May 2017 Newsletter
Welcome to IBT’s May newsletter with an update on our work and relevant news from the media industry. (Download/Print this Newsletter)
We have two events this month – they are open to all IBT members, and our Report launch is open to the general public as well. If you’d like to attend then please either let me know or register online.
Launch of new IBT report Video first – making an impact
On Tuesday May 16th, we will be launching our new research report Video first – making an impact. The launch event will take place at the Channel 4 offices in Horseferry Road. Speakers include Daniel Pearl, Channel 4’s deputy head of news and current affairs, and Max Gogarty, BBC3’s Executive Editor. Sophie Chalk, the report author, will present a summary of the findings. More details here http://www.ibt.org.uk/events/ibt-report-launch/
Social media refresher
On Thursday May 25th we will be running a half day social media training session which will include a refresher on the four main social media sites – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. We’ll look at new features and trends and give advice on the capability and uses for each site. The two trainers will be social media specialists Zoe Amar and Martin Carter. This is a free event for IBT members but places are limited. More details here http://www.ibt.org.uk/events/social-media-refresher/
Last month’s briefing with BBC News online
Last month we heard from Angus Foster, World editor at BBC News online. He talked us through the latest changes at the BBC website and advised on the best way to pitch ideas. His advice was to pitch direct to the regional editors for Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and he gave us their contact details. A detailed note on the briefing can be found on the members’ page of the IBT website.
More on briefings
After each briefing I produce a note which I circulate to all the attendees to share with colleagues. The note usually includes email addresses for all the key contacts from that organization so it’s a useful way to keep your contacts up to date. Notes for past briefings can be found on the members’ page of the IBT website.
Climate change film pitch
IBT has launched a competition for the best climate change short documentary proposal. We are running this jointly with The Guardian and Sheffield DocFest. The pitch is open now and the closing date is Tuesday May 9th. The winning proposal will receive £7,500 of development funding and the opportunity to be screened on Guardian online. If you’re planning to attend DocFest, you can watch the shortlisted filmmakers pitch their ideas in front of an audience at 4.30pm on Monday June 12th. More information can be found on the Docfest website.
https://sheffdocfest.com/articles/457-the-guardian-documentary-pitch-in-association-with-ibt
#BiggerBritain campaign
Congratulations to all those involved in the #BiggerBritain campaign urging the Government to reaffirm its commitment to spending 0.7% of GDP on aid. The campaign was successful when Theresa May announced that there would be no change to the commitment in the next Conservative party manifesto. Labour, the LibDems, the SNP and the Greens all remain committed to 0.7.
One World Media awards
Tickets go on sale later this week for the One World Media awards which celebrate the best media coverage of the developing world. The annual awards will take place this year on Tuesday June 6th at BAFTA in the west end. Shortlisted entries for the TV documentary category include The Exodus: Our Journey to Europe (BBC2), The White Helmets (Netflix) and China: Between Clouds and Dreams (Channel 4). Those shortlisted for the international journalist of the year include Guillermo Galdos (Channel 4 News), Christina Lamb (The Sunday Times) and Ian Panell (BBC News). More information here http://www.oneworldmedia.org.uk/awards/
Best wishes
Mark
