The BBC has been criticised after its decision to scrap free TV licences in a move that will affect the majority of pensioners over the age 75. Following a public consultation, the BBC Board decided that from June 2020 only those households with someone who is both over 75 and in receipt of Pension Credit will be entitled to a free TV licence paid for by the broadcaster. Currently all households with people over 75 are entitled to a free TV licence. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield’s pitch to host a new national headquarters for Channel 4 has been submitted with the support of Sheffield Council, South Yorkshire regional mayor, Dan Jarvis, and local filmakers and educational institutions. With the message “If Channel 4 was a city it would be Sheffield” the bid document sets out the city’s offer including potential city centre locations and opportunities to engage with and develop the region’s filmmaking talent. Cities across the UK are competing to host the new national headquarters or one of two new Creative Hubs as part of Channel 4 plans to increase its profile and expenditure outside of London. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohamed spoke to Dan Jarvis and to Sheffield Council cabinet member for business and investment, Mazher Iqbal.
5 Star Wrestling and FreeSports TV channel have announced a broadcast deal that will see the return of weekly free-to-view live wrestling on TV including from Sheffield’s Fly DSA Arena. The deal was announced at the Arena which will also host one of the first events in the series on 15 February. Love Island’s Adam Maxted and former WWE World Champion Jack Swagger are among celebrities and wrestling stars that have signed up. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield Council has submitted proposals to bring Channel 4 to the city in response to a government consultation on relocation of the public service television channel. Sheffield faces stiff competition from Cardiff, Liverpool, Bradford and Birmingham, as well as Manchester where the BBC’s Media City is situated. Government is seeking views on relocation of the broadcaster’s activities to an outside London location to help drive creative jobs in the regions. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Councillor Mazher Iqbal.
Comedy Central has brought its FriendsFest tribute event to Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park where fans of the hit US sitcom can sit on Monica’s orange sofa and drink from Central Perk mugs. It is over thirteen years since Friends finished its hugely successful run on TV screens around the world but for Sheffield fans of Ross, Rachel, Chandler and the rest of the gang, FriendsFest offered a trip down memory lane. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
The Children’s Media Conference, taking place over four days this week, brings together practitioners and commissioners involved in TV, radio and interactive media for children. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The local TV channel for Sheffield marked its second anniversary with an invitation to get involved. Sheffield Live! TV launched in September 2014, providing a diverse programme schedule, from politics to poetry, and working alongside Sheffield Live! community radio and the SheffieldLive.org website. The channel operates on a not-for-profit basis and is open to volunteers, community reporters, and independent producers. Presenter and reporter Simon Thake spoke to Steve Buckley, Chair of Sheffield Live!