DEREK MARKS | tv broadcaster & consultant - LATEST NEWS

ALL ABOARD THE WORLD'S FIRST 24/7 CRUISE TV CHANNEL

23/2/2017

The worlds first 24-hour television channel dedicated to the growing trend of cruise holidays has today launched.

Cruise1st.tv on Sky Channel 680 features the latest holiday deals and consumer cruise news. In addition, the channel will feature in-depth destination guides visiting the ports and cities that are popular destinations for cruise ships.

Programming will be presented by some of the UK’s leading cruise experts and enthusiasts including Derek Marks, Emma Redman & Neil Newton. Plus, utilising the latest in broadcast technology, the channel will provide up to the minute LIVE deals via an on screen ‘breaking news’ style ticker.

Cruise 1st’s International Project Manager, David Rowlinson, said “after 2 years of successful broadcasting on 3rd party channels, we decided to take the next logical step, making a major investment in purchasing our own Sky EPG. Now broadcasting 24/7, we will be able to bring viewers an unrivalled selection of cruise holiday deals accompanied by our unbeatable price promise. Our programming has been designed to engage both experienced cruise fans and interested first-timers alike.”

Cruise1st.tv can be found on Sky Channel 680 and online at www.cruise1st.tv & YouTube Live.

SEVEN YEARS OF SPARKLE AT TJC

22/8/2016

Well my friends - after seven eventful and wonderful years at TJC/The Jewellery Channel it is time for me to sail away into the sunset for new adventures. If I said THANK YOU three million times right now it would never be enough. I take away so many great memories.
Thanks to Team TJC for having me all of these years (and their blessings for my future) - to the team upstairs who have ensured that no two days were ever the same.
The wonderful crew in the studio, who are so dedicated and hard working - past and present, thank you so much. You are all unsung heroes and so much part of my shows (Spanish Nick, RenegADI, Scottie, Georgi, Gregstermuffin, Mad Mike, Jamie, Pree, Caz, Master Luke, Hollybobs, literally the Wizard, Richard, Cliff of the leather chair, Andy, Charlie and his photo degree, Mon, Josh) and too many others to mention that have said the funniest and naughtiest things in my ears for the last seven years.
To my fellow presenters, we are brothers and sisters looking after each other and I know that will never change (and if you need them telling above stairs - my email construction skills are always available to you) I have made some great friends over the last seven years and laughed more than I ever probably should have.
Most importantly - to YOU reading this right now. My viewers are like family to me. Thank you for every text, email, Facebook message, tweet, card, gift and most importantly your company over all the time I've been around. If you never bought a thing or have a huge collection - thanks for being so kind to this little fella, I've had more fun than you'll ever know. I have stories to tell that no-one would ever believe. Sally from Dunmow reminded me that I only wanted to get into radio to be a friend to one person as it was for me when I was growing up. The telly happened by chance and thanks to support from an amazing friend, and I'm glad to say that so many of you are a heck of a lot more than just viewers to me. I know I'll never be lonely :)
So - what's next? I'm moving on to pastures new - I'll tell you more when I can (it's another shopping tv project coming along in the future, not jewellery related) and I'm looking forward to new challenges, as well as still presenting too. THANK YOU will never be enough - please do stay in touch.
You can see a video of a web chat I did just after leaving https://youtu.be/EIFtYJ5YBYQ
Keep in touch via Facebook - Derek Marks TV Presenter or twitter @presenterderek

TV CRUISE CHANNEL LAUNCHES

6/2/2016

'A brand new cruise channel in the UK has taken to the air. 'TV Cruise Channel' was the brainchild of On Air Media, who Derek has been working closely with for some years after being commissioned by Cruise 1st in Manchester to produce teleshopping cruise shows to bring them back to TV.

Initial shows were produced by On Air Media in early 2015. The on-screen partnership of Derek Marks with popular presenter Emma Redman have certainly been sparking the imagination of the audience with Cruise 1st and their 'cruise and stay for less' USP certainly hitting the high notes and creating an instant buzz.

After less than 12 months of testing various teleshopping slots on sky and Freeview, Cruise 1st commissioned On Air Media to create an entire TV channel. TV Cruise Channel was born in early May. Launched in record time, the channel now airs daily on sky 261 from 7 am to 7 pm. The offering every day is the most logical, seamless 'on message' cruise programming that the UK has ever seen. A mix of lively and relevant editorial shows sit side by side the already highly successful 'Cruise 1st TV' shows.

