Voice of the Listener & Viewer Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Spring 2009 Issue 96

CHAIRMAN’s REPORT A Lively Relationship

In this way no less than £495,000 — After taking soundings I replied that nearly half a million pounds — has been while some of us might agree with him, lost from BBC budgets and gone to the many would not. I went on: Treasury in the past year. What a waste of ‘I think the first reason the BBC the licence fee! gives for the decision it has taken — Some VLV members wrote to me whether aid will get through — is not asking why the employees responsible for really valid. The DEC is a highly incurring these fines could not themselves respected organization that does not bear some of the financial penalty. I put this make appeals of this nature lightly. JUST recently the patience of our members point to Mark Thompson, the BBC Director- Whatever plans Hamas may have for has been tried. A letter sent to me via the General. Mark replied saying that while he taking control of the rebuilding of VLV office contained a note: ‘Has been a agreed the present situation was not entirely Gaza there is a strong body of highly member for many years: never known him satisfactory he could not say that it would experienced external aid workers write like this before’. The letter, full of be improved by ‘by attempting to recover capable of delivering emergency relief asterisks and exclamation marks, was to costs from BBC employees.’ In order to in Gaza — which is what the DER is protest at what has recently seemed to be impose a deduction from pay the BBC would raising money for. a positive torrent of bad language and need the express contractual right to do so The second reason the Director- offensive behaviour in BBC radio and – which does not at present exist. And there General gives for refusing to run the television programmes. In the Ross and were practical questions: ‘How would a Gaza appeal is that to do so would Brand case the BBC took some time to wake person on £25K gross per year repay run ‘the risk of reducing public up to the offence caused to many people. £10K?’. It would also be difficult to apportion confidence in the BBC’s impartiality’. But when it did it took stern action: the radio responsibility when failings have usually This I think is a failure of nerve. Of channel Controller and the ‘compliance’ been at several points in the editorial chain course the BBC must be impartial in officer responsible lost their jobs. Rightly — of command and, arguably, by management its reporting — Hamas mortars fired in my opinion — senior BBC executives overall. at civilian targets in Israel may be just were held responsible for what went on air. as much a war crime as any Israeli But what happens next makes some GAZA APPEAL bombardment of Gaza — but that VLV members angrier still. It is the Recently VLV has taken issue with the BBC should not prevent the BBC carrying broadcasting regulator Ofcom, outside the on another topic — the Director-General’s a humanitarian appeal from the DEC BBC, which now sits in judgement on most decision not to broadcast an appeal from when the need is so obvious. alleged breaches of the broadcasting codes, the Disasters Emergency Committee on I think the danger now is not what and the only penalty Ofcom can impose behalf of the inhabitants of Gaza who had the BBC feared, that it might be seen (other than an on-air statement of some suffered so severely under the Israeli to be partial on the side of Hamas, kind) is a fine. That means it is the licence- bombardment. I was asked by the BBC but that it is seen to have given in to payer who is paying the price of bad what VLV’s attitude was to the D-G’s fear of what the pro-Israeli lobby might behaviour by the broadcasters. decision. do and say.’ Inside Whether or not you approve my reply I hope you will agree that our warm support ■ Looking for a ■ Options for Online ■ Spring Conference of the BBC as our best hope of quality and Partner? Regulation ■ Student essay diversity in broadcasting should never make it impossible to challenge the Corporation ■ The future of radio ■ VLV Scotland competition when we have questions about its policy. — will it be digital? conference ■ Diary dates Richard Lindley

ISSN 1475-2948

Spring conference Looking for a Partner? As the commercial broadcasters struggle to survive, the search is on to forge a strong, new public service partnership. Voice of the Listener & Viewer VLV has asked Channel 4, Five and BBC Worldwide Working for Quality and Diversity in British Broadcasting VLV President to tell us who they would like to be their partner. Mrs Jocelyn Hay CBE Andy Duncan Britain interim report to create a strong, VLV Patrons Chief Executive second,future-facing sustainable public Lord Barnet PC JP Archbishop Lord Eames of Armagh Channel 4 service broadcasting model, with a publicly Sir Francis Graham-Smith FRS owned, public purpose Channel 4 at its Lord Inglewood MEP heart, building on our culture of innovation, Sir Charles Mackerras