21-08-2022, 12:15 PM
I think one of the problems for journalism is the continued decimation of local and regional broadcasting and local newspapers. Cuts to local radio and regional TV, and the transformation of local newspapers from substantial operations to a token coverage of a few news stories padded with clickbait reduce the opportunities for people to hone their craft, reducing the number of people who are ready to move onto a national stage.
Almost all of the list of names you mention all started in local/regional broadcasting or newspapers:
Jill Dando - Weston Mercury, BBC Spotlight
Emily Maitlis - BBC London
Laura Kuenssberg - BBC North East
Michael Buerk - Bromsgrove Messenger, South Wales Echo, BBC Radio Bristol
John Humphrys - Pennarth Times, Western Mail, TWW, BBC North West
Andrew Marr - The Scotsman
Eddie Mair - Radio Tay, BBC Radio Scotland
Those opportunities are few and far between now. As I mentioned in one of the threads around the Women's Euros, regarding the excellent commentary from Robyn Cowen (ex Radio Oxford), the role of local radio as a talent incubator for network seems to be being forgotten in the current death by a thousand cuts. The same can probably by said of the BBC News Channel's current predicament.
In terms of light entertainment, the demise of Saturday morning kids TV is surely a factor as has been noted. Ant, Dec, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Stephen Mulhern, so many of ITV's core go-to talent came through that route. (And historically, a certain Noel Edmonds on the other side)
Almost all of the list of names you mention all started in local/regional broadcasting or newspapers:
Jill Dando - Weston Mercury, BBC Spotlight
Emily Maitlis - BBC London
Laura Kuenssberg - BBC North East
Michael Buerk - Bromsgrove Messenger, South Wales Echo, BBC Radio Bristol
John Humphrys - Pennarth Times, Western Mail, TWW, BBC North West
Andrew Marr - The Scotsman
Eddie Mair - Radio Tay, BBC Radio Scotland
Those opportunities are few and far between now. As I mentioned in one of the threads around the Women's Euros, regarding the excellent commentary from Robyn Cowen (ex Radio Oxford), the role of local radio as a talent incubator for network seems to be being forgotten in the current death by a thousand cuts. The same can probably by said of the BBC News Channel's current predicament.
In terms of light entertainment, the demise of Saturday morning kids TV is surely a factor as has been noted. Ant, Dec, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Stephen Mulhern, so many of ITV's core go-to talent came through that route. (And historically, a certain Noel Edmonds on the other side)