Voice of the Listener & Viewer

Working for Quality and DiversityBulletin in Broadcasting Winter 2006/07 Issue 87 Fresh Visions from Familiar Faces - sustaining quality content into the digital age Thursday, 19 April, London, SW1

VLV's 24th Spring Conference will present members and guests with an opportunity to hear at first hand about the future plans of ITV, BBC Radio and Ofcom and to have an update on progress towards digital switch-over now due to start in less than a year.

At 10.40am, Michael Grade, until November At 11.45am, Jenny Chairman of the BBC Governors, now the new Abramsky, once Director Executive Chairman of ITV, will give the opening of BBC Radio and Music, address. He will share his vision of the future of but recently appointed BBC the company, until recently able to compete with, Director of Audio and Music and quite often beat, the BBC in the range and in accordance with the high quality of the programmes it commissioned BBC's re-structuring plans and broadcast. 2006 was a low point for ITV with designed to meet the falling audiences and threats of take-over. Will he challenges of new and be able to redirect the company and restore it to converging technologies. its former glory? BBC Radio audiences are riding high at the moment and choosing to listen more and more via new means of delivery, including the internet, mobile Presentation of VLV's 2006 Awards phone and digital television. But will BBC Radio, already run on very tight budgets, suffer from the for Excellence in Broadcasting lower than expected licence fee settlement? How does she see its future? Sue MacGregor, the distinguished broadcaster and journalist will At 3pm, Ed Richards, the present the winners of VLV's 2006 Awards for Excellence in new Chief Executive of the Broadcasting with their trophies. The Awards are kindly organised by regulator Ofcom will VLV Board member, Terry Glover, and sponsored by The Voice of the outline how he sees his Listener Trust. The names of the winning programmes and individuals future role in discharging are all nominated and chosen by VLV members. They are drawn from a Ofcom's responsibilities very wide range of genres and interests for the pleasure they bring to three years after it was viewers and listeners. Almost all the winners attend in person to established by the 2003 collect them. We look forward to seeing and congratulating the lucky Communications Act. The pace of change in ones this year. broadcasting is now so rapid that Ofcom is already finding it difficult to maintain the positive public service remit imposed on ITV by the Act, and has given ITV permission to cut its obligatory hours of Inside regional, children's and religious programmes. He will also look at the need for negative regulation VLV Board New BBC Structure Consultations & Responses in protecting consumers and vulnerable viewers. At 3.45pm, Ford Ennals, Chief Executive of Children’s TV Guest Contributor Student Essay Competition Digital UK , the company responsible for ensuring Editorial Comment Autumn Conference Letters the UK makes a smooth switch-over to digital by 2012, will give an update on progress to date. VLV HoC Meeting Book Review Competition & Concert At 4.20pm the conference will end with a VLV members' forum.

