Entertainment

Channel 4 privatisation could put us out of business, say TV production firms

More than 40 small TV and film production companies behind shows such as Derry Girls and Say Yes to the Dress have come together to warn that the government’s proposed privatisation of Channel 4 could put them out of business.

The 44 companies, dotted across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Yorkshire, have taken out a full-page advertisement in Tuesday’s edition of the Daily Telegraph – apparently timed to hit readers during the Conservative party conference in Manchester.

The ad, placed in what is traditionally seen as the Tories’ house newspaper, argues that selling Channel 4 – which is state-owned but commercially funded through TV ad revenue and is not required to turn a profit – would be the antithesis of the government’s pledge to “level up” businesses and communities across the country.

“It would cost jobs, reduce investment, and place companies at risk in the nations and regions,” the ad states. “From production companies who should know.”

Firms that have co-signed the ad include Hat Trick, the maker of the hit comedy Derry Girls, and True North, the indie behind shows such as Say Yes to the Dress: Lancashire.

“A privatised Channel 4 would be a disaster for all small to medium-sized production companies,” said Jannine Waddell, the managing director of Waddell Media, the producer of series including Britain’s Most Expensive Houses.

“No matter what the government says, the programming remit would change and that would hurt all of us. Would a commercially focused owner really get behind something like the Paralympics? We are Channel 4’s biggest supplier in Northern Ireland, and the impact here would be massive.”

Last month the former culture secretary John Whittingdale, who led a 2016 exploration to privatise Channel 4 that was ultimately abandoned by the government, said any new owner would have to maintain the broadcaster’s commitments to regional output and commissioning shows from independent producers.

A report by Ampere Analysis found that over the past two years Channel 4 worked with more than 200 small production companies, more than any other broadcaster, with 140 of those relying on it for half or more of all their TV work. It argued that a new owner would make deep cuts to Channel 4’s programming to make it more profitable, which could put up to 60 small production companies at risk of going out of business.

“The view across the industry is that, in the drive to ‘level up’ Britain, a Channel 4 in public ownership is the best ally the government could have,” said Dermot Lavery, a co-founder of DoubleBand Films, maker of programmes including Britain’s Ancient Tracks.

He said the broadcaster “would help hundreds of new privately owned [production] companies to be seeded – the indies of the future – making sure the largesse in public service broadcasting can be spread fairly across the country. A privately owned Channel 4 would kill that.”

Entertainment

Singer, Rema donates N105m to Christ embassy

Nigerian international musical celebrity, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has donated the sum of N105 million to Christ Embassy Church, Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo-born musician was in the state for the celebration of Edo@33 and performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the 6,000-capacity Edo Dome and a musical concert at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium at the invitation of the state government.

Rema, who donated to the Edo Regional Headquarters of the church, located at Erediauwa Street off Ekenwa Road, said it was in appreciation of the church’s support for his family during a difficult period in his childhood.

The international musical artist, who was at the church for a thanksgiving service, recounted the role the church played in his family’s life after the loss of his father when he was just eight years old.

According to him: “I am not here to give myself any form of accolades or glory but to give to God the glory.

“And, I felt it was important to give back to the church that has embraced me, prayed for me and kept me very consistent with my spirit.

“When I was eight years old when I lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned.

“All that we had were taken from us and we felt alone, and I remember at the time Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church; they opened a shop for my mum, and that was what she managed to take care of and feed us.”

He said, in the spirit of giving in appreciation of what the church did for his family, he donated the sum of N150 million to the church.

“Firstly, I want to give a pledge of N40 million to the infrastructural development of the church, N20 million to the Rhapsody of Realities publication, and, being a fact that I came from the teen church, I also like to pledge N25 million to the church.

“And just to add to that, if there is any widow in church today, I am pledging N20 million to assist all the widows in attendance,” he added.

Entertainment

Bbnaija 1 runner up, Francisca Owumi is dead

Former Big Brother Naija reality show star, Francisca Owumi, is dead

The reality star passed away following a brief illness.

Francisca Owumi, the runner up of the first edition of BBNaija television show in 2006, died on August 29, 2024.

Announcing her death on social media, her family wrote; “A daughter and sister. Make her soul rest in peace, Amen.”

The late Francisca, known for her fierce dancing moves, was present in the house with the winner of the show Katung Aduwak, Gideon Okeke, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Maureen Osuji, and others.

After the show, she briefly entered the Nigerian music scene with the singles “Diva” and “Gbadun You.”

Entertainment

Actor Adeniyi Johnson reacts as AFRIMEK suspends him

The African Men Entertainment Kings, AFRIMEK club has suspended actor Adeniyi Johnson

AFRIMEK, led by actor Femi Adebayo suspended Adeniyi over gross misconduct and breach of its constitution.

Reacting to the development, Adeniyi noted that he was existing before joining the club.

Expressing his disappointment in a lengthy post on social media, the actor urged his fans to stay calm as he handles the matter.

“It saddens my heart that my honourable club made such a derogatory post about me. Please note that I’m not bigger than the club, but before the club there has been Adeniyi Johnson. If care is not taken, that post will do more harm than good.

“I feel this is detrimental to my name, family, standard, and even more importantly, my brand. I hereby implore my family, friends, and fans to stay calm and continue to show unwavering love and support.

“To all associates, I remain my humble self and thank you for the continuous belief and trust. God pass us all.”

AFRIMEK is a club recognized for its prominent members in the entertainment field.

The club’s notable members, include Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta and Jamiu Azeez Olamilekan.