CBE Dame Mary Peters DBE risk taking and alternative voices. The best Lord Phillips of Sudbury OBE starting point is a bold partnership with BBC Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE Lady Solti Worldwide and we are already working Sir John Tusa closely together to ensure we remain capable of meeting the challenges of the VLV Directors digital future and delivering the same high Mr Richard Lindley (Chairman) Mr Hugh Peltor, CBE (Hon. Treasurer) quality programmes, products and services Prof Maire Messenger Davies that viewers have enjoyed in the past. Ms Carol Cattley (co-opted) Of course, it is important that any Mr Robert Clark Prof Ivor H Gaber solutions to Channel 4’s funding issues are Mr Norman W Green assessed for their potential impact on the Prof Sonia M Livingstone wider industry since other PSB’s are also Mr Lewis M C Rudd, MBE As the UK’s creative industries tackle the Mr Laurence D Pawley struggling in the difficult economic climate. combined challenges of a deepening Dr Matthew Hibberd But we do believe the ideas we are Ms. Shyama Perera recession and the structural changes developing could bring new financial benefit brought about by the move to digital, and Company Secretary to both Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide’s Waterlow Registrars Ltd. viewers tell us they continue to value high shareholders, the British public. quality, UK-produced content and plurality, The Voice of the Listener Trust I believe Channel 4 has a crucial role to play (registerred. charity 286207) a sister charity which supports Dawn Airey VLV’s educational work. in sustaining creative investment for the Chair and Chief Executive Chairman: Mrs Jocelyn Hay CBE benefit of British audiences and redefining Trustees: Channel 5 Mr Michael Barton public service broadcasting for future Mr John Clark generations. Professor Sylvia Harvey We currently invest around £400 million Lady Solti Dr Andrew Taussig a year in original British content with a focus on alternative talent, voices and ideas. This Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) represents the citizen and consumer in turn drives a much bigger economic interests in broadcasting and works for quality and diversity in British broad- benefit for Britain. We can give viewers casting. VLV is free from political, sec- tarian and commercial affiliations. VLV programmes that the market barely supplies is concerned with the issues, struc- — long-form news, current and international tures, institutions and regulation that underpin the British broadcasting sys- affairs, single dramas and documentaries, tem and in particular to maintain the principles of public service broadcast- new comedy, British film — because we ing. VLV does not handle complaints. don’t have to pay dividends to private shareholders. But we do deliver creative VLV Office: PO Box 401, Gravesend DA12 9FY Economic conditions are dire, structural Tel: 01474 352835 Fax: 01474 351112 excellence as shown by our consistent haul change is fast and furious. But what really e-mail [email protected] of awards, most recently with the amazing Office Hours: 9.30-5pm Monday-Thursday matters in any debate on public service Linda Forbes: Conference & Events Sec. Film 4 production Slumdog Millionaire which Sue Washbrook: Membership/ Board & Trust Admin. broadcasting is the breadth and quality of swept the board at the Baftas and the Website: www.vlv.org what appears on screen. Viewers expect the Oscars. Registered address: Aercon House, commercial channels to compete with the Alfred Road, Gravesend DA11 7QF The structural shifts taking place in Bulletin published by the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd, a BBC on quality while providing different private company limited by guarantee (registered in England media require boldness and imagination and no. 4407712). approaches. we wholeheartedly support the proposal in So the question that needs to be asked Desktop publishing: Carol Cattley both the Ofcom PSB review and the Digital 2 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting of any link-up between Five and Channel 4 Five’s owner RTL has an obvious We believe that these partnerships is whether it will enhance viewers’ commercial interest in such a venture but it could bring benefits of over £120m per year experience. is proposing not a takeover, rather a to commercials funded PSBs (i.e. ITV, Five and Channel 4 are very similar partnership in which the government would Channel 4 and Five) by 2014. organisations — both public service have a majority stake. The partnerships include the following: broadcasters, both commissioning Such a partnership would be a coming Sharing BBC iPlayer; Bringing internet programmes rather than making them, both together of the complementary and the services to the television screen; Sharing dependent on advertising for the bulk of our compatible — more gin and tonic than oil the benefits of the BBC’s investment and income. and water. research into digital production; supporting Putting