ISSN 1475-2948

VLV Board Enlarged at 4th AGM

More than 50 people attended the 4th AGM of VLV Ltd in London on 28th Voice of the Listener & Viewer November, which followed the Autumn Conference. The Chairman recalled that Working for Quality and Diversity in British Broadcasting 2006 had been a sad year with the death of Professor Naomi Sargant and her own VLV Patrons bereavement. On the positive side she welcomed the opportunity to introduce VLV's Lord Barnet PC JP first Executive Director, Peter Blackman, who, thanks to a generous grant from the Archbishop Lord Eames of Armagh Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, took up his appointment full time on 19th June. Sir Francis Graham-Smith FRS Lord Inglewood MEP Mrs Hay gave her special thanks to her colleagues NEW MEMBERS ELECTED TO THE BOARD WERE: Sir Charles Mackerras, KT, CBE on the Board of Directors and the VLV Trust who so Robert Clark Dame Mary Peters DBE freely gave their time and expertise, and also to all After a career managing Lord Phillips of Sudbury OBE those members who so kindly continued to give Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE state benefit provision in support to VLV and herself. VLV could not exist East London that ended Lady Solti without that generous help and interest, whether Lord Thomson of Monifieth KT PC with early retirement moral, in kind or financial, she said, adding particular Sir John Tusa Robert has spent the last thanks to all the contributors to VLV's 2006 Appeal ten years doing voluntary Directors 'Promoting the Public Interest in Broadcasting'. The work, mostly for Jocelyn Hay CBE (Hon Chairman) Appeal was launched by Melvyn Bragg (Lord Bragg_ community organisations. Colin Graeme Thompson FCA, FIRM (Hon Treas.) at the end of September and was now over half way He has been a member of Robert Beveridge to reaching its target of £30,000. VLV since the early 1990s John Clark Mrs Hay also thanked the Gravesend staff and and has a passion and concern for diverse, high Robert Clark the interns, Amy Peters and Peter Elms, who had quality Radio. Robert took an active part in the Professor Ivor Gaber given invaluable help with the website, with consumer consultation on BBC Charter renewal. Terry Glover research and in the office. He is the VLV representative on the groups Norman Green The first Resolution which increased the Professor Brian Groombridge monitoring the interests of consumers during maximum number of Directors on the Board from Professor Sonia Livingstone digital switch over including the Ministerial 10 to 13, reflected the fact that VLV now had Professor Máire Messenger Davies, PhD, FRSA, Consumer Expert Advisory Group on switch-over. Warren Newman directors based in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Robert also attends consultative meetings at Wales. As all the directors do a huge amount of Ofcom on behalf of VLV. Company Secretary voluntary work for VLV in formulating policy, Waterlow Registrars Ltd drafting responses and, those in the nations, also Ivor Gaber The Voice of the Listener Trust organising conferences and other events, it had Ivor, a broadcaster, been decided to enlarge the Board in order to researcher and (reg charity 296207) increase the representation, widen the breadth of consultant, is Emeritus VLV’s sister charity which supports VLV’s educational work expertise and experience, and spread the load. Professor of Broadcast Hon Chairman: Elizabeth Smith OBE The second Resolution added the new Journalism at London Hon Secretary: Jocelyn Hay CBE Executive Director to the approved list of those University's Goldsmiths Trustees: who can be co-signatories to cheques. College and Research Michael Barton Professor in Media and RESIGNATION OF DR ANDREW TAUSSIG & Professor Sylvia Harvey Politics at the University PROFESSOR BOB FRANKLIN Dr Andrew Taussig of Bedfordshire. He has We were very sorry to receive the resignation of served as a media and politics consultant to a VLV office hours: Dr Andrew Taussig who has been such a valuable variety of organisations, governments and 9.00am - 5.00pm Mon-Thurs member of the Board for the past three years. We international bodies. His journalistic career has are delighted that he will be staying on as a included senior editorial positions at the BBC, ITN, Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd (VLV) member of the Voice of the Listener Trust. Channel 4 and Sky News. He has just completed a represents the citizen and consumer We were also very sorry to lose Professor Bob consultancy project in Uganda where he helped interests in broadcasting and works for Franklin in January. Professor Franklin joined the set up the country's first national news agency. He quality and diversity in British broadcasting. Board in November 2005, just after moving to the has been a member of VLV since the mid 90's and VLV is free from political, sectarian and Cardiff School of Journalism, Media & Culture. He has spoken at a number of VLV events and commercial affiliations. VLV is concerned organised a very successful conference for VLV in conferences. He is Deputy Chair of the with the issues, structures, institutions Wales in March 2006 but now finds his new duties Communications Section of the UK UNESCO and regulation that underpin the British leave him insufficient time to play an active role. National Commission and is on the organising broadcasting system and in particular We are glad he and his Department remain committee for World Press Freedom Day. to maintain the principles of public members and we look forward to seeing him at service in broadcasting. future events. Norman Green Fellow VLV does not handle complaints. Jocelyn Hay was unanimously re-elected as of The Royal Television Honorary Chairman and thanked for all her work Society Design & Production on behalf of VLV. Norman started his High Profile Ltd, Tel: 01474 533077 Following the formal business of the AGM, Mrs career at EMI Research Published by Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd, Hay chaired a Members' Forum in which a wide Laboratories working on A private company limited by guarantee range of issues was discussed. They included some of military projects including (number 4407712) Registered address: the problems members were having with reception, television cameras for the 101 Kings' Drive, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5BQ. including the quality of DAB radio and the lack of Black Knight rocket. He Tel: 01474 352835 Fax: 01474 351112. reliable information about digital terrestrial then moved to the Central E-mail: [email protected] television reception and the availability of Freeview, Research Laboratories of Website: www.vlv.org.uk the recruitment of new members and fund raising. the Rank Organisation working on diverse projects.

