

Hot Shots 2023: Writers

Kim Tserkezie, Nessa Wrafter, Charlie Quinn, Anna Costello, Imogen Greenberg, Nessah Muthy

Freya Judd

‘When the chips are down, Freya is someone you can rely on to be inventive and entrepreneurial in her approach to a script’

Heather Winstanley

‘Heather is a tenacious and passionate talent manager. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm for her work’

Anya Wilson

‘Anya is uniquely placed to influence great change in the industry with powerful stories’

Calum Leslie

‘He manages to get people on board and to open up in a way highly experienced film-makers struggle to do’

Soph Webberley

‘Soph goes above and beyond in all areas of her role. Her propensity for talent-spotting and her unique, fresh taste will stand her in good stead’

Nessah Muthy

‘An exceptional talent whose writing has genuine heart, warmth and emotional depth’

Lottie Naughton-Rumbo

‘Lottie is an incredibly dynamic, tenacious and exciting developer’

Martyna Knitter

‘Impressive commitment, drive and ability to transform challenges into opportunities’

Eloise Millard

‘She will work tirelessly to get it right and is always thinking about the audience. This is what makes her exceptional’

Zoe King

‘Zoe has an endless well of positivity even in the face of the most bonkers productions’

Nathalie Swain-Diaz

‘Nat cares deeply about her work, is fascinated by story and strives to meet the highest editorial and trust standards’

Hot Shots 2023: Researchers & assistant producers

Sarah Masiyiwa, Nathalie Swain-Diaz, Calum Leslie, Dan Viner, Eloise Millard, Maria McCloskey, Katharine McCallum, Will Robbins, Dion Hesson

Kariim Case

‘Always one step ahead of the zeitgeist’

Hot Shots 2023: Commissioners

Jess O’Riordan, Oliver Diamond, Art Sejdiu, Kaio Grizzelle

Katharine McCallum

‘Katharine will one day be our boss. She embraces new roles and duties and always excels’

Dan Viner

‘Dan is keen to listen and learn and has a great work ethic. His research is always thorough’

Alyona Synegina

‘With Alyona we got so much more. She pitched idea after idea and was a creative force’

Robert Hunter

‘Robert is a skilled writer, producer, sales person, negotiator and creative, with strong leadership skills’

Aurora Fearnley

‘Aurora is a fierce campaigner for disability rights and she wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power’

Hot Shots 2023: Producers & PDs

Steve Monger, Alyona Synegina, Louis Lee Ray, Ellie Merz, Chibuikem Oforka, Hassan Ghazi, Celia Jennison, Ruben Reuter, Georgina Lee, Pandora Monnas, Tafara Makopa

Anna Costello

‘Anna stands out as a real talent, not just because she is very funny, but because of how perceptive and considered she is’

Georgina Lee

‘A blockbuster year’

Celia Jennison

‘One of Celia’s greatest strengths is how seriously she takes duty of care. Her integrity and moral compass are second to none’

Chibuikem Oforka

‘He has a tireless work ethic and the determination to do right by the story’

Seb Jewell

‘His likeable and warm personality allows him to build strong relationships with clients, commissioners and producers’

Sam Ewen

‘A natural leader with a relentless flow of creative ideas’

Dion Hesson

‘I am genuinely in awe at the passion, dedication and intellectual engagement he brings to everything he’s involved with’

The Rosie Jones doc: Why I advised Channel 4 to go with that title

Channel 4 disability consultant Ally Castle explains the thinking behind the controversial name

What’s in a name? Provocative titles in the spotlight

Broadcasters are attempting to balance the need to stand out with the possibility of upsetting contributors or the public, says Chris Curtis