Five and 4 together would the continued delivery of regional news generate serious synergies — not just Caroline Thomson beyond the BBC; supporting the reductions in overhead costs, but Chief Operating Officer development of Broadband Britain; advantages from cross-promotion, BBC Creating value through a partnership complementary scheduling, joint between BBC Worldwide and Channel 4. acquisitions policies, and optimised channel On the last of these, BBC Worldwide portfolios. have been working with Channel 4 on All of which means more money to put innovative partnership proposals (subject to back on screen, to overcome the Channel BBC Trust scrutiny and approval) that 4 ‘funding gap’ and provide the investment represent genuine business logic. in new media and new platforms necessary Of course, it is important that any to fully embrace the digital revolution. solutions to Channel 4’s funding issues are But money is not the only issue. Our partnership proposals are designed to assessed for their potential impact on the Channel 4 has a unique public service remit help address the medium to long term future wider industry since other PSBs are also that would need to be protected in any of PSB beyond the BBC by tackling the root struggling in the difficult economic climate. partnership arrangement. That is why we causes, rather than merely addressing their But we do believe the ideas we are have proposed the creation of a special symptoms. Our proposals would ensure developing could bring new financial benefit editorial board to guarantee the channel’s that PSBs benefit from: Sustainable digital to both Channel 4 and BBC Worldwide’s character and ringfence spending on key revenue, increased share and reach, and shareholders, the British public. public service programming. provide solutions that de-risk investments.

President’s talk MAKING THE MOST messages and in Sheffield OF NEW MEDIA pictures but doesn’t On a February evening, Jocelyn Hay ven- Actress Patricia Routledge has signed up need a key-board tured up to the Psalter Tavern in Sheffield for the conference aimed at the over 50s or a mouse. It might to give a talk and answer questions from a on April 1 — organised by VLV with support be the start of a big 40-strong audience made up of local Lib from OFCOM & BT. Patricia decided it was break-through so Dem activists, VLV members and journal- time to get to grips with her new laptop and come and be one of ism students from the University of Sheffield. intends to have some training prior to the the first to see it in The talk entitled ‘How to keep British conference, where she will demonstrate her action! radio and television the best in the world’ progress with voice activated dictation and Stands will be prompted questions on subjects ranging live video links with friends overseas. there to offer one- from top-slicing of the BBC licence fee, com- Also taking part will be panels of to-one advice. Among them will be some of munity radio, OFCOM’s PSB Review, Chan- broadcasters, expert voluntary the voluntary organisations who provide nel 4’s shortfall of income, the cutbacks at organisations, internet service providers, assistance to novice computer users around ITV and the advantages of Freesat in a city researchers and technical advisers. They the country. And RICABILITY will be on of hills and woodlands. will be under the guidance of these well hand to give the latest technical help on Jocelyn’s message was that PSB faces known presenters: , Gillian preparing for digital television. severe challenges, and ordinary citizens Reynolds, Martyn Lewis, Roger Bolton and This conference has sold like hot cakes need to let government know how impor- Sandy Chalmers. and is now over-subscribed; however, we tant a part broadcasting plays in maintain- The day is designed to bring hope it will lead to similar events in London ing our democracy and cultural life. We must encouragement, confidence and advice to and around the country. Please let Linda defend and support an independent, diverse the audience who can also discover a piece know if you would like to be kept informed. and well-funded industry still capable of of new technology called WAYVE. It’s a AN UPDATE ON THE making quality British programmes. simple communications device designed to VLV SPRING CONFERENCE David Eggington live in the kitchen; it receives and sends IS ON p.6. Spring 2009 3 The future of radio — background information can be provided and subtitling and audio description are often available. In 2008 Freesat became available will it be digital? for a one-off payment, which is a great help to One aspect of unique content on digital radio to consumers experiencing reception problems, the Digital encourage consumers to make the switch and who did not wish to be tied into an often Britain interim VLV has supported digital radio for expensive subscription. report was the a decade with regular presentations at Robert Clark commitment to our conferences. We continue to support a switch to the switch to digital