2 Bulletin Winter 2006/07

Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting at 4th AGM Children's Television: Where Now? 2nd November 2006 In 1964 Norman joined the Engineering Department of ABC Television, working on investigations into Voice of the Listener and Viewer's 12th annual conference on Children's Broadcasting at the various colour systems. In 1972 he was appointed Royal Society, London, proved a marked success, with standing room only at times. the first Head of Engineering at the Independent Television Companies Association (ITCA), responsible SPEAKERS: Tony Robinson, broadcaster, presenter & actor; Richard Deverell, for the Engineering Secretariat serving the 14 ITV Controller, BBC Children's Programmes; Anne Gilchrist, Creative Director, Programme Companies and ITN. As Head of CBBC; Michael Carrington, Creative Director, CBeebies; Nick Wilson: Technology for ITV Norman was a member of many Controller, Children's & Youth Programmes, Channel Five; Tim Suter, Senior national and international committees concerned Partner, Content & Standards, Ofcom; John McVay, Chief Executive, PACT; with the technical standardisation of television and Camilla Byk, VLV member and parent; Lucy Daniel Raby, author of children's a member of the European Broadcasting Union's books, film & television; Fiona Thomas, Communications Officer, Mothers' Bureau where he represented all the British Union; Nigel Pickard, Director of Family Entertainment, RDF Television; Broadcasters including the BBC. Anne Wood, Founder & Creative Director, Ragdoll Ltd; Will Brenton, Co-founder, Wish Films; Lewis Rudd, former controller Children's Programmes Carlton Brian Groombridge Television; Anna Home, Chief Executive Children's Film & TV Foundation After developing an interest in lifelong learning and broadcasting In a lively introduction which immediately about children's television at ITV and she was during the war, Brian was provided a point of reference for the rest of the concerned that this opportunity might not be open invited to do the research day, Tony Robinson acknowledged the enormous to producers in the future. Will Brenton poignantly that led to Education and debt he owed to children's television. In particular asked when children's television had become solely Retirement, published in he had valued his time with 'Play Away', a a commercial decision. 1960 by the National programme which had given him the chance to Much time was taken up with the search for Institute of Adult experiment and breathe creatively, a period to the funding of programmes. Answers ranged from Education of which he which he was indebted for much in the later part top slicing the revenue from the television licence became Deputy Secretary of his career. He felt it impossible to over-state the fee to a national cultural fund. But, as Adam Minns from 1964 until 1968. positive effect on the imagination of good made clear, the case for children's television needs He was then appointed Head of Educational children's television. Children were like blotting to be addressed to many more people through the Programme Services at the IBA. In 1976 Brian paper in their consumption of television. national media before funding can be debated, became Professor of Adult Education and Director In the session, 'The View from the Viewer'. Lewis The final session 'Where Now' was the most of the Department of Extra-Mural Studies (now Rudd asked the question 'How important are heated. Tim Suter opened by referring to the three incorporated in Birkbeck College), University of children's programmes?' The many replies were areas on which the future of children's television London. He has just retired as President of the summarised by Lucy Daniel Raby who said that depended: first: the Public Service Broadcasters Educational Centres Association. Brian's main children's television was 'the medium of our (BBC, Channel 3 - as ITV will become, Channels 4 commitments at present are with the National children's generation'. Fiona Thomas was concerned and Five); secondly, the non Public Service Association of Widows and as a co-opted member that parents needed actively to involve themselves Broadcasters, and thirdly economics. He explained of the Older People's Advisory Group (Better in what their children were viewing, adding that for that the 2003 Communications Act focused on Government for Older People). too long the fantastic quality of children's self-regulation, placing the onus on the television made in this country had been taken for broadcasters to self-regulate against their own Sonia Livingstone granted'. Children needed intellectual stimulation, advanced annual statements of programme policy. Sonia is Professor of said Carmilla Byk After a keen discussion, the The European Directive on Television had 'get-out' Social Psychology in the consensus was, if children's imagination was to be clauses which made it impossible to enforce quotas Department of Media and protected, better education of parents was set for indigenous production. During the following Communications at the essential, with the media made aware of the crisis discussion several speakers were concerned that, London School of which faced children's television in Britain. with Ofcom having the duty to 'further the Economics and Political The subject of the next session was 'The View interests of all citizens', it should also exercise a Science. She researches from the BBC'. The excerpts from new BBC duty to advance the interests of children, not and teaches in the field children's programmes which were included simply protect them. of media and communications, focusing appeared to be precisely the type of indigenous on media audiences. Her recent work concerns programming all those present wanted to see. Stop Press... children, young people and the internet, as part of Richard Deverell felt that, for children's television, a broader interest in the domestic, familial and the present period was one of unprecedented Television as a Power for Good challenge rather than crisis. Anne Gilchrist revealed educational contexts of new media access. Further As a result of opinion expressed at the that the BBC was raising the ambition of its projects underway include the public understanding conference and continuing concerns about the programmes for children by doing 'fewer titles, of risk and regulation, and directing a research threat to children's television on commercially better'. Michael Carrington said that CBeebies network for the EC's Safer Internet Plus funded channels, VLV is launching a campaign intended to reach out to a wider age range programme, EU Kids Online. Sonia has been visiting in the spring to raise awareness of how between 0 to 6 years old. Concerns that the BBC professor at six overseas universities. She has important it is for children to continue to have would relax its commitment to children's served as Non-Industry Vice Chair and is a Board access to a wide range of high quality broadcasting if ITV cease its production were Member of the Internet Watch Foundation. programmes, made in the UK, which engage rebutted on the BBC's behalf, though speakers She has advised Ofcom, the Department for their imagination and reflect their own needs, Education and Skills, the Home Office, Economic recognised the dangers if the BBC came to hold a interests, culture and environment. and Social Research Council, the BBC and the monopoly over children's broadcasting. For more details visit our website Higher Education Funding Council, among others. In 'View from Commercial Broadcasters and www.vlv.org.uk or contact the VLV office She has recently been elected President-elect of Independents', Anne Wood, creator of Teletubbies, on 01474 352835. the International Communication Association. explained how she had learnt everything she knew

Winter 2006/07 Bulletin 3

A New BBC budget, and switching the UK to digital will be the Editorial Comment - biggest national project since the Second World War. That's why, when press reports suggested the licence A new BBC came into being We know the licence settlement was not as fee might be set punitively low, VLV with others set on 1st January. Shall we see generous as the BBC wanted and that as a up the meeting in the House of Commons on 9th much difference? Yes, I think consequence the BBC will have to cut its coat January to raise awareness of all the issues involved. we shall. according to its cloth. We also know that, in It took a lot of doing but was well worthwhile. The old Board of return for the licence fee at its new level, the Lord Puttnam, a VLV patron and chairman of the Governors has gone, to be public expects it to deliver a wide range of high Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament which replaced by the new BBC quality programmes and services. We believe that looked at the future of the BBC in 2005, recently Trust. The success of the new it should be able to provide them. said 'I find it hard to overstate the Corporation's Trust and the system of However, the BBC is also committed to moving importance. I find it equally hard to imagine a future governance it will administer are crucial to the some of its departments to the North-west and so for public life in this country that isn't bound BBC's future and that of effective public service helping to further the Government's desire to create together by the 'national conversation' that, day in broadcasting in Britain, so the choice of the right a new media city at Salford. The problem is that the and day out, is orchestrated by the BBC.' person to succeed its recently departed Chairman Government is also insisting that the BBC (and It is up to the new Trustees to ensure that the is critical. therefore licence fee payers) should bear much of conversation not merely continues, but actively The BBC is far from perfect as an institution. the cost of switching the UK from analogue to develops as we enter a new era. They, and their Indeed, it is often maddening even to its most digital television, including providing help for new Chairman, will need to be wise, far-sighted devoted supporters. Nevertheless, the BBC plays a 'vulnerable ' viewers to acquire the necessary new and fiercely independent, for on them will depend unique and irreplaceable role, not only in the sense receiving equipment. This is an unprecedented the future of an irreplaceable institution and pillar of continuity, community and cohesion it provides imposition which makes the BBC, in effect, an of British culture and democracy. at the heart of British life, but also in the way it instrument of the Government's social policy. serves our democratic society, through its provision No one knows the exact sums involved but the of news and information, and strengthens our BBC has to ring-fence £800million for this purpose culture through its patronage of music, drama and over the next six years. But will it even end there? the visual arts. Major national projects have a habit of going over

