Latest news with #IanKatz
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Channel 4 urges people to apply for 'record-breaking' Virgin Island season 2
Virgin Island fans are getting their wish, and you could get involved when the series returns for another round. The first season of the controversial Channel 4 reality show – which saw 12 adult virgins guided by seven experts to help explore their intimacy issues – reached its climax last month, with fans conflicted but still eager for more. While some viewers found the whole thing a little cringe, the broadcaster has hailed record numbers and confirmed plans for season 2. The show rose 'to the top of Channel 4's list of new unscripted launches for share of 16-34s since modern records began', above the likes of Late Night Lycett, Supernanny, The Jury: Murder Trial and the original series of Married At First Sight. As well as bringing in almost nine million viewers on streaming for the whole series thus far, it's currently C4's most watched show in the demographic for 2025, above Gogglebox, Taskmaster and more. So, it's not surprising that Channel 4 is and Double Act Productions are now calling on virgins to apply for a second season. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'It's been such a thrill to watch this show catch fire,' said Virgin Island Commissioning Editor, Jonah Weston. 'From the brave cast to our wonderful experts I don't think I've ever worked on anything quite so bold, warm and well-intentioned.' And Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at C4, added: 'Virgin Island is the kind of show only Channel 4 would make, exploring an important but under-discussed social issue with warmth, sensitivity and wit. 'We're delighted that it resonated with younger viewers and that the men and women who took part found it such a constructive experience.' It should be noted, appearing on such an intimate show won't be for everyone – but the broadcaster has a 'lengthy selection progress with several stages', where applicants can withdraw at any time. You can sign up and start application process here, but there are some key details to keep in mind. First thing's first – Channel 4 wants you to make sure potential Islanders have watched season 1. Before you can land a first Zoom interview, you 'will be required to have watched (and be able to discuss) at least 2 episodes', and all six to progress further. Naturally, you have to be a virgin to apply, as well as aged 21 or over at the time of applying, as well as a UK resident with 'a valid passport for travel in autumn 2025. Meanwhile, Double Act Productions noted its commitment to an 'inclusive cast', and they welcome 'applications from deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people'. As you'd expect, no one on the Sex Offender Register is allowed to apply, while anyone filling out the application for the series must be 'honest and true'. If you make it on the shortlist, there will be 'a set of one-to-one meetings' in London in August 2025, which are described as 'essential to be considered'. More Trending The application form continues: 'If invited to take part in the retreat, you may be required for a day's interview filming in the UK around September 2025. 'You must then be available to film at the retreat for approx. three weeks abroad in autumn 2025. You are responsible for getting the permitted time off work or study, if relevant.' View More » Virgin Island is available to stream on Channel 4. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ditch your weekend plans to watch 'addictive' Italian crime thriller on Channel 4 MORE: Gripping sci-fi series with 'preposterous twist' now streaming on Channel 4 MORE: All six episodes of 'stressful' Australian thriller finally free to binge in the UK
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel has launched ‘preemptive strikes' against Iran, defense minister says
Israel launched strikes against Iran in the early hours of Friday morning, raising the prospect of a regional war between the longtime foes over Tehran's nuclear program. 'Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,' Israel's Defense Minister Ian Katz said in a statement. Explosions were heard in and near the Iranian capital of Tehran in the early hours as the news broke, Iran's state-run Nour News reported. An Israeli military official told the Associated Press that the attack targeted Iranian nuclear sites. A state of emergency was declared across Israel ahead of the expected response. Israel has long threatened to carry out military action against Iran's nuclear facilities to prevent it from acquiring an atomic bomb. Israeli officials have accused Iran of seeking a bomb in secret, without providing evidence. Iran denies that its nuclear program is aimed at building a bomb, a claim that is backed by U.S. intelligence. Tensions have been building at the same time that Donald Trump has been leading efforts to reach a new agreement with Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear program in return for the easing of sanctions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the U.S. was 'not involved in the strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.' 'Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S interests or personnel,' he added. The attack came a day after non-essential personnel began evacuating from U.S. embassies across the Middle East. Despite the rising tensions, Trump signalled earlier Thursday that he still hoped an agreement could be reached. "We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon," he added. Any war between Israel and Iran would likely draw in U.S. forces into a wider regional conflict.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Israel has launched ‘preemptive strikes' against Iran, defense minister says
Israel launched strikes against Iran in the early hours of Friday morning, raising the prospect of a regional war between the longtime foes over Tehran's nuclear program. 'Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,' Israel's Defense Minister Ian Katz said in a statement. Explosions were heard northeast of the Iranian capital of Tehran in the early hours as the news broke, Iran's state-run Nour News reported. Israel has long threatened to carry out military action against Iran's nuclear facilities to prevent it from acquiring an atomic bomb, claiming the prospect represents an existential threat. Iran denies that its nuclear program is aimed at building a bomb. Tensions have been building at the same time that Donald Trump has been leading efforts to reach a new agreement with Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear program in return for the easing of sanctions. Any war between Israel and Iran would likely draw in U.S. forces into a wider regional conflict.
The Guardian
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Gen Z discovering TV shows mainly through social media, Channel 4 says
The days of discussing last night's television over the office water cooler are long gone. If you want a hit show among gen Z – or for them to know it even exists – it has to make a splash on their social media feeds, Channel 4's bosses have concluded. Executives have spotted a trend in which increasingly hard-to-reach younger viewers are discovering programmes through the attention they receive on TikTok and other social media platforms. The broadcaster is now planning new video content for Spotify as it searches for ways to get its programming in front of under-30s. 'What we're seeing is a pattern now where it takes a show to become a social hit for awareness to reach a young audience that the show is out there,' said Ian Katz, the broadcaster's chief content officer. He cited the example of Virgin Island, a show that follows 12 adult virgins as they embark on an intimacy course – involving 'hands-on experience' – on a Croatian Island. 'We've got a brilliant example at the moment, Virgin Island, where [the programme] had to travel socially first,' he said. 'Once it does … people are travelling the other way, once awareness reaches a certain level on social.' Channel 4, which traditionally has a younger viewership than other public service broadcasters, is at the sharp end of radical changes in media consumption, as young audiences have moved away from linear television and towards streaming and online platforms such as YouTube. Finding ways to ensure its target audience sees its content in the first place has become a significant preoccupation. The broadcaster, which released its annual report on Wednesday, said views of its content on YouTube rose 26% to 340m last year. The number of views of full episodes of its content on YouTube was up 169%, surpassing 110m UK views. TikTok views were up 81% last year, while Instagram was up 25%. 'The biggest challenge for public service media is how we evolve to be on the platforms where people are,' said Alex Mahon, Channel 4's outgoing chief executive. 'If you look at gen Z in this country, 44% of their video time is spent on social platforms, and another 22% on YouTube.' It came as the broadcaster revealed it had managed to steady its precarious finances last year by reducing its deficit by £50m, to about £2m. Its total revenues were up slightly by 1% to just over £1bn. There was also a bump in the pay packages for Channel 4's executives, which comes after a restructuring in recent years that included significant job losses – and amid a TV crisis that has caused hundreds of redundancies. Mahon's total package was £1.29m last year, up from £993,000 the year before. Jonathan Allan, chief operating officer, received £848,000, while Katz received £720,000. He declined his bonus in 2023, amid Channel 4's poor financial performance and a crisis in the television freelance industry that has meant hundreds of people are out of work. Dawn Airey, Channel 4's interim chair, said that the pay increases did not amount to 'higher pay for making people redundant', but for the broadcaster's improved performance and revenue. 'Every organisation needs to evolve,' she said.
