[DTV]

I’ve said it in a previous post but just to reiterate: visualising radio isn’t a solution. It completely misses the point that television is about pictures. Why do I want to sit and watch Evan Davies speak into a microphone? What’s your plan for when a package is played?

It's 2022, it isn't hard to create bi-modal packages that contain illustrative visuals, while still working for radio - indeed voiced-over footage + basic graphics/data visualisation templates is very similar to how rolling news is presented anyway. PM also contains a lot of in-studio content and DtL interviews, which, again, isn't really that different to a lot of current NC output, just in a radio studio instead. It might not be optimal presentation-wise, but when your choice is between something and nothing, you don't get picky about how the something is presented. I would also imagine that any visualised radio studios are going to be tarted up a bit, in the manner of the LBC studios, so it shouldn't be too bad.

Also I expect they'll have to find something to fit in the 17:00-18:00 slot by the Autumn. Focus on Africa is pegged to 17:30 GMT and the BBC also produce that for external broadcasters. I'm not sure there will be much desire to put that on BBC News (UK), even in the highest simulcast scenario.

Totally agree with you on this. They need to commit to what they’re doing. There is zero benefit in simulcasting what’s being shown on BBC1 - just stick to the world news premise and ensure that where to find domestic and local news is clearly signposted, otherwise it just becomes a confusing mess. 

Not sure I agree here. If they were to actually commit to a fully international channel, that'd be one thing (although I don't think it would be optimal). But we all know that there would be a good chance of the BBC caving into public criticism and introducing more UK content on the channel - creating the unsatisfactory smudge that serves neither audience. I have no problem with simulcasts in the evening, as the main World audience then is Europe and US who are more open to some UK content. But afternoons need to be kept separate - it is both peak developing UK news time and primetime in several key World markets - it just wouldn't mix. And if it isn't kept separate from the get-go, it isn't going to be separated later on.