Latest news with #Bosses
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fare increases planned for Ring and Ride buses
Fares for the region's Ring and Ride services are set to increase for the first time in eight years due to cost pressures. Charges for a single trip would rise from £1.30 to £2 if the plans are approved by West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) board later this month. Board members are also expected to award contracts to operators which will guarantee the service for a minimum of five years from 1 December. Demand for Ring and Ride services has grown steadily, according to WMCA figures which show 2,487 people have taken a trip in the last six months. Bosses said the last week of March was the busiest since the start of 2020, when the service was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The authority currently provides a subsidy of nearly £6.5m per year to run the service but this is almost half the figure from 2010/11 when its budget was around £12 million. A WMCA report said income from fares brought in about £250,000 per year and that this was reinvested into the service. Despite rises in inflation, charges have remained the same since April 2017. The fees are much lower than the region's fixed route bus network – which will see fares increased further later this month – which has led to concerns people who do not need Ring and Ride might attempt to switch to it. "Fares are now significantly lower than the standard single bus fares despite the significantly higher level of customer service," the report said. "The current scenario could also potentially drive people who don't need this service to switch to it rather than using fixed route bus. "Without any fares adjustments the service will become increasingly unsustainable and place further pressure on the transport levy." If approved, the new Ring and Ride fare structure would be: £2 – Registered user aged 16+ / essential escort carer (up from £1.30) £1 – Registered user aged 5-15 (up from 65p) £2 – Adult travelling with registered user (down from £2.40) £1 – Child travelling with a registered user (up from 65p) Children under the age of 5 will still travel for free This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Hundreds of jobs saved at Ring and Ride service Strategy to improve bus network could cost £44m 'Ghost buses' and cut services: Passengers complain as bus cap rises WMCA Local Democracy Reporting Service
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
The Irish holiday park with water cars, go-karts, tubing and new sand playground and it's minutes from busy town
TAKE a look at this Irish holiday park with go-karts, archery and a new playground - it's perfect for families. As 5 The park is located in Co Wicklow Credit: River Valley 5 There's fast-paced go-karting on offer Credit: River Valley And River Valley, Co Nestled in the stunning green countryside of the Garden County, the adventure centre offers everything you'll need for an escape. During the day, there are heaps of outdoor activities on offer. One option is the unique downhill tubing, where visitors race downhill in an inflatable donut. Read more in Travel Bosses said: "An exhilarating activity for all the family which involves grabbing a snow tube and racing downhill on 3 tracks on an artificial snow surface. No previous experience is required." There are also electric go-karts, the first of their kind in Ireland. The fast-paced activity involves driving your own speedy car around a huge track. Another unique activity on site is the water cars, which are remote-controlled toys that you can race on the water. Most read in Family There are also remote controlled sail boats for those who want to manoeuvre at a slower pace. Plus, the park is filled with plenty of playgrounds that are ideal for young A new playground includes a huge sand pit and visitors are advised to bring a bucket and spade. Plus, the Fort Apache playground is home to swings, slides, and a zipline. Also on site is a crazy golf course ideal for those who aren't an ace on the green. Bosses said: "Crazy golf offers guaranteed enjoyment for the whole "Who is the most skilled, and takes the fewest shots to tap the ball into the hole? "It's funny how the kids quite often get the better of the adults here!" At night, River Valley offers multiple sleeping options, from log cabins to mobile homes. The Paddock Lodge is a self-catering lodge featuring all you need in a home-from-home that can sleep from four to six people. The log cabin option is a luxury self-catering accommodation that sleeps six people. And there are two and three bed mobile homes that provide the perfect family space. River Valley is also located just minutes away from Redcross Village, a quaint countryside town. It boasts cosy pubs for those who want to take the night off from cooking and has traditional Irish music on certain days. 5 There are multiple playgrounds on-site Credit: River Valley 5 Overnight stays are available with glamping options on offer Credit: River Valley 5 The tubing is a fun option for the entire family Credit: River Valley
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars fear soaps ‘could be MERGED forever' to save cash amid ITV cuts
ITV staffers are still reeling from Tuesday's dramatic culling of Daytime, which left many big names fearing for their jobs. And according to insiders, 5 Soap stars are said to be bracing themselves for Corrie and Emmerdale to merge amid the ITV cuts Credit: ITV 5 It's been announced Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year Credit: Shutterstock 5 And Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year Credit: Shutterstock That's the big concern from cast and crew working on ITV juggernauts Coronation Street and Emmerdale, who are anticipating major changes in the coming months, most of which are filling them with dread. A TV insider told The Sun: 'After the Daytime announcement, the big feeling within the soap departments at ITV is the cost-cutting focus will shift to them. 'There's been some seismic changes already over the past year in regards to penny pinching and many believe that's just the start. 