Sky's director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy apologised for his squeaky shoes at the Sky1 programme launch on Friday. He had, he explained, forgotten to pack them and was forced to buy a box fresh pair that very morning. Compare and contrast with BBC drama chief Ben Stephenson, who was caught in a downpour ahead of a drama launch of late but instead of buying a new pair delivered a brief speech instead. But it really wouldn't have done for Murphy to give his 45-minute address in Soho in his socks. Former BBC3 controller Murphy used the occasion to contrast the commissioning process at Sky – "giving the brilliantly talented creative respect and creative space" – to how some other broadcasters operate. "And I know because I've worked there," he said. "They see the role of commissioners as either de facto executive producers, or simply 'programme shoppers'." Who can he possibly be talking about?
