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The Media Show: Whittingdale press cover-up?, Diversity at the BBC debate, TV drama rivalry

Whittingdale press cover-up?, Diversity at the BBC debate, TV drama rivalry

13/04/2016

BBC Radio 4 - The Media Show, Whittingdale press cover-up?, Diversity at the BBC debate, TV drama rivalry

Journalist James Cusick gives his views on why his Whittingdale story didn't run.

A look at the media world, including journalist James Cusick on why his Whittingdale story didn't run and discussion on the upcoming debate by political parties on BBC diversity.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale is facing calls to withdraw from involvement in regulation of the press following the disclosure that he had a relationship with a prostitute. Four newspapers knew he'd had a relationship with a woman who he later found out was a sex worker, but they didn't publish the story. Steve Hewlett talks to one of the journalists who had been investigating the claims - former political correspondent of the Independent James Cusick, and asks him his views about why he thinks the story didn't run. 

MPs from across political parties will debate diversity at the BBC in the House of Commons tomorrow. The MP David Lammy is leading the debate - he claims the BBC is falling short when it comes to maintaining its commitment to represent the UK and its nations and regions. Broadcasters have long acknowledged that diversity is a problem, both on and off screen. Steve Hewlett talks to Seetha Kumar, the CEO of Creative Skillset, which works with broadcasters to promote diversity. Formally a BBC Executive, she talks to him about the challenge of attracting BAME employees, and the problem in retaining them. 

TV dramas form an important part of how channels like ITV and BBC retain and grow audiences. Following the move of BBC controller of drama Polly Hill to ITV, we explore the long standing rivalry between the BBC and ITV; from "Howards Way" and "The Jewel in the Crown" to "Call the Midwife" and "Downton Abbey". Joining Steve Hewlett to discuss the ebbs and flows of TV drama since the 1980s are former BBC1 controller Jonathan Powell, and creator of "Holby City" Mal Young.

Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

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