POST-graduate Journalism student, Sandra Juncu, from Edinburgh Napier University takes a look at what made it in the media today…
The Scotsman features BBC Scotland’s new weather presenter, Cat Cubie, on its front page, talking about her experiences working for the Euromillions lottery draw on BBC1. The Scottish Daily Mail (page 11) humorously comments “it’s going to start raining men”, as she will be joined by Stavros Danaos, from the Met Office, and Christopher Blanchett, BBC1 national forecasts producer. As reported yesterday on allmediascotland, the change in presenters comes after former leading ladies – Judith Ralston, Gail McGrane and Gillian Smart – are all expecting babies within weeks of each other (Scottish Daily Express, page 3).
The Scotsman (page 21) and the Scottish Daily Mail (page 13) also both report on BBC executives expenses. Although promises are said to have beenmade to cut down on spending, the Mail reveals recent figures show a seven per cent year-to-year growth. Senior managers reportedly claimed a monthly £716 on ‘team-building events’ and more than £1000 on ‘thank you’ meals. The Scotsman compares the £28,000 monthly cab fare bill to the average UK salary, detailing that Radio 3 controller, Roger Wright, is understood to have accounted for eight per cent of the entire sum: some £2300. A spokesperson for the BBC is quoted by The Scotsman saying: “Naturally we expect senior managers to take the most efficient route to and from meetings, but it isn’t always feasible for senior managers to use public transport every time. Public transport doesn’t afford the confidentiality or ease of contact that is often required during the course of their journey.”
Also in the Scotsman (page 16) Tim Cornwell interviews new head of Edinburgh Film Festival, James Mulligham. The former journalist says he is looking at venues for this year’s edition while coping with a significantly lower budget. Mulligham lets us in on his plans to modernise the festival by giving “the opportunity for young people to participate and feel invited”, keeping in mind that Edinburgh’s “role and ultimate ambition will always be to walk proudly on the international stage”.
Other media stories:
* Alex Brummer, City editor of the Daily Mail was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the WorkWorld Media Awards. During his 40-year career, the journalist has also been honoured with the Financial Journalist of the Year Award at the British Press Awards and the Newspaper Journalist of the Year Award, at the WorkWorld Media Awards (Scottish Daily Mail, page 2).
* The perjury trial of former MSP, Tommy Sheridan, is to be dramatised in a radio show. Actor, Gavin Mitchell, will take the lead role in the BBC Scotland’s production, playing the ex Scottish Socialistt Party leader (The Scottish Sun, page 3).
