Time for repentance and new ideas
Two commercial sectors, meanwhile, will have much to cheer in 2013.
Television advertising, long predicted to evaporate in a multichannel, digital
environment, looks strong. BSkyB will compete with the BBC to export television
across the globe. Commercial broadcasters are searching for another “Downton
Abbey”, a thoroughly British costume drama actually made as an American
co-production. Even as Downton’s last swish of silk disappears, advertisers will
pursue its audience of prosperous female viewers.
The new golden age of radio will continue with a revived commercial side
likely to make still more money in 2013. Capital Radio, headed by Stephen Miron,
is creating young bands and hosting big concerts, as well as playing noisy
tracks to cabbies and teenagers. Mr Miron has shown that a well-targeted station
with attractive add-ons can win listeners. The proliferation of whizzy digital
devices is good for radio. Fresh ideas and some commercial innovation are even
better.
