Rachel Farrow – Senior Operations Manager, TV Listings

PA TV Metadata are one of the leading providers for metadata services, TV broadcast data aggregation, channel management for linear channels and VOD platforms. Its success for more than 30 years is down to its incredible team of dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable staff across our offices in Howden, Letchworth and London who we’re all extremely proud of.
Our previous staff spotlight shone a light on Metadata Services Manager Julia Bezani who talked more about her role and its focus on client management and operational efficiencies, as well as sharing her love for Only Fools and Horses!
Now is the turn for Senior Operations Manager, Rachel Farrow, a key figure in the TV Pages team. Rachel provides more insight on the merging of the TV Page and TV Metadata department this year, as well as reflecting on her near 20 year career at PA!
Tell us a bit more about the TV Pages team and how they’ll be working closer with the TV Metadata team?
The TV Page department Is a group of more than 50 experts who provide TV listings services to hundreds of national and regional newspapers and weekly magazines. If a publication has TV listings in it, it’s probably produced by one of us. Some of our most well-known clients include the Radio Times, TV Times, The Daily Mail, What’s on TV, The Sun, The Sunday Times, RTE Guide, the Belfast Telegraph and Dublin Sunday World. We provide linear TV listings, images and features copy.
We have now merged TV Metadata to become one larger unit solely focused on all things TV and radio. There’s tons of experience on both sides, and by working more closely we can move forward more efficiently, streamlining workflows and protecting the future of our business. We can work more closely with clients, providing a combined offering that helps them with the print to digital transition
Can you tell us more about your current role and your career journey at PA?
I have been at PA almost 20 years (eek), starting out as a Production Trainee straight out of university. I’ve always worked on TV listings, apart from a short stint in weather. I’ve stuck around for so long because I’ve been able to do lots of different roles, so there’s been lots of variety and plenty of challenges.
What’s the most enjoyable part of your role?
The best part of my role is the people – as a group, they work incredibly hard, provide a brilliant service and (mostly) always with a smile on their faces. I’ve also met many lifelong friends here, and my husband too!
What’s been your proudest moment working at PA?
The first time I held the Radio Times Christmas issue in my hand is probably my proudest moment. It’s such an iconic thing and the team here is a massive part of its success.
What are your hopes and dreams for 2025?
In my new role, I’m managing the Images team, which is a whole new challenge for me, and I hope that I can have a really positive impact on this team. Personally, I’m dreaming of lots of long summer days, beer gardens, picnics and lovely days at the beach.

What TV show are you currently watching and enjoying?
I’ve just started rewatching Mad Men, about ad men and women working in 1960s New York. The styling is fabulous but it does get my feminist hackles up.
Keep posted for our next Staff Spotlight!
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