How the BBC Trust Will Work VLV Lobby on the Licence Fee

The new BBC Charter says that 'The word 'trust' is Group; Ed Vaizey MP (Cons) Shadow used in the name of the BBC Trust in a colloquial Minister for the Creative Industries; Don sense, to suggest a body which discharges a public Foster MP (Lib Dem); Brendan Barber trust as guardian of the public interest.' The Trustees (TUC); Peter Moorey, (National Council are there to represent the interests of the licence fee payers and to safeguard and ensure wise use of the for Voluntary Organisations), Public licence fee income. They will have new tools and Voice & Media Trust); rules to help them in their task and by which they Alastair Thomson (National Institute will be judged, some of which they have just of Adult Continuing Education); Lady published and put out for public consultation. Solti (for the Arts); Professor Steven In serving the public interest, the BBC's main Barnett, (University of Westminster). objective is the promotion of six public purposes. Many others spoke from the floor or The six purposes are: sent messages of support, including: • Sustaining citizenship and civil society Photo courtesy of Stefano Cagnoni Gayle Barnard, Writers' Guild; Greg • Promoting education and learning Shaun Woodward MP addressing the packed Commons committee room Childs, Save Kids' TV; John Fray, NUJ; • Stimulating creativity and cultural excellence Tony Lennon, BECTU; Lord (Colin ) Low, • Representing the UK, its nations, regions, Reports before Christmas that the BBC Royal National Institute of the Blind; Gerry and communities licence fee was to be set well below the rate of Morrissey, BECTU; VLV members Hugh Peltor and • Bringing the UK to the world and the world to the UK inflation caused John Grogan MP and VLV with Dr Patrick Xavier; the National Campaign for the • In promoting its other services, help to deliver to others to take immediate steps to set up a Arts; Churches' Media Council; Stephen Poliakoff the public the benefit of emerging meeting in the House of Commons on 9 January, and Richard Curtis. communications technologies and services and the day Parliament returned. The aim was to it was unanimously agreed that the following take a lead role in the switchover to digital raise awareness of the need for the BBC to be Resolution should be sent by Jocelyn Hay as Each of the purposes will have a remit which awarded a settlement that would enable it to Chairman of VLV, to the Prime Minister and explains what is expected of the BBC and how its deliver the programmes and services that licence members of the Cabinet: performance will be judged. In response to each of fee payers want and, at the same time, fulfil the “This meeting calls on the Government to settle the remits, BBC management will be expected to extra obligations laid on it by its new Charter the BBC licence fee at an adequate level, linked produce plans setting out how it will meet the and Agreement. and at least equal to the RPI, to enable the BBC to objectives of each of the purposes. They will act as Over 150 people, MP's, individuals and deliver high quality content and at the same time an accountability tool which the Trustees can use representatives of a wide range of consumer and meet all the obligations, and to provide the to reflect the expectations of licence fee payers industry interests attended the meeting chaired by existing and new services, set out in the The Trust is also now responsible for issuing services licences for each area of BBC output, nearly VLV chairman, Jocelyn Hay. Corporation's new Charter and Agreement.” 30 in all. Like the purpose remits, the new licences Shaun Woodward MP, Minister for the Creative We believe the meeting helped to influence the are intended to create a clearer, more transparent, Industries, who attended for part of the time final settlement and raise awareness of the method of regulation than was the case under the explained that the settlement would be fair. He demanding role the BBC is being expected to play former Board of Governors. In January the Trustees hoped that the move of some BBC departments to in switch-over. held a seminar, attended by VLV, to launch two Salford would help to create 12,000 new jobs. This must not be at the expense of the public consultations on the new arrangements. Speaking from the platform were: John Grogan programmes and services that licence fee payers The public has until 10 April to respond. MP (Lab), Chair of the All Party Parliamentary BBC want and most say they are prepared to pay for.

4 Bulletin Winter 2006/07

Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Meeting the challenge of digital switchover by Guest Contributor, Ford Ennals, Chief Executive, Digital UK

