Voice of the Listener & Viewer Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Winter 2010 Issue 99 VLV’s Spring Conference STRICTLY PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING — CREATIVE FREEDOM AND AMBITION?

Our 27th Spring Conference, in London Wednesday, 28 April 2010 The BBC is fighting its corner to maintain its licence fee funding and its character following attacks from various political and commercial interests. At VLV’s Autumn Conference in 2009, Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, told us of the duty the Corporation had to stand up for creative freedom and ambition. After a virtual tsunami of reality and celebrity-dominated programming, VLV feels it is important to learn more about these BBC ambitions, so we are pleased that in the main morning session, Alan Yentob, the BBC’s Creative Director with responsibility for developing talent across all the BBC’s services, will explain how the BBC is responding to this aspiration. He is likely to face Keynote speakers: Alan Yentob (right) ‘the creative some tough questions. spirit of the BBC’ — and Lord Melvyn Bragg, who sees Creative issues continue to be the concern of Melvyn VLV as ‘an invaluable independent watchdog’. Bragg, outstanding radio and television broadcaster and until very recently presenter of the South Bank Show on ITV. He is one time for all public service broadcasters. There will be another of our most articulate communicators and VLV is delighted that he opportunity for members to have their say during the Members’ will widen the debate to include the problems of the commercially- Forum in the last session of the afternoon. funded public service channels in the session immediately after The conference will be held at the Geological presentation of our 2009 Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting. Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1 In the first session of the day, VLV Board members will 10.30am— 5pm. Coffee and registration from 10.15am. give an update on the many issues they are pursuing on behalf of For more information and tickets visit www.vlv.org.uk members, viewers, listeners and new media users at this critical or contact the VLV Office on 01474 352835.