'Given the big audience figures and institutional history within ITV, soaps used to have an untouchable feel about them. More on Coronation Street 'But that's changed significantly and they now feel more vulnerable than ever.' Earlier this year, ITV announced from January 2026, Bosses attempted to spin the new streamlined output by branding the new soap schedule as ITV's new 'Power Hour', with Emmerdale airing at 8pm followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm, Monday to Friday. However, the move is expected to cut up to 75 jobs, with many crewmembers already drafted into redundancy meetings. Most read in Soaps And with former Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North John Whiston retiring this month, Iain MacLeod - who has helmed both Emmerdale and Corrie before - has been promoted. The Executive Producer for Continuing Drama is now Creative Director and takes on all editorial responsibility for leading the creative teams who produce both Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Reporting directly to the managing director of ITV, Iain will be the last word on both shows, adding to a feeling that a merge, at least backstage, is coming. But another great concern is also looming surrounding ITV chiefs have gone on record to confirm the special episode, which will see the many of the characters from both soaps cross paths, as a 'one night only' experience. ITV Daytime Shake-Up: Major Changes to Lorraine and Loose Women Revealed However, insiders claim the move is not just a gimmick to publicise the new schedule, it's also a mini experiment to see if crew can work across both soaps in another cost-cutting exercise. The TV insider added: 'The crossover episode has provided much fanfare but there is a deeper reason behind it. 'Viewers may think it's just Ken Barlow turning up in the Woolpack or Mandy Dingle popping into Roy's Rolls, but behind the wacky plotlines is a genuine glimpse into the future of how crewmembers will be expected to work, being across both soaps. 'It's a galling prospect for many but could end up being a reality and there's a feeling significant savings could be made on production costs - even if the quality of the output will be seriously affected.' And another big worry coming from the talent-side is yet more episode cuts. The move to reduce episodes from six to five came as a shock to cast and there's an expectancy the only way is down from here. Another source said: 'Castmembers on both soaps are fuming and also concerned by the cuts. 'Their livelihoods are at stake and they feel it puts incredible pressure on the downsized teams to produce the same quality output with over 200 jobs cut. 'It feels like a kick in the teeth,' added the source. The Sun revealed earlier this year cost-cutting on Corrie even saw bosses cut back using multiple characters on each episode to keep appearance fees down. ITV's daytime TV schedule changes in full Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes to run from 6am to 9.30am daily. Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year. During the weeks Lorraine is not on air, Good Morning Britain will run from 6am to 10am. This Morning will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays throughout the year. Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year. The changes will take effect from January 2026. Historically, cast would get a standard fee for appearing in an episode - even if it was for just one scene - but that's now been scaled back. And the older stars, many of whom are on big contracts, have been overlooked in favour of using cheaper newcomers. ITV showed their ruthless streak this week but culling award-winning shows including Loose Women and Lorraine, Long-running panel show Loose Women will now only be shown in term time and Lorraine has been cut down from one hour episodes to 30-minutes - also airing 30 weeks of the year. The move comes despite Lorraine Kelly's show seeing a ratings spike and Loose Women winning awards. Bosses want both shows, as well as This Morning, to be directed and produced by one team sharing resources and operations. The culling of Daytime, and the feared butchering of Coronation Street and Emmerdale, will free up more cash for ITV to make blockbuster dramas, such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and improve coverage of big sporting tournaments including the World Cup, which they see as big revenue drivers. Just like soaps used to be… An ITV spokeswoman said: "These claims aren't true. ITV has been clear that the crossover episode is a one-off occasion to launch the new scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale in January 2026. "Both programmes will then continue to broadcast separate, individual episodes. "The crossover episode will be purely story driven and is a first for British Soap. "The idea certainly hasn't been conceived for financial reasons. In fact the spectacular combined launch episode will cost a great deal more than regular episodes. "We are proud to have the opportunity to be able to deliver this special moment for fans of both programmes." 5 Corrie legend Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache Credit: ITV 5 Long-serving Emmerdale resident Mandy Dingle, played by Lisa Riley Credit: ITV
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Channel 4 cuts spending on programmes as finances squeezed
