More evidence of regression in diversity in TV in terms of gender & ageism. Percentage of women creators of original TV shows down by 25% in just 2 years since Covid. Would be interested to know which producers Katja Meier tried pitching her script to. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jan/24/the-industry-is-broken-writer-wants-ageism-and-sexism-in-television-left-on-cutting-room-floor?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Some interesting insights on the year ahead from Clare Thompson at K7 Media consultancy last week. In short: it's not all doom and gloom going forward, she said. Although the US networks are belt tightening when it comes to scripted, the market for unscripted - especially entertainment / reality is growing. New formats are still the Holy Grail eg Traitors has gone from 11 adaptations in 2023 to 30 last year. There was also still strong demand for 'Mid-Budget' shows/ formats globally - even if it's getting more difficult with UK broadcasters. EG Sort Your Life Out was now the BBC's biggest selling show internationally. 1/2

Delighted to see my big brother Max coming out ahead of Marlon Brando (and Carry on Cleo) in the Guardian's 'Best Films About Romans' list. Delighted and somewhat surprised ... as anyone who has actually seen Satyricon will appreciate.
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/oct/17/are-you-not-entertained-the-xviii-best-films-about-the-romans-ranked?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Hearing Donald Trump, JD Vance et al spouting baseless, racist claims about Haitian immigrants stealing and eating pet cats and dogs, reminded me that this is a recurring fabrication of the right and far right. Back in my Fleet Street days, I remember covering the Sun newspaper's equally incendiary - and equally untrue - story, 'Swan Bake'. That claimed that ''callous asylum seekers'' (because what other kind is there?) from Eastern Europe were poaching and barbecuing swans from the Royal Parks. It followed up the next day with ''Now they're after our fish'', based on another unsubstantiated - and false - rumour, devoid of fact ... or fact checking. Then there was the ever-original Daily Star's story about ''asylum seekers ...'' [them again!] '' ... eating our donkeys'' which, surprise surprise, was also complete cobblers.