through the Consumer Expert Group. And whenever But the help doesn't stop at the formal scheme. I've addressed VLV events in the past, I've always Digital UK is working closely with local councils, been encouraged by the level of knowledge charities, volunteer and community groups to “help demonstrated by members about switchover and the helpers” and provide additional information and their keenness to follow the issue with care. assistance for those unsure about how to make the The programme will make digital TV through an switch, including those who aren't eligible for aerial (Freeview) available to all households, as we financial help. turn off the analogue signal and boost the digital Consumer protection is another important one. Along with cable, subscription satellite and consideration. We want to minimise the opportunity free-to-air satellite, this will provide a greater range for unscrupulous people to provide substandard of options over how people get digital. technical work, or make unsolicited visits to homes It's worth remembering that three-quarters of during the programme. homes in the country are already watching digital by That's why we're working with bodies such as the one means or another, but some still rely on Home Office, the Police, Trading Standards and analogue, I know that certain aspects of switchover Crimestoppers to tackle such activity. All our are of special interest to VLV members. I hope I can literature states that no-one will call about offer reassurance about some of those. switchover without an appointment. We are also We are pleased the government has confirmed discussing ways to monitor offences committed that £600 million will be made available over the under the guise of bogus switchover advice, such as next seven years to fund a switchover help scheme doorstop burglary, so any such activity can be for those who need it most. The funding will come addressed on a regional basis. Television is soon to undergo its biggest from the licence fee, as part of the BBC's task of Switchover will change the way we watch transformation in a generation. In just eight months' building a digital Britain. television forever. It's an exciting project to be time, the UK's first digital switchover will take Those over 75, the severely disabled and the involved in, but equally it presents many real place in Whitehaven, Cumbria. Then, over the next blind or partially sighted will receive equipment to challenges. five years, the entire country will be switched to convert one TV set, help with its installation So I look forward to further dialogue with VLV all-digital television. (including any aerial work) and follow-up support. about how we can make switchover work, and VLV has been actively involved in the switchover For the poorest eligible households, this will all be maximise the considerable benefits that we believe project for some time, represented by Robert Clark free; for others there will be a fee of around £40. this historic programme will deliver. A Changing BBC: Accountability and Creativity 28 November, 2006 at Over-Seas House, London SW1 Over 120 people attended VLV's 23rd Autumn television and new media, was the speaker. She Conference which focused primarily on changes SPEAKERS: explained how the BBC was planning for the at the BBC, granted a new Royal Charter and Jana Bennett, Director BBC Vision rapidly approaching all-digital environment and Agreement in July 2006. At the time of the Mark Wakefield, Head of Performance, the huge changes it implied for all traditional conference, decisions on BBC funding and the BBC Governance Unit broadcasters. She laid out an ambitious prospect future level of the licence were expected shortly Chris Woolard, Head of Compliance and of new creative thinking and new interactive and are the subject of comments elsewhere in Value for Money, BBC Governance Unit services. Structural reforms include moving several this bulletin. BBC departments, among them Children's Roger Darlington, Member, The conference opened with an update on programmes, sport, research and development to Ofcom Consumer Advisory Panel digital switch-over, now due to start in Manchester. She warned that some plans would, Whitehaven, Cumbria in October 2007. VLV Michael Darlow, VLV member, writer and director however, depend on the level of the licence fee member John Clark chaired the session. Roger settlement. Darlington, a member of the Ofcom Consumer 2007. With the use of slides they also explained The conference was followed by the 4th AGM Panel, standing in for its chairman, Colette Bowe, the structure of the new BBC Executive Board to at 4pm. said awareness and use of the new technology was be chaired by the Director General and how the increasing satisfactorily. He explained some of the relationship between the two boards was expected problems which the Panel had identified, especially to work. The independent Board of Trustees would in relation to people living in flats, saying that the be quite distinct from the Executive and would be Panel was working to find solutions. Michael accountable to licence fee payers for the wise Darlow was not so sanguine but gave details of a expenditure of the licence fee income. A long and successful public meeting he had organised in his detailed question and answer followed their home town on the subject and offered a model for presentation. It contributed very helpfully to a others to follow. greater understanding of the details of the new Professor Jean Seaton of Westminster structures and guidelines. University, the BBC's current historian, chaired the After lunch, Professor Stewart Purvis, City second session. Mark Wakefield and Chris Woolard University, London, took the chair for the third explained the structure of the new BBC Trust, to session in which Jana Bennett, newly-appointed replace the existing Board of Governors in January Director of BBC Vision with responsibility for Jana Bennett and Stewart Purvis