transmission and Sarah Montague digital would always suggest that members transmission consider a dual analogue/digital radio; of Today to present of radio. VLV however the advantages for the the VLV Awards has been involved in the debate about the consumer at this time are not as for Excellence future of radio since Ofcom began significant as for digital television. in Broadcasting consultations in 2005 since 2008 have been We do not consider a delay in a total represented on the Digital Radio Working switch to digital radio transmission will be Party (DRWG). a problem. The present VHF analogue transmissions are fit for purpose and The recommendation for a switch have served most consumers across the comes from the DRWG, which suggests that UK well for decades. ‘http:// the change should not happen unless three www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/ key criteria are met: at least 50% of total publications/5700.aspx” is the final report radio listening must occur on digital of the DRWG and the report of the platforms; national multiplex coverage must consumer sub group can be found on the be comparable to current FM coverage; local multiplexes should reach at least 90% DCMS website. of the population, including all major roads. The group expects these to be met by 2017, Rapid TV Switchover The ballot papers for voting in the final round when switchover can begin. The big switch is taking off. By the end are enclosed with this Bulletin. We hope you Last autumn a consumer sub-group of 2009, 5 million homes will cease to will find time to return these straight away, as reported on the consumer impact of the receive an analogue TV signal. It began the goblets must be engraved in time for the proposals. We challenged a switch after only successfully in Borders TV and is rolling Spring Conference. Sarah Montague, famed 50% of listening is on digital platforms. We out through Cornwall, Devon, Granada presenter of the Today programme, has kindly think it is too big a task to move the ITV region and much of Wales. agreed to hand out the trophies. Once again remaining 50% during a switchover period; The task — long planned by Digital we thank Roberts Radio for their sponsorship. many will be vulnerable and ageing listeners UK — is in part an engineering challenge, Over 100 different programmes each particularly dependant on radio. On the as all transmitters must be changed, and were nominated for the best TV and radio basis of the experience with TV, we wanted part a public information campaign, so programmes, and 70 each for the best new the criteria to be at least 65%. that every viewer and provider knows TV and radio programmes. More than 80 However, VLV does not consider the what to do. VLV has been a member of individuals were voted best contributors to TV criteria will be met by 2017. Improvements the consumer committees. and over 70 to radio. Seventeen children’s in reception will not happen and may prove There is a hardship scheme for programmes were selected; however there uneconomic. It has taken decades and vulnerable groups. However, most were insufficient votes for specific digital much licence money for the BBC to achieve households have already switched. television or radio stations to warrant a final the current analogue coverage with VHF. Monitored by quarterly surveys, viewers’ voting stage. Very few cars have digital radios as behaviour shows nearly 90% of Carol Cattley reception is so poor, and agreement has households have converted the primary only just been reached on a common system receiver, while in most areas 60% have ◆ Due to a diary mixup Professor for Europe. To switch a significant number converted all sets. Simon Schama had to cancel the of the 30 million cars on the road by 2017 There are many reasons for the celebrity evening event on 25 February will prove very difficult. rapid take up. Most viewers can make when he was due to come to talk to us A major difference from TV is that it will the change by purchasing a cheap set- at the Reform Club.Simon has sent his be necessary to buy a new radio: at present top box; there are many more stations apologies and we hope we can arrange the equivalent of a set-top box is not seen available free at point of use; radio another date before too long. as a way forward. Finally, there is little stations can be received; more 24 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting OPTIONS FOR ONLINE REGULATION VLV board member Sonia — though only 15% of parents said they were good at installing Livingstone was a panellist such software. on the Options for Last December, a Eurobarometer survey found 88% of UK Regulation session of the parents claim to have safety software installed — an improvement Westminster eForum’s over recent years, putting the UK at the top of the EU for use of conference, Taming the Wild safety software, against an EU27 average of 59%. Web — Online Content But, among those who don’t have it, 1 in 5 say they don’t Regulation on 11 February know how to install