The Broadcast Angle

The latest broadcast stories making waves and why they should be on your radar

YouTube Overtakes ITV in UK Viewing, But the Numbers Need Context The latest figures show YouTube has overtaken ITV in total UK viewing time, prompting strong reaction from PSBs, indies and advertisers. There is talk of broadcasters collaborating more with YouTube, but concerns remain about short-form dominance among young audiences.

Here is the reality check: the most-watched content on YouTube is not news or drama, it is Peppa Pig, Baby Shark, and Bluey. That is an audience aged 0–5, a group most advertisers steer clear of. Outside of that, it is Mr Beast, which is a poor natural fit for most brands without serious spend. Regulation is far lighter too, meaning impartiality rules that bind PSBs simply do not apply. Yes, there is movement in how audiences split their time, but it is not the “TV is dead” moment some are claiming.

Let us not jump the proverbial (baby) shark.

GB News Ratings Win, But the Devil is in the Detail GB News is celebrating a July ratings milestone, beating BBC News Channel and Sky News in average daily viewership for certain slots. However, most BBC News consumption happens on BBC One during simulcasts, not on the News Channel, which makes the comparison tricky.

BARB’s “average audience” measures who is watching at a given moment, rewarding channels whose viewers stay longer. However, “weekly reach” still puts BBC News Channel at more than double GB News, with Sky almost double. These are broadcast-only figures, and once iPlayer data is factored in, the BBC’s lead will widen.

GB News’ win is real, but the bigger picture still favours the BBC and Sky. Numbers aside, it is a major player.

RAJAR Q2 2025: Commercial Radio Hits Record High Commercial radio has reached a record 55.7% share of UK listening, with online and smart speaker listening also at all-time highs. RAJAR’s Q2 figures show brand-by-brand growth, with several networks posting audience gains and podcasts continuing their upward trajectory. The trend cements commercial radio’s dominance in reach and engagement over BBC rivals.

Channel 4 Faces Advertiser Backlash Over Bonnie Blue Documentary Channel 4’s controversial documentary on influencer Bonnie Blue has sparked a wave of criticism from industry figures, the Children’s Commissioner, and the public. Several advertisers have pulled their campaigns, and Ofcom is now assessing viewer complaints. C4 is defending its editorial approach, saying the programme offered important insight and context. The broadcaster insists it followed strict compliance processes, but with ad revenue and public trust in play, this is a reputational storm that will not blow over quickly.

LadBible Group Moves into TV with FAST Channel Launch LadBible Group is stepping onto the television stage via a partnership with Samsung TV Plus, launching its first free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel. Alongside popular hits like Snack Wars and Agree to Disagree, it will debut original formats including Jury Room. Targeting the brand’s core young audience, the move aims to bridge the gap between online and living room viewing, and give advertisers a direct route into LadBible’s loyal fanbase.

Ofcom’s Media Nations 2025 Report: VoD, BVoD and Changing Habits Ofcom’s latest Media Nations report reveals continued growth for video-on-demand (VoD) and broadcaster video-on-demand (BVoD) platforms, with ad-supported tiers expanding their reach. Viewers are shifting further towards on-demand, particularly for drama and factual genres, while live viewing still dominates for sport and major events. PSB satisfaction remains high, but younger audiences are increasingly platform-agnostic. YouTube’s position in the market is strong, but the report also highlights challenges in monetising short-form viewing.

Global Academy Delivers Record Results Global Academy has celebrated a record year, with 62% of Year 13 students achieving Distinctions and a continued “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted. Students have secured high-profile industry placements, while the school has expanded its Year 14 Creative Enterprise pathway to support graduates transitioning into media careers. The results bolster Global’s role in nurturing the next generation of broadcasting talent.

BBC Asian Network Refreshes Schedule The BBC Asian Network is shaking up its schedule with Jaz Singh stepping into the weekday afternoon slot, Harleen Nottay launching The Everyday Hustle, and Kades & Mr.O taking over Friday nights. The changes aim to inject fresh energy and diversify the station’s line-up while maintaining its strong cultural and community focus.

Ken Bruce Heads to Edinburgh Fringe Ken Bruce will take his show to the Edinburgh Fringe, broadcasting live from Underbelly George Square. The run will feature celebrity guests, live music and festival coverage, bringing Bruce’s signature mix of charm and conversation to one of the UK’s biggest cultural stages.

BBC Farmwatch: 24 Hours of Farming Across Local Radio BBC Local Radio is uniting for a 24-hour Farmwatch special, delivering farmer-led content, live broadcasts and interactive segments. The project aims to highlight the realities of modern farming, from sustainability challenges to rural community life, while inviting listener participation throughout the day.

BBC Cuts News Quotas on Asian Network and Radio Foyle Ofcom has approved the BBC’s request to reduce news output on Asian Network and Radio Foyle, following public consultation. The move comes after a previous licence breach over Foyle changes, and while the BBC says it will focus resources on core output, the decision is likely to spark debate over local and minority news provision