Winter 2006/07 Bulletin 5

Book Review Public Consultations and VLV Responses The last three months has seen a surge in the KEY CONSULTATIONS CURRENTLY OPEN INCLUDE: number of public consultations launched by the GRACE WYNDHAM GOLDIE: • Ofcom's Annual Plan, deadline: 20 February BBC, Ofcom, OFT and the Parliamentary Select FIRST LADY OF TELEVISION • Ofcom, Award of Available Spectrum, Committee for Culture, Media & Sport. John Grist, Foreword deadline: 9 March by Sir David Attenborough, VLV has responded to those by: • Ofcom, Digital Dividend Review, Authors OnLine, 2006: ISBN 0 Ofcom, on the Advertising of Food & Drink deadline: 13 March 7552 0248 1. 272pp. £20.00 Products to Children; the Future of Radio, and MEETINGS & EVENTS ATTENDED BY VLV Asa Briggs, in his History of the regulation of TV Quiz calls; OFT, on BSkyB's the BBC refers to Grace purchase of a 17.65% shareholding in ITV; and the Since the last Bulletin VLV has had meetings with the Minister for Creative Industries, Shaun Woodward Wyndham Goldie as 'a Parliamentary Select Committee for Culture, Media & Sport on the future of Public Service Media MP, officials at the DCMS, the chairmen of the Ofcom formidable woman'. She Content. As a result, VLV has been invited to give Content Board and Ofcom Consumer Panel; senior needed to be: she was one of the first to recognise oral evidence to the Committee on 20 February. executives at the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. that television, not radio, would be the dominant VLV also sent briefing papers on revisions to the VLV has provided speakers or participants for a medium of the future. The BBC's own hierarchy was European TV Without Frontiers and European Audio wide range of events including, Westminster Media sceptical, but she joined the staff in 1944, and went Visual Media Services Directives to the Culture Forum seminars on children's TV, News, and TV to television in 1946, where she pioneered Secretary and others, and on the 2nd Reading of Advertising; the Oxford Media Convention; Greater programmes which showed the Corporation could do the Digital Switch-over Bill to a number of MPs. London Fund for Older People; All-Party Parliamentary as well in television as in radio. She launched Copies of all VLV responses and a list of current Group and Ofcom seminar on Media Literacy; prestigious programmes in different genres, such as consultations open to the public are available on the Gillingham and Putney Rotary Clubs; Chatham Probus 'Panorama', a daily magazine ('Tonight') and the arts VLV website: www.vlv.org.uk or from the VLV office. Club, Hartley WI and several; Active Retirement Clubs. programme, 'Monitor'. As David Attenborough observes, “She was a woman, as they said at the time, of iron whim“. Yet she had VLV Student Essay Competition 2007 the capacity, not only to create space for innovatory programmes and formats, but also to find staff with in association with Channel 4 the talent to develop her concepts in their own way. Jon Snow will be one of the judges In the male dominated worlds of broadcasting and politics, she was a strong character who not only Subject: 'Critically discuss the ways in which, enjoyed talking with men, but arguing with them as in today's changing media environment, audiences are well. At this time, it was only women of exceptional becoming content producers. Is this a significant trend and, ability who could make a good career in the BBC. if so, is it a good thing?' Grist knew her well and provides a detailed portrait, tracing her progress from her days in radio to her time Broadcasting is changing rapidly with a new Winning entrants at undergraduate and as television's Head of Current Affairs. Grace Wyndham Royal Charter for the BBC, an explosion of new postgraduate levels will each receive a cash prize Goldie was one of the outstanding figures in the digital services threatening ITV, Channel 4 and of £500. The two winners and the two runners-up history of British broadcasting who ensured that the Five, and the start of analogue switch-off LESS will also each have the opportunity for two weeks BBC Charter rhetoric was implemented in practice. THAN one year away. Meantime, more and more work experience with a leading television Brian Groombridge people are using converging technologies to production company. generate their own content, podcasts, webcasts, Entries can be submitted either as a written vlogs and blogs. How is this affecting traditional essay of a maximum of 2,000 words or as a short Who’s Who at the new BBC Trust broadcasters and public service content? video or radio feature of no more than 10 Acting Chairman: Dr Chitra Bharucha, has had Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) invites minutes in length. The closing date for entries is a career as a consulting clinical haemotologist. entries for its 2007 Student Essay Competition, Thursday, 31 May 2007. She has served on the BBC Broadcasting held in association with Channel 4, from students Full details and an entry form, which must be Council for Northern Ireland and as Northern studying for a UK registered undergraduate or completed, are available at www.vlv.org.uk or in Ireland Member of the ITC. postgraduate degree or similar professional/ writing, enclosing an sae, from VLV, 101 King's Drive, academic qualifications. Gravesend, Kent, DA12 5BQ. There is no entry fee. Alison Hastings, Trustee for England, is a former newspaper journalist and editor. She is now a media consultant whose clients include Camelot, BBC Pension Scheme Trustees. He was Chairman Richard Tait, is Professor of Journalism and Liverpool City and the Press Complaints Commission. of M S Gleeson Group plc from 2003-5 Director of the Centre for Journalism Studies, Rotha Johnston, Trustee for Northern Ireland, Dame Patricia Hodgson, is Principal of Newnham Cardiff University. He was Editor-in-Chief ITN is an entrepreneur in commerce and property. College Cambridge, a Director of the Wellcome from 1995 - 2002. She is a non-executive director of Anglo-Irish Bank Trust and a member of the Committee on ADDITIONS TO THE BBC EXECUTIVE BOARD and Vice Chairman of Invest Northern Ireland. Standards in Public Life. She had a long career at The BBC Executive Board is chaired by Director Jeremy Peat, Trustee for Scotland, is a former the BBC before becoming Chief Executive of the General, Mark Thompson. Under the recent re- BBC Governor, Chairman of the BBC Pension ITC until it was subsumed into Ofcom in 2003. structuring, five non-executive directors have Trustees and a member of the Competition David Liddimen, is a non-executive Director of been added to the Board. They are: Commission. He wrote for the Herald newspaper the independent production company All3Media Marcus Agius, currently Chairman in London of and the producer of the Old Vic Theatre Company. and was Group Chief Economist at the Royal the investment bank Lazard, and Chairman- He was formerly Director of Programmes at ITV, Bank of Scotland. designate of Barclays PLC; following a long career at BBC, Granada and LWT. Dr Mike Lynch, co-founder and Chief Executive Diane Coyle, is an economics consultant Mehmuda Mian Pritchard, is a member of the of Autonomy Corporation plc; specialising in new technologies and globalisation Independent Police Complaints Commission for David Robbie, Group Finance Director, Rexam plc; and a member of the Competition Commission. London and S. E. Region. She was a solicitor in Dr Samir Shah, Chief Executive of Juniper Dermot Gleeson, former member of the BBC Birmingham and is a non-executive director of Communications, an independent production Board of Governors, is Deputy Chairman of the the NHS Litigation Authority. company.