it. The persistent difficulties in use of filters is 2009. Her contribution confirmed by the EC’s Safer Internet programme’s recent evaluation focused on the role of of filters on the market — they show some year on year parents in regulating — or improvement, but are still fairly difficult to install and use. Moreover, mediating — their children’s filters are better for online pornography and violence (especially if internet use. searched for in the English language) than they are for anorexia, gambling or self-harm sites, especially if searched for in Polish or Lord Carter’s recent Digital Britain report follows last year’s Byron Urdu; and they do not address what the child posts, only what they Review in calling for a one stop shop for internet safety information, may receive. Last, as often stated, the suspicion — little researched better parental control software and improvements to parents’ e- — is that those determined to get around them will do so. safety skills. As Secretary of State Andy Burnham said in the House So, that leaves the social solutions — the ones parents of Commons, when debating Digital Britain, we must ‘give parents prefer. The good news is that across Europe, the Eurobarometer the information and tools necessary to protect children from harmful survey shows that British parents are among the most likely to or inappropriate content’. stay nearby, sit with their child or check the computer afterwards. In the USA, the Internet Safety Technical Task Force, which This is especially the case among parents who use the computer reported last December, stated that parents should educate themselves. So, the safety messages are getting across. themselves about the internet and the ways their children use it, Moreover, worries are most common among those who explore and evaluated the effectiveness of available technological don’t use the computer themselves. Since worries remain fairly tools, and be conscious of the common risks youth face. high — the Eurobarometer survey shows that 59% of UK parents What does this mean for parents? It seems that we need to are worried about their children seeing sexual or violent content, think hard about the difference between empowering parents 48% worry about online grooming, 42% about children accessing (which everyone surely wholeheartedly supports), and relying on information about self-harm, suicide or anorexia online, and 39% parents to mediate their children’s internet use and safety (about worry that they’ll be bullied online — getting all parents online which research suggests serious reservations). themselves is a good move. For any media, including now the internet, research finds that parents try to do three types of management: SURVEILLANCE OR TRUST? 1. They impose rules and restrictions However, there are some problems with the social solutions: 2. They use technical tools – filtering, monitoring It relies on parental surveillance. But the 2008-9 Childwise survey 3. They use social approaches – watching, sharing, talking finds that 37% of children go online in their own bedroom, including about the internet with their children. more than a quarter of 5-10 year olds. Given this, parental monitoring is difficult. SOCIAL SOLUTIONS It requires trust. The Eurobarometer survey found UK parents Parents prefer social solutions: for younger children, because they are least likely to report that their children ask them for help with wish to share their experiences; for older teens, because rules don’t online problems — only 15%, compared with an EU27 average of work with them; and for all children because they wish to trust their 32% - although when children do ask for help, they are most likely child, treat them with respect and not check up on them, invade to ask about bullying/harassment/strangers etc rather than, say, their privacy or act the heavy authority figure. technical problems. So — rules and restrictions don’t fit well with the ethos of It assumes responsible parents. As the ISTTF report made modern parenting. Further, when researchers interview both parents clear, it is unfortunate but true that vulnerable children may be least and their children, they find that parents claim many more rules likely to have parents who help them online — or, arguably, offline. than their children recognise. And last, perhaps surprisingly, it So, relying on parents may further disadvantage those already ‘at remains to be seen whether rules and restrictions really reduce risk’, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. risk. So far, we only have evidence that they reduce opportunities. To conclude: we must empower parents, to improve their use What about technical solutions? Five years ago, the UK of all the available solutions; but we must not rely on them, Children Go Online survey found that a fifth of parents said the especially expecting them to provide the stop gap solution where child’s computer has no filtering or monitoring software installed other regulatory strategies are found to be insufficient.