Channel 4 is spending less on making programmes than almost ever before as it ramps up efforts to bolster its finances. The broadcaster, which has produced hits such as Big Boys and Married at First Sight UK, spent £643m on shows last year, including £489m on UK-made programmes. This was down from £663m the previous year and is among the smallest amounts that Channel 4 has committed to programming since it was launched in 1982, when adjusted for inflation. The broadcaster spent less in real terms at the height of the pandemic in 2020, as well as several years in the 90s. The drop-off demonstrates ongoing cost-cutting efforts at Channel 4, which is grappling with a decline in advertising and a broader exodus of younger viewers to streaming rivals and social media platforms. However, Channel 4 insisted it was growing faster than many of its streaming rivals, as it racked up a record 1.8bn views last year. The company added that the amount of money it was spending on programming, in proportion to its revenues, was also higher now than in previous years. The latest spending figures were released as Channel 4 also announced radical new plans to make its own TV shows. The broadcaster has previously been blocked from making its own programmes, instead buying them from independent production companies. However, this restriction was lifted following an unsuccessful attempt to privatise the broadcaster by the previous Conservative government. The company is now searching for a TV executive to lead these in-house facilities, and production is expected to start next year. Bosses said the production company will be focused on factual entertainment, reality and entertainment genres that have the potential to be sold to other broadcasters and streaming rivals. It comes amid criticism of Channel 4's reality programming, which often revolves around sex and dating. This includes its new show, Virgin Island, which The Telegraph dubbed 'painfully awkward for all involved' in a recent review. In recent years, Channel 4 has diverted programming spend away from daytime shows and towards reality series and dramas. Alongside in-house production, the broadcaster will start to acquire majority stakes in indie production companies through a new dedicated fund. Channel 4 has previously angered small producers by slashing its budgets. However, it has insisted that its move into production will be gradual, while the company is increasing its quota of shows sourced from independent producers from 25pc to 35pc. Trade body Pact, which represents the independent production sector, said it was 'bitterly disappointed' by Channel 4's plans to start buying up producers, saying this would 'directly impact market share in an already fragile market'. John McVay, Pact's chief executive, added: 'Having fought very hard against the privatisation of Channel 4, this is a bitter pill to swallow for the indie sector.' Alex Mahon, Channel 4's chief executive, described the production overhaul as 'one of the more important changes in our history'. She added: 'We do welcome this new opportunity, but we also understand that we have to manage this transition quite carefully.' The embattled broadcaster slashed around 200 jobs last year – the biggest round of cuts in its history – and announced plans to sell its London headquarters after crashing to a record deficit of £52m. The savings helped the channel, which is publicly owned but commercially funded, to narrow its deficit to £2m in 2024. Revenues were broadly flat after rising 1pc to just over £1bn. Despite the cuts, Ms Mahon, the outgoing chief executive, saw her pay jump by almost 30pc to £1.3m last year. Dawn Airey, interim chairman, defended the pay increase, saying: 'Last year was a challenging year, but they [management] did really well.' She added: 'Every organisation has to evolve and that also, I'm afraid, does involve looking at the structure and what people are doing and where they're employed. And organisations do, alas, have to shed folks from time to time.' Channel 4 is currently without a chairman after Sir Ian Cheshire stood down last month after three years in the role. Ms Mahon has also announced that she will step down this summer, leaving the broadcaster rudderless at a critical time. Jonathan Allan, chief operating officer, will lead the company on an interim basis. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Netflix users rage ‘I'm going to cancel' as streamer reveals major change to ads
NETFLIX has revealed plans to introduce yet more ads to its streaming platform in a move that has enraged users. The TV and movie-making giant is launching generative AI ads that blend in with the content you're watching. 2 Generative AI will make ads blend in with favourites like Stranger Things Credit: Netflix 2 Ads will start to appear when you pause too Credit: Getty So a product might appear placed over a background inspired by hits like But that's not all - Netflix is also preparing to roll out pause ads. The firm has been testing such a feature since last year but now it's going to appear in all countries where ad subscription plans are available from 2026. It means whenever you pause what you're watching an ad will show up rather than a freeze frame of your show or movie. Read more about Netflix Netflix introduced the ad tier to the UK and US as a way to offer cheaper subscriptions. The plan now has a stonking 94million monthly users , up from 40millio n this time last year. But frustrated users have not welcomed the development and some are threatening to cancel. "Nobody likes AI," one person wrote on X. Most read in Tech "Guess it's time to cancel the subscription." Another commented: "I'm at the point of cancelling all of them and just buying DVDs." Netflix unveils first TV make-over in 10 years for millions of viewers A third added: "if this happens to me 1 time I will cancel and never come back after 20 years." Netflix currently has three types of subscription plan, though it previously had four for a brief period. The original Basic plan, which was the cheapest without ads, was Bosses have hinted that different plans could be launched in future too. The move comes as a This not only includes a new look but a "simpler navigation" and "responsive recommendations". WHAT DO YOU CURRENTLY GET WITH NETFLIX? Here's what you need to know... Netflix Standard with Ads Price: £5.99 UK / $7.99 US Ad-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games Watch on 2 supported devices at a time Watch in 1080p (Full HD) Download on 2 supported devices at a time Netflix Standard Price: £12.99 UK / $17.99 US Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games Watch on 2 supported devices at a time Watch in 1080p (Full HD) Download on 2 supported devices at a time Option to add 1 extra member who doesn't live with you Netflix Premium Price: £18.99 UK / $24.99 US Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games Watch on 4 supported devices at a time Watch in 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR Download on 6 supported devices at a time Option to add up to 2 extra members who don't live with you Netflix spatial audio Picture Credit: Chesnot/Getty Images