6 Bulletin Winter 2006/07

Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Letters to the Editor Letters do not necessarily represent the views of the Association and may be shortened for publication. BBC MUSIC POLICY chock-a-block with flashes, bangs, --- outrageously Thank you for your letter of 4 January about the disorientating high speed zoom and pan effects and other meeting at the House of Commons. I will be in London Congratulations to Ron Savage for his letter on BBC --- intrusions. --- Do producers not understand how the that day and may get to the House in time, but it would Music Policy (Autumn Bulletin). It strikes me that human brain works -that it needs a moment for not be to support VLV because I am fighting to see the modern Pop music compares very badly with the much establishment shots to be comprehensible? The genius of BBC licence fee cut, if not abolished, as an unfair more tuneful fare on offer when I was growing up in the writer's dialogue requires to be intelligently enhanced stealth tax. the 30s and 40s. by the production, not blitzed by it. Perhaps they believe I am also therefore unable to renew my subscription. David Pawlyn, Evesham, Worcs. that this invasion of our brains will revitalise the few, On the contrary, I am writing to my MP with my views flagging brain cells we have left? We think it'll kill them and arguments against this tax, and asking where is LOCAL CHANNELS UNDER LOCAL CONTROL off. (We) hope you can set some kind of redress in motion. the 'evidence' that a majority of such taxpayers are The switchover from analogue to digital delivery of Stewart and Joan Lowdon, Wadebridge, Cornwall actually willing to pay a higher sum, and how the television will release analogue spectrum for other EDITOR'S NOTE: survey was compiled! uses. The communications regulator Ofcom has H A Prowse, Camberley, Surrey commissioned a year long Digital Dividend Review, on Following this and other complaints about the which it is currently consulting. The widely flagged increasing use of rapidly changing advertisement In an article in The Times in December, Helen Rumbelow conclusion is that sale of released broadcast spectrum boards in football matches we have pointed out suggested that Radio 4 may not only be in for a rude will be recommended, not least making an important to the BBC the discomfort and danger caused shock when Channel 4 is given a licence to develop radio contribution to Treasury income. However there are a to many viewers, especially those with epilepsy. stations (one or more of which would compete with R4), clear set of public service obligations that should be but that Radio 4 would deserve such competition, and be honoured before these assets are put up for sale to the HOUSE OF COMMONS MEETING forced to change for the better, with many long-standing highest bidders across the UK. The idea that spectrum is Unfortunately I cannot be with you on 9 January but I shows spiked despite their popularity. One is tempted to a UK asset is far from clear-cut. Ofcom has suggested wish you all success in the meeting. think that Rumbelow has somehow attuned herself to vibrations emanating from the top of News International that it might be necessary to have a constitutional I support VLV's policy as you state it “not --- an over- debate to resolve 'who owns spectrum'. with its record of opposing established public service generous settlement” but this Government seems, as it broadcasters, its intrusion into ITV merely a move to see There are no national terrestrial transmitters with UK so often does, to have stated desirable policies without that the channel remains weak - as a competitor to Sky's wide coverage so terrestrial spectrum is broadcast to providing the means to implement them. I'm concerned, television services. local areas from regional and local transmitter sites. however, about the antipathy to repeats - we don't The broadcast frequencies are used in combination to In this context, Ofcom's support for more radio stations is want low-quality recent programmes to be repeated welcomed. On the other hand, the current fortunes of provide coverage for UK-wide channels - having first merely as time-fillers, but the repeat of good archival been regulated under state intervention to serve a clear Commercial Radio are at best, neutral, signs of a system programmes from the past, such as Cathy Come Home, struggling to hold its ground; but there is no compelling national public purpose - to provide universal public is to be encouraged. service broadcasting. evidence of an unrequited market (other than for the The BBC could make savings, in my view, by cutting back kinds of 'services' which the still ubiquitous pirate Now that the national public service requirements have on local services, but the principal problem with the BBC operators seem to offer). Ofcom reminds visitors to its been met - and broadcast spectrum sale and market (and ITV) at the moment is the low quality of programmes. website (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/psb3/) regulation is contemplated post-switchover - the I live alone and the progammes over the recent holiday that it is "charged with reporting on how the quality of remaining spectrum should revert to local regulation public service broadcasting can be maintained and for use on behalf of those in reach of a signal. were so poor that I made deep inroads into my video and DVD collections. But today's programming provides strengthened in future" (my italics). One would expect to Dave Rushton, Director, Institute of Local tomorrow's DVDs to a fair extent, so if we don't watch see Ofcom developing ways of identifying and Television, Edinburgh out tomorrow's DVD quality will atrophy. safeguarding such quality - rather than just encouraging Allan Palmer, Address supplied an increase in quantity - by itself is no proxy for quality. My wife and I watch fewer and fewer of our once Mallory Wober PhD, London NW3 favourite programmes on BBC1 and 2 Television nowadays for one main reason: while News programmes Unfortunately, I cannot attend the meeting at the appear obliged to give a warning when an item 'contains House of Commons but I do hope that the matter of Deadline for next issue: some flash photography', the drama department does the BBC (using our money) having contracted Jonathan 15 March, 2007 not. Programmes we would have watched with pleasure Ross for 3 years at a total cost of £18m can be raised. I think that this is disgraceful. Write, fax or e-mail your letters to the Editor at: - Spooks, Bleak House, Match of the Day, Lord Winston's [email protected] series on children's development, for example (are) Graham Preedy, Greenford, Middlesex