Spring 2009 35 digital technology and those who do not. NATIONS & REGIONS In this selection of her writings between 1973 and 2006, edited by her husband An- For many years, VLV has organised an a new system or would this be another step drew McIntosh and colleagues from the annual Scottish conference so that the in what some call the decline of public Open University, Channel 4 and Niace, we particular national issues and perspectives service broadcasting. can share her vision and hopes for British in and from this nation can be addressed. And of course there is always the society at a time of unprecedented social This conference was often the only one thought that the SNP Government might — and technological change. Jocelyn Hay where broadcasters and the public were despite the Scotland Act — have some SPRING CONFERENCE able to debate the place and importance of influence on the overall ecology of broadcasting in Scottish society. broadcasting in Scotland. The launch of The End of Broadcasting Now that we live in post devolutionary BBC Alba, the Gaelic digital channel, has As We Know It? times and Scotland has its own Parliament been a great success. Others may follow. On 30 April VLV will welcome as main — albeit with powers over broadcasting These and other issues will be debated speakers two of the most important figures being reserved to Westminster — the at the VLV Scotland Conference on in British broadcasting . debate has moved on and readers of the Tuesday, 12 May at the Netherbow Theatre, Michael Grade, Executive Chairman of Bulletin will be aware that the Scottish Royal Mile, Edinburgh. ITV, heads a once great television network Government set up a Broadcasting As always, the editor of the Bulletin that rivalled the BBC. But ITV is in deep Commission to look at the future of the welcomes contributions from readers in financial trouble, cutting back on staff, industry north of the border. Commission Wales, Northern Ireland and England, both original programme production and its Chair, Blair Jenkins, had already spoken at the English regions and the Metropolis as historic PSB obligations. a number of VLV conferences and the report well as from Scotland. Colette Bowe is the new Chair of remains a template and set of aspirations Robert Beveridge Ofcom. Once the broadcasting Regulator’s against which future policies and provision word was law, but in the face of a Book review will be judged. remorseless decline in advertising revenue Lifelong Learning — In essence however, the challenges for which has until now funded commercial A brave and proper broadcasting in Scotland mirror those of any television, can Ofcom hope to ‘maintain and vision. Selected strengthen the quality of public service small nation. How do we best ensure what writings of Naomi broadcasting’ — as Parliament intended? kinds of investment in staff and skills, in Sargant. Edited by content and distribution, in the creative Andrew McIntosh, Local Television — Is it Really A industries and broadcasting, so that our lives Derek Jones, Alan Runner? Participants include Steve Hewlett, are enriched and enhanced by quality Tuckett and Alan television journalist and consultant and programming which speaks to, for and about Woodley. Published presenter of Radio 4’s weekly Media Show, by Niace. Price £20. us and other cultures as well? and Peter Williams, independent television In this context, STV — like ITV in Naomi Sargant was one of the most distin- producer and former ITV This Week England and Wales, is seeking regulatory guished adult educators of the post-war era; reporter. With regional television being relief, i.e. public funding for news and she believed passionately that everyone stretched so thinly, is the real future local? current affairs or other forms of support for should have the opportunity to benefit from Sarah Montague, former or reduced commitments to the full range life long learning. As professor of social and BBC 1 Presenter, now a Presenter of of psb. The problem is perhaps, more acute, research and pro-vice-chancellor of the Radio 4’s Today programme, will present when there is a need for TV and radio Open University, Channel 4’s first commis- VLV’s 2008 Awards for Excellence. beyond the BBC to play a part in the sioning editor for educational programmes, VLV Chairman Richard Lindley points democratic and cultural life of the nation and advisor to many government and non- out: ‘A television system that for half a beyond gameshows and soaps, although governmental organisations on consumer century has given us high quality they have their place. and education issues, she recognised how programmes and a prosperous television How can the British or Scottish State the power of television could be used to pro- industry has broken down. In a multi- ensure that this happens and what kinds of mote adult education, especially for those channel, digital world Ofcom the investment and from where — hopefully not who had missed out on conventional school- Government and the companies are the licence fee — should be deployed to ing and higher education. struggling to find new ways to maintain achieve these goals. Of course, what also She worked tirelessly on behalf of television standards. But we mustn’t leave would happen to editorial independence if women and the under-privileged, and in re- it to them. It’s up to us, the viewers, to make there was direct state investment in and for cent years on the Board of VLV, she was sure we have our say about the shape of news and current affairs. Would the hard particularly concerned to highlight and re- things to come. This Conference will give won lessons endured by the BBC and the solve the problems of the growing ‘digital us the opportunity to do so.’ structures of independence be replicated in divide’ between those who have access to (Further details on p.8) 62 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting

