Matt Williams shared a link from www.theguardian.com on the TM Hub

"I had a career for 17 years, and now what am I doing? What’s happened to my life? I had something I was so proud of, and the thing I loved doesn’t love me anymore."

Stef Loughrey, a producer with experience on some of the UK’s most popular TV shows, saw her consistent flow of work come to a sudden halt in 2023.

In a conversation with Helen Pidd, Michael Savage, The Guardian’s media editor, reveals that Loughrey’s experience is not unique. It’s estimated that around 70% of freelancers in the television industry are currently out of work, impacting a wide range of roles across everything from game shows to dramas, and affecting everyone from seasoned professionals to newcomers.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/apr/07/what-is-causing-crisis-uk-tv-production-podcast

Joshua Whitehead

@MattWilliams thanks for posting. Stef's story is heart-breaking and chimed loudly with me. I've had one week's work in TV in a year after 25 years making documentaries - and that was for Australian TV. Profile views on this site are practically non-existent, applications don't get read. I think it's worse than 2008, worse than Covid and I'm not sure non-scripted TV is ever going to come back as it once was. Luckily I have second career I can work in - but it's hard not doing the job you love.

1 year ago Edited 1 year ago

Sarah Lee

@JoshuaWhitehead I agree and have every sympathy. For so many TV has been much so more than a job so the readjustment has been extra hard. I think it must be awful for those new to the industry but even worse for those like you who are at a senior level. You are not alone but I know that this in itself is small comfort. I wish there was more than organisations like TM could do. Sending best wishes

1 year ago

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Matt Williams shared a link from www.theguardian.com

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The surprising crisis in British television – podcast