Opportunities for VLV Interns Honorary Treasurer, VLV Ltd Honorary Treasurer, The Voice of the Listener Trust In the past two years VLV has enjoyed the help VLV is looking for an Honorary Treasurer to of nine student interns. They each contributed succeed Colin Thompson who has very kindly Following the death in 2006 of Professor in different ways and VLV benefited enormously filled the post for the past four years. Colin has Naomi Sargant, The Voice of the Listener from their enthusiasm and skills. Their work new commitments which now make it very Trust is seeking a new Honorary difficult for him to continue. included researching the student essay Treasurer. We should be very glad to The appointment is not a 'hands-on' job. All the competition, European and UK Parliamentary hear from any member who might be records and accounts are kept on computer in the policy, children's issues, developing the website, interested in helping. The Trust supports VLV office where VLV's new Executive Director is writing for the Bulletin and helping at the charitable activities of VLV Ltd which responsible for preparing the accounts and presenting conferences. As one remarked, 'VLV is not just a fall within its own objects and it pressure group, it's also a think-tank and the monthly figures and forecasts. Meetings of the Board of Directors are held two or sponsors the annual VLV Awards for breadth of issues covered is astonishing.' Excellence in Broadcasting. We are grateful to Daniel Dyball, who in three monthly in central London. After an initial visit it may not be necessary to travel to the VLV office in The demands of the post are not December and January produced a paper on onerous. The sums involved are not large European policy, and to Laurence Pawley on UK Gravesend very often. Meetings can be conducted in London over a laptop and much of the remaining work and all the accounts are kept on computer radio and public service broadcasting policy. We can be conducted by phone, fax or email. in Gravesend. The Trustees meet quarterly hope Laurence will continue to assist us during In return, the Treasurer will have the opportunity in central London, generally over a the rest of his PhD studies at Goldsmith's College. to contribute to the formation of VLV policy, take sandwich lunch. Other contacts are by All of our interns have since gone on to find part in a range of stimulating and entertaining telephone, fax or email. excellent jobs and we would be glad to hear events involving politicians, academics, producers For further details please contact the from others seeking a placing. Please apply to and media personalities. If you would like further Chairman of the Trust, Elizabeth Smith, [email protected] details, please contact Jocelyn Hay, VLV Chairman. care of Sue Washbrook on 01474 352835.

Winter 2006/07 Bulletin 7

Advertisements Diary Dates Please refer to VLV when responding to advertisements. VLV Ltd cannot accept any liability or complaint in regard to the following offers. The charge for classified advertisements is 30p per word, 20p for Thursday, 19 April members. Please send typed copy with a cheque made payable to VLV Ltd. For display space please VLV Spring Conference: Fresh contact Linda Forbes on 01474 352835. Visions from Familiar Faces For the 50th London SW1 Gift Membership 10.45am – 5pm, coffee 10.30am anniversary of the start Give VLV membership as a gift to Thursday, 19 April of “Armchair a friend or relative. We will add Presentation of VLV’s 2006 an appropriate greetings card Theatre” - Awards for Excellence in and a FREE copy of the Radio Leonard White’s book, Broadcasting by Sue MacGregor or TV User’s Guide worth £5.95. London SW1 “Armchair Theatre - 1.45pm The Lost Years” brings Just fill out the coupon below and state which publication it alive. and card type you would prefer. Celebrate the glory “A sense of occasion - the of Gershwin unique period of TV Drama” THE RADIO LISTENER'S GUIDE 2007 & THE TELEVISION (ISBN 1 903053 18 8-) Sunday, 11th March VIEWER'S GUIDE 2007 3.30 - 5.45pm ORDERING DETAILS KELLY BOOKS VLV is delighted to announce The guides cost £5.95 each - (includes Tel: 01884 256170 that the BBC Elstree Concert Band Email: [email protected] p&p). Please make your cheques payable to Radio Listener's Guide, and send them to: will kindly be giving its 14th annual Radio Listener's Guide, concert in aid of the Voice of www.kellybooks.co.uk PO Box 888, Plymouth PL8 1YJ the Listener Trust. The concert will take place at the BBC Maida Winter Competition Vale Studio between 3.30 pm and 5.45 pm, by Win a copy of Simon Schama’s ‘Power of Art’ book by answering the following question: kind permission of the BBC. It will Name two of the artists featured in his ‘Power of Art’ tv series. Rodney Greenberg be conducted Replies on a postcard to: Winter Competition, VLV, 101 King’s Drive, Gravesend, DA12 5BQ. by Andrew Morley. Or by email to: [email protected] by 15 March 2007. The Editor’s decision is final. The presentation of Gershwin's music will be by Rodney Greenberg, Emmy Award-winning producer and the director of many television NEW SUBSCRIPTION / DONATION / CHANGE OF ADDRESS* music programmes including The *please delete as appropriate Last Night of the Proms, and the VLV subscription - individual £25.00, two at same address £40.00, student/concessionary £17.50, joint concessions £35.00. author of a Gershwin biography VLV overseas subscription - individual £35.00, student/concessionary £25.00. Newsletter only subscription (non members) UK published by Phaidon Press. £30.00, overseas £35.00. Please make cheques payable to VLV Ltd and send to 101 Kings Drive, Gravesend, DA12 5BQ. This is an opportunity to enjoy a PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS fascinating audio-visual portrait of Name: America's most charismatic composer; featuring rare photos and archive Address: recordings, live piano solos and illustrations and live performances of Post Code: much-loved Gershwin compositions by Tel: Fax: The BBC Elstree Concert Band. The Maida Vale Studio is situated in Email: Delaware Rd, London W9 2LG, close to OR to pay by Credit Card please complete the form below or call 01474 352835 Maida Vale tube station. Name of Cardholder: Resfreshments will be served before (last 3 digits of Card type: Mastercard ■ Visa ■ Expiry date ■■ / ■■ Issue No. ■■ CVS ■■■ security code on and during the concert. reverse of card) Card No. ■■■■ / ■■■■ / ■■■■ / ■■■■ Amount £ Tickets @ £7,50 (concessions £5, including children under 18). Signature of Cardholder Please apply to Linda.forbes@ I would like to pay by: Bankers' Order ■ Gift Aid ■ please send me a form. vlv.org.uk or phone 01474352835.

8 Bulletin Winter 2006/07 Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd, a private company limited by guarantee, registered no: 4407712