Letter to the VLV STUDENT ESSAY COMPETITION Chairman £500 in Prizes plus Work Experience offered to Winners in 2009 Prizes totaling £500 have kindly been given and vlogs. How will this affect the BBC NOT A PLAYTHING by Channel 4 for VLV’s fourth Student Essay broadcasters’ ability to fulfill their public Dear Richard Lindley, Competition. The winners and runners-up service remits? Is the concept of public Thank you so much for your letter and all in categories equivalent to under and post service broadcasting any longer viable? the material about the inputs and actions graduate levels will also be offered two VLV invites entries from students studying of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer. weeks’ work experience with a leading for a UK registered undergraduate or At 91 I’m physically incapable of television or radio production company. The postgraduate degree, or similar professional playing a part in any of these activities but competition is again sponsored by Voice of qualifications, on the following subject: I like to know about them and be the Listener Trust. Jon Snow, presenter What is important about reminded of my own participation during of C4 news, will lead the judging panel. public service broadcasting the many years of my membership as a Broadcasting is changing more rapidly and how should it be funded in member of BBC staff. than ever before. Digital technology and the the 21st century? More than ever is it essential for the internet have brought new services which There is no entry fee. Entries should be BBC to maintain its position as a public now threatens the viability of the submitted as a written essay of a maximum service and not a plaything for big commercially funded public service of 2,000 words by Monday, 1 June 2009 to: business . Although I cannot attend the broadcasters, ITV, Channel 4 and Five. The VLV Student Essay Competition, PO Box various events described I wish to implications for the BBC are also profound. 401, Gravesend, Kent DA12 9FY. Full contribute this cheque for £75 to the At the same time, new technology enables details and an entry form, which must be public service we all believe in. more and more people to generate their own completed, are available from vlv.org.uk or William Ash, London W2 content through podcasts, webcasts, blogs in writing, enclosing an s.a.e

Visit to the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit it is the broadcasters who then decide how to use the ‘clean feed’ of the sound and pictures in their different programmes. The recording is done by a commercial contractor working to strict rules, based on the principle that the dignity of the House is to be protected at all times. The cameras mainly focus on the Member who is speaking and though the director can cut to a relevant reaction shot, or a wide shot of the House, he may not show the press or the public galleries. And if there is a disturbance it should not be shown – although viewers will remember that the wide shot not long ago caught some highly dramatic scenes in the Commons when hunt saboteurs invaded the floor of the House. VLV members were taken to the galleries deep in the basement where the remote-control camera operators sit, not with the cameras in the Chamber but beside the director, using a joystick control to get the shot they want. It was most interesting to see IN 1923 the BBC’s first general manager John Reith tried to how coverage of debates from Parliament that we now take for broadcast the King’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament. granted is actually brought to us. His request was firmly rejected. The Lords and the Commons have This was a most informative visit, for which VLV is very always been extremely wary of the broadcasters, fearing that they grateful to Tim Jeffes and all his colleagues at Millbank. would be caught by the cameras fast asleep, or their solemn deliberations would be lightly treated. Radio broadcasting finally Richard Lindley came in 1978, but it was not until 1990 that television became a permanent part of broadcasting from both Houses. ◆ Toni Charlton, a former BBC Outside Broadcast On 5 February, in atrocious weather, a large group of VLV Producer and new VLV member, volunteered to do some members was warmly welcomed to the home of Parliamentary very useful work up-dating VLV’s lists of media contacts. Broadcasting by its Director Timothy Jeffes at its Westminster base We are very grateful to Toni. Is there any other volunteer on Millbank. We learned that while it is MPs and Members of the ready to help finish the job? House of Lords who have the final say in how their proceedings are recorded by the remotely-controlled cameras and microphones

Spring 2009 73 Advertisments 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 ads is 30p per word, 20p for members. Please send typed copy with a cheque payable to VLV Ltd. For display space please contact Linda Forbes on 01474 352835. Tuesday, 31 March New ways to communicate 10am at Ofcom, Riverside House, London, SE1 VLV GIFT MEMBERSHIP Members of the Strategy and Mar- ket Developments team will provide Give a VLV membership as a gift to a friend or an overview of emerging trends in relative. We will add an appropriate greetings the audio/visual media sector. The card and a FREE copy of the Radio or TV two-hour session will include a tech- nical demonstration of new services User’s Guide. Fill out the subscription form such as WebTV and 3DTV and below and state which publication and card questions and answers. type you would prefer.

