logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2013
27m 54s

Books

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Like the music industry before it, the print book industry has been turned upside down up by the digital revolution. As sales of ebooks continue to grow, bookshop sales are down from a peak in 2007. So what does the future for hold for the bricks and mortar bookstore? Will physical books become a thing of the past? And what role will traditional players like publishers, agents and retailers play in this brave new world? Evan Davis and guests examine what the landscape might look like once the dust settles.

Joining Evan in the studio are Jonny Geller, literary agent and joint CEO Curtis Brown; Victoria Barnsley, CEO of publisher HarperCollins UK & International; Michael Tamblyn, Chief Content Officer at Toronto-based ebook retailer Kobo.

Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Innes Bowen.

Up next
Jul 23
The Bottom Line Business Awards 2026
From breakthrough products and inspiring leadership to marketing disasters and strategic own goals, a panel of business leaders choose the winners and losers from the last 12 months in business. Evan Davis hosts The Bottom Line's unofficial annual awards, where the only prizes ar ... Show More
34m 24s
Jul 16
Twenty Years in Business
The Bottom Line has been on BBC Radio 4 for twenty years. The programme was first broadcast in 2006. Back then smartphones weren't on sale, Facebook had only just gone public and people still went to Blockbuster to rent videos and DVDs. Tony Blair was prime minister, a litre of f ... Show More
44m 25s
Jul 9
Imposter Syndrome
Success doesn't always bring confidence. In fact, some of the most accomplished people privately worry they're not as capable as everyone believes. They live with a nagging fear that one day, they'll be exposed as a fraud. It’s often called imposter syndrome, and can affect anyon ... Show More
33m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2023
The Renaissance of Barnes & Noble and Dark Ages for Commercial Real Estate?
Felix and Mihir discuss the durability of a book retailer's turnaround, the future of commercial real estate and whether all the doomsaying is correct. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
37m 17s
Aug 2015
Trouble in the Magic Kingdom?
Walt Disney shares fall on concerns over cord cutting. Is it a buying opportunity or is Disney losing its magic? We tackle that question and talk CVS, Coach, Lumber Liquidators, Priceline, and Zillow. And Paul Downs talks about his new book, Boss Life: Surviving My Own Small Busi ... Show More
39m 10s
Sep 2023
A Counterintuitive Approach to Success
Liz Elting, CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, discusses her book Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
9m 18s
Jan 2025
Saving Barnes and Noble | Industry Expert Jane Friedman Discusses The Resurgence Of Barnes & Noble And The Future Of Bookselling | 4
Publishing industry expert Jane Friedman discusses James Daunt’s transformation of Barnes & Noble, and the threats and opportunities the future holds for traditional booksellers.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now a ... Show More
43m 49s
Oct 2016
The Business of Motivation
On this week's show, we revisit two of our favorite interviews. Motley Fool co-founder Tom Gardner talks with Malcolm Gladwell about his book, David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants. And Dan Pink shares some motivational insights from his book, Driv ... Show More
40m 11s
May 2022
Turning a Problem into an Opportunity
As a business leader, how do you think about a recession, and what’s your approach? Hint: It’s not the strongest that will survive, but the ones who respond best to change. Kipp and Kieran give tangible advice on what will make or break your business in the next 24 months, compan ... Show More
20m 53s
Sep 2025
GaryVee x Guy Kawasaki: Lessons on Business, Tech and Culture
In this 2024 episode, GaryVee sits down with legendary author, entrepreneur, and Apple veteran Guy Kawasaki to talk about his new book and decades of experience shaping business and culture. They dive into lessons from Silicon Valley, the evolution of marketing, and how entrepren ... Show More
26m 30s