Blog Post

Big Talk November 2017: ITV News, Good Morning Britain and the One Show

16. Nov 2017

Three fantastic speakers from broadcast news, a load of great insights and a room full of PR and communications professionals… yes, it was another successful Shout! Communications Big Talk.

https://vimeo.com/51589652

Our speakers were a great complement to each other both in terms of the content of their programmes, but also in how they have embraced technology. The room was particularly impressed when Richard Gaisford got out the kit he operates single-handedly to broadcast his on-location reports.

We were privileged to present:

  • Sandy Smith, Editor of BBC One’s The One Show
  • Richard Gaisford, Chief Correspondent for ITV’s breakfast programme Good Morning Britain
  • Matt Williams, Head of Home News for ITV News.

We will be writing a blog on each talk, but in the meantime here’s a quick summary:

Matt Williams – Head of Home News, ITV News

Matt opened the Big Talk in defiant mood denying that broadcast TV news was going the same way as newspapers and insisting that it is still the most powerful vehicle for communicating news. ITV news has regular audience of 7 million viewers but needs to adapt to the changing broadcast landscape.

He talked about mobile phone technology revolutionising news and the power of citizen journalism. Some of their most dramatic footage has come in this way including a filmed account by the killer of soldier Lee Rigby.

Matt felt that the new digital horizon means that ITV can reach an audience without borders.

Richard Gaisford – Chief Correspondent, Good Morning Britain

Richard said there have been seismic changes over the last five years and this is because of internet technology and the evolution of kit. For less than £5000 broadcasters can transmit in high definition quality anywhere on the planet as long as there is a strong wi-fi signal.

Gone are the days of satellite trucks and engineers – issues with line of sight, cables and health and safety concerns.

He demonstrated LiveU the technology Good Morning Britain use which fitted neatly into a small rucksack.

GMB is now able to cover stories on their journalistic merit rather than the cost of sending.

Sandy Smith – Editor, The One Show

Our final speaker proudly told the audience that he was flying the flag for old school and that’s what makes the One Show so unique. The show has a loyal audience of 4 million viewers who watch live. He summed up the essence of stories that would interest the programme which includes having a heart, an optimistic tone and ideally set outside of London. The programme relies heavily on production companies to produce their features and typically they are not pegged to the news agenda. Sandy showed a moving film centred around the excavation of the old Reno Club in Manchester.

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