The team behind TV Cruise Channel have already had experience in bringing cruise travel agents to TV. Cruise 1st however, had already been on television before and had a good grasp of the medium - giving them the understanding and passion for delivering the right product on screen, using experienced and professional presenters.

The line up is impressive and enviable - bringing together many familiar faces from the world of cruise and TV. Popular presenter Julie Peasgood joins the channel for launch, former Bucks Fizz member and familiar TV personality Cheryl Baker also features - as well as popular ITV presenter Steve Milne.

Presenters from other Cruise related programming have also made the switch to the winning team on TV Cruise Channel.

Neil Newton now fronts the channel's 'Cruise Today' show - a lively mix of news stories from the cruise industry as well as interviews with industry figures.

Debi Jones has also made the switch to present the expertly crafted 'Cruise Clinic' show, which answers the 1001 questions anyone would have before booking a cruise holiday.

Guest contributors and more well-known TV names will be joining the channel in the coming months, as it aims never to stand still and to keep the offering fresh, relevant and vibrant.

You can tune in daily to TV Cruise Channel on sky channel 261, or online at www.tvcruisechannel.com

ALL NEWS UPDATES VIA FACEBOOK

25/10/2015

facebook.com/derekmarkstvpresenter

DEREK'S ADVENTURE ON THE ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

27/4/2015

Derek took to Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ship 'Anthem of Seas' in Southampton for a pre-inaugural cruise to check out of the new facilities. The cameras were there, and you'll see the reports coming soon at www.cruise1st.tv . If you like the sound of a London-eye style North Star pod, a freefall simulator and a Bionic Bar, check out sky677 daily from 1pm for the latest shows. In the meantime #northstarselfie

THE ANTHEM OF THE SEAS LAUNCH COMING SOON

3/4/2015

Royal Caribbean's latest fun-filled ship 'Anthem of the Seas' sets sails for the first time in late April. We have some great offers that you can enjoy now at cruise1st.tv. . You could be enjoying the new Ripcord by iFly, being served cocktails in the Bionic Bar and so much more. I'll be getting on board for a look round before she takes her maiden voyage so look out for more updates - and see the show online where Channel 5's 'The Gadget Show' presenter Jason Bradbury talks to us about the tech on board. Enjoy :)

A NEW CRUISE ADVENTURE... (UPDATED 1st February)

25/11/2014

WE'RE ON THE AIR - AND NOW EVEN MORE!!

Cruise 1st TV bounced back onto your tv screens and online with an exciting new cruise show format in early January. Derek is joined by friend and fellow presenter Emma Redman to present exclusive and unbeatable cruise packages. Since the shows launched in January, the response has been fantastic and there are even more chances now to enjoy the shows.

Derek commented 'I've been talking cruises for many years, but Cruise 1st have really opened my eyes to how exciting cruise packages are and can be around the world. The team are friendly, knowledgeable and with the ability to be the best cruise prices anywhere on telly is ace (oh, and no credit card charges either for the tv offers). I love having Emma by my side as we take this adventure together - we're having fun exploring holiday ideas and are very tempted indeed. I've heard from so many viewers who are loving that the shows are new, exciting and genuine.'
REMEMBER - IF YOU SEE A CRUISE ADVERTISED ANYWHERE ELSE ON TV, THANK THEM FOR THE INFO AND BRING IT TO CRUISE 1ST FOR THE BEST PRICE

You can watch the shows daily at 4.30pm & 8pm on sky 667 - and also weekdays on sky from 1-7pm on the hour. The shows are online at www.cruise1st.tv

Derek meets X Factor stars (updated 25th November)

14/11/2014

Derek chatted to a whole host of stars on Sunday 23rd of November as Lancaster switched on the town's Christmas lights. Breakfast and Drivetime presenters Danny Matthews and Darren Milby presented on stage, while Derek was on at The Bay talking to the stars who appeared live. 2010 'X Factor' winner Matt Cardle headlined, with others from the show including Paul Akister from this year, Kingsland Road and Kitty Brucknell. Vanquish, who recently toured with The Wanted and Blue were also be on the bill along with 'Agadoo' stars Black Lace all stopping for a chat with Derek before heading to the stage.

Ten Years?

10/11/2014

Ten Years!!

