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‘The Office’ Producer Ash Atalla Says This Week Saw “Black Monday” For TV Industry After Proposed Layoffs At Channel 4 & Paramount


This week saw a “Black Monday” for the TV industry due to the proposed layoffs at Channel 4 and Paramount, according to storied The Office and IT Crowd producer Ash Atalla. Atalla predi…

He said mid-range factual shows costing £150,000 ($190,000) to £250,000 ($317,000) per hour have “disappeared from the market,” but Banijay labels making premium unscripted are “smashing it out the park,” while he cited opportunities in priority areas outside of London. Furthermore, Atalla predicted broadcasters may opt for more lower-budget scripted shows in the vein of ITV’s smash post office drama – its biggest hit since Downton Abbey – and he said this is “not a bad thing.” He urged broadcasters to continue taking risks on new talent and said a digital-first strategy allows them to do this, pointing out thatJack Rooke’s Big Boys performs poorly on linear overnights but its second season is 40% up on the first when all viewing is taken into account.

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