Wednesday, 1 April Making the most of New Media. One day conference at the BT Centre, 81 Newgate St. Audio books help while London EC1 (opposite St. Paul’s tube away long journeys…or THE RADIO LISTENER’s GUIDE station). 10.30am-4.15pm. Tickets £10, make welcome presents 2009 & THE TELEVISION including a light lunch. for friends and family. VIEWER’s GUIDE 2009 Speakers include:Philip Graf, Ofcom; Crimson Cats offers a Tony Ageh, Controller of Archive range of interesting and Development, BBC; Adam Gee, Director of unusual audio books on New Media, Channel 4; Carmel Giblin, Head CD for £9.99 plus p&p. ORDERING DETAILS of Corporate Responsibility & Accessibility, The juvenalia of Jane The guides cost £5.95 each (inc. p&p). BSkyB; Tim Blackshall, Broadcaster & Austen, the death of Please make your cheque payable to Presenter, Border TV; Lindsey Etchell, Lord Nelson, the spying Radio Listener’s Guide and send it to Ricability; Rachel Thomson, NIACE; Emma adventures of Robert Solomon, Digital Unite; Mike Cushman, LSE; Baden Powell and many Radio Listener’s Guide. James Thickett, Director of Market Research, more… PO Box 888, Ofcom; Nick Lansman, DG of the Internet For a full list of titles visit Plymouth, PL8 1YJ Service Providers Association; Peter Barron, www.crimsoncats.co.uk Head of PR for Google UK; Emma Wilson, or ring 01379 854888 for Head of Public Affairs, Vodafone UK. See also a brochure. p.3.

Tuesday, 21April Visit to BBC Editorial Complaints Unit, London W12. 2-3.30pm SPRING COMPETITION Thursday, 30 April The end of broadcasting as we know it? VLV Annual Spring Conference WIN A COPY OF JEREMY PAXMAN’S ‘THE VICTORIANS’ will be held at the Geological Soci- Published by BBC Books £25 hardback ety, Burlington House Piccadilly, London,W1 10.0am-4.00pm. Regis- This fascinating book, deeply researched — as Paxman explains — by Neil tration 9.30. More details on p.6. Hegarty, and superbly illustrated, coincides with his landmark BBC series ‘Britain through the Paintings of the Age’. As the ‘television of their day’,he uses paintings Tuesday, 12 May to explore the themes of family, urban life, industry, empire, and imagination — to Visions of the Future ‘uncover truths and explode myths about Victorian Britain. VLV Scotland Conference will be Q: In 1854 Queen Victoria bought a seaside painting by held at the Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Representatives William Powell Frith because it reminded her of her childhood. of STV, BBC Scotland, BBC Alba, OFCOM, C4 Voted picture of the year by the Royal Academy, which town did it and Scottish Government have been invited.. depict — Brighton, Bognor, Ramsgate or Margate? Replies on a postcard to Spring Competition , VLV, PO Box 401, Gravesend DA12 0FY or by e-mail to [email protected] by 24 April 2009. Winner of VLV’s For all tickets or enquiries Winter competition for Simon Schama’s The American Future was Miriam please contact Linda Forbes tel: 01474 352835, email: Haywood who works at the Royal National Institute for the Blind in London, [email protected] or visit www.vov.org.uk.