Well 2014 has been a special year, and I haven't until now taken time to realise its significance. It's ten years since I started my first TV shopping channel job (well, you know what I mean lol). The channel was Price Crash TV in Manchester, which ran from 2004-07. I was there from day one and being there at all was all a matter of chance and coincidence really some months before the channel transformed from Yes661 to Yes Price Crash. I remember being pretty hooked on shopping TV from the appearance of QVC on our screens in the early 1990's. The characters, the language, the engagement and the sheer fun that the presenters seemed to be having was all quite intoxicating. It gave me new ambitions - and crazily, they somehow came true! I can remember being so nervous in the run-up to the live launch. I was in an 'academy' of around twelve different presenters all looking to be the ones that topped the table and achieved regular screen time. From the twelve, I think only three or four of us made it to launch and were sharing the screen with some talented, established and formidable names in TV shopping at the time. It was like being a new kid on the block, and you had to hit the ground running (and shout at the screen quite a bit from what I remember). I had some radio experience, but a combination of entertaining, informing, demonstrating, holding things and "selling" all on live telly with people talking in your ear in one was a steep learning curve. I say "selling" in quotes as I've never been a salesman at all in my mind. I couldn't stand in front of you and sell double-glazing or juicers, I'd be terrified and would come home very poor I think.

Chatting away is what I'm doing - we've been having a chat for ten years now and I just so happen to be showing you products at the same time. I love being there for folk through their lives as a constant, it's why I wanted shopping TV over anything else. I actually understand too well the real value of live and accessible telly that isn't delivering the news, preaching or being controversial in any way. It's the only live telly that isn't constantly going for a break, moving on, running out of time or rushing along. The presenter is allowed to really have a personality and get to know you. A lot of people in the industry still besmirch shopping TV as the lowest common denominator, naturally you'll expect me to disagree. Well, its all subjective I guess and your opinion is based on your experience, but I can honestly say that ten years later I couldn't be happier than in a live studio, just going with the flow.

You're as good as the experience around you too and I was lucky enough to start in this business with some truly amazing professionals who hailed from companies such as Granada TV. On that ten year journey, there have been high's and low's - I've been extremely lucky along the way and I can honestly say that I would not change a thing. I'm blessed to have had the chance to move around a wee bit too. From dog ramps to diamonds, slimming pants to sandpits, dishwashers to dragon figures - it's been great fun. This year I was thrilled to join Pavers Shoes TV in York, having the privilege of meeting and interviewing the founder of the company - Catherine Paver. An experienced, tenacious character in her eighties who should be an inspiration to tomorrow's entrepreneurs. Great to work for a UK family company with nearly 50 years on the clock in a very competitive market.

What have I learnt in ten years - it's not a job, it's a joy and I thank every viewer for just being there. I hope I make you smile, I hope I never make you mad and you might just have had a bargain or two along the way to show for it. I thank every member of every team I have worked with, it's the amazing talent behind the camera that makes what you see at home look so easy (and sometimes it really isn't and those guys and girls all deserve to be paid in gold). I feel like I have an enormous family of colleagues and viewers making so many memories.

I'm in touch with my viewers from all the channels I'm with, and they share their lives with me and that always means the world to me. I quite often spend an hour or two in a hotel room just catching up with the very people that keep me on the screen. I may be slow sometimes, but I always reply in the end ha ha. I'd like to think we all speak the same language and live the same lives.

I still have ambitions - I still wouldn't turn down a game show or the odd travelogue feature show, but I'll never be happier doing what I do, just chatting away about life, Jacob and any other nonsense that pops into my head. Thanks for listening, do you think you could manage another 10 years as I feel we've only really just got started and I never forget how lucky this little man is? :)

One day I'll write that book you know and tell you the whole story .......

Derek joins Pavers Shoes TV

6/9/2014

Derek has joined York-based Pavers Shoes TV as they launch their new look from their own studio centre. The family retailer, founded by Catherine Paver in the early 1970's has an impressive presence around the UK and is best known to TV viewers as the home of the FlyFlot. The 24 hour a day shoe channel first took to the air in 2011 and has been a firm favourite with viewers ever since. Derek joins Debbie Paver and Shelagh Brayshaw on screen, appearing alongside firm favourites such as Julie Peasgood for the new-look on screen. You'll find Pavers Shoes TV on sky 669 and also online at www.paversshoes.tv