The Media Show - 12/01/2011

Steve Hewlett presents a topical programme about the fast-changing media world. As former presenter Miriam O'Reilly celebrates winning an ageism case against the BBC, we ask whether this ruling will impact on who programme executives choose to be their on-air talent. A recent EastEnders storyline on sudden infant death syndrome has prompted a record number of complaints leading producers to announce they will cut the story short. Former channel controller Lorraine Heggessey and scriptwriter Simon Ashford ask whether a culture where complaints have such weight will lead to less creative drama. Why has Northern and Shell, which includes Express Newspapers, withdrawn from the Press Complaints Commission? What are the implications for press regulation in the UK? The Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is due to outline his plans for local television next week. It follows a report by Nicholas Shott in December, which suggested a network of around 10 local TV stations. But former Director General of the BBC and Chair of the Local Television Advisory Committee, Greg Dyke says the report is too cautious. He suggests that local TV could be commercially viable in at least 60 areas of the UK. We talk to him about how this more extensive network might operate, and how much it's likely to cost. The producer is Kathryn Takatsuki.