James Naughtie will present VLV’s Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting The VLV Awards for Excellence in outstanding programmes and presenters of and the short list to vote on is impressive. Broadcasting, to be presented at 1.45pm 2009. Hundreds of programmes have been Again we thank Roberts Radio for their by James Naughtie (right) of Today, the nominated. We can never reveal in advance special prize. Book Programme, the Proms and many who will be there as winners on the day, but Ballot Papers for voting in other broadcasts, will reward some of the the ceremony is always highly enjoyable each category are enclosed with this Bulletin. Inside Please could you complete Report on the AGM, S t u d e n t E s s a y Two visits, and return these Members Forum, p.2 Winners p.4 Letter, Book Review p.7 straight away, Consultations, p.5 the deadline Changes at the top Competition, Conference Reports, of VLV p.3 Diary p.8 being Friday 12 Scotland p.6 March. ISSN 1475-2948 VLV’s Annual General Meeting held on 26 November 2009 at the Geological Society Voice of the Listener & Viewer The Chairman Richard Lindley spoke of a and Mr Norman Green stood down but Working for Quality and Diversity in British Broadcasting very successful year for VLV celebrating were eligible and willing to stand for re- th VLV President its 25 anniversary in a way which has election. Mr. Clark was later appointed Hon. Mrs Jocelyn Hay CBE brought attention and recognition from Secretary. Four members were proposed the broadcasting industry, as well as new and elected: Professors Jeanette Steemers VLV Patrons members keen to support our cause. The and Bob Usherwood, Ms Sophie Chalk and Lord Barnet PC JP Silver Jubilee appeal has brought in some Mr David Eggington. A vote of thanks was Archbishop Lord Eames of Armagh Sir Francis Graham-Smith FRS very useful contributions and VLV is grateful proposed and endorsed for departing VLV Lord Inglewood MEP to a host of generous donors. Richard members Professors Sonia Livingstone and Sir Charles Mackerras CBE referred to the April 2009 Conference on Ivor Gaber and Mr Laurence Pawley. A vote Dame Mary Peters DBE media literacy, attended by many interested of thanks was also proposed for Mr Richard Lord Phillips of Sudbury OBE Lindley for his wholehearted commitment Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE organisations and funded by Ofcom, which Lady Solti was a resounding success. throughout the year as Chairman. Sir John Tusa Through the year a popular programme of members’ private visits to MEMBERS’ FORUM VLV Directors broadcasters round the country continued. After the VLV AGM there was a very useful Mr John Clark (Dep. Chairman) Mr Hugh Peltor, CBE (Hon. Treasurer) Three times VLV members went to Members’ Forum which enabled members to Mr Robert Clark (Hon. Secretary) Westminster to question successive raise questions of policy on key issues and Prof Maire Messenger Davies Secretaries of State for Culture, Media VLV activities. These included suggestions Ms Carol Cattley and Sport. The Conference in Scotland to hold some regional conferences; greater Mr Norman W Green use of e-mail to canvas membership views; Mr Lewis M C Rudd, MBE and annual Conference on Children’s Dr Matthew Hibberd broadcasting were both highly successful; the use of radio in small communities; and Ms. Shyama Perera and at BAFTA in October VLV celebrated some issues relating to the provision of Prof. Jeannette Steemers 25 years not just of VLV but of great British equipment for deaf and blind people. Prof. Bob Usherwood broadcasting. Mr David Eggington Hugh Peltor Ms Sophie Chalk VLV Board members have worked diligently on our responses to Company Secretary Consultations, held frequent meetings with Two new directors Waterlow Registrars Ltd. Ofcom, the BBC Trust, the DCMS, and the David Eggington broadcasting industry, and given evidence is a seasoned The Voice of the Listener Trust VLV member (registerred. charity 296207) which supports some of VLV’s to Parliamentary Committees. actively engaged educational work. VLV is also leading a coalition Chairman: Mrs Jocelyn Hay CBE of like-minded organisations to campaign in consultations, Trustees: for plurality, so that public service particularly on the Mr Michael Barton future of local and Mr John Clark broadcasting is not left entirely to the BBC. regional media. He Professor Sylvia Harvey 2009 ended with VLV campaigning against Lady Solti the proposal by the Secretary of State to is currently helping Dr Andrew Taussig overturn the ban on Product Placement in to organise a VLV event in the North. VLV Office: UK-made TV programmes, which seems PO Box 401, Gravesend DA12 9FY to us a most serious threat to the integrity Tel: 01474 352835 Fax: 01474 351112 and reputation of British broadcasting. Sophie Chalk is e-mail [email protected] Not since its foundation has VLV a broadcasting Office Hours: 9.30-5pm Monday-Thursday been so needed and so important in the producer director Linda Forbes: Conference & Events Secretary. Sue Washbrook: Membership/ Board & Trust Admininistrator. battle to maintain programme quality as with her own Website: www.vlv.org the UK goes digital. Richard expressed company, Director deep gratitude to the VLV Board,Trustees of Campaigns at Registered address: Aercon House, and staff and to all our VLV members for the Independent Alfred Road, Gravesend DA11 7QF their enthusiasm and commitment. Broadcasting Trust Bulletin published by the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd, a private company limited by guarantee (registered in England There were changes in the and a lecturer for no. 4407712). VLV Board of Directors. Professor Maire One World Media. Messenger Davies, Mr Robert Clark

Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) represents the interests of viewers and listeners as citizens and consumers and works for quality and diversity in British broadcasting. VLV is free from political, sectarian and commercial affiliations. VLV is concerned with the issues, structures, institutions and regulation that underpin the British broadcasting system and in particular to maintain the Editor & desktop publisher principles of public service broadcasting. Carol Cattley

2 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting CHANGES AT THE TOP OF VOICE OF LISTENER & VIEWER Richard Lindley comments Over the last year and a half as Voice of Listener & Viewer’s Chairman I’ve had the job of telling the broadcasters and regulators, the programme makers and politicians, what VLV stands for and why our members care so much about British broadcasting. It’s been a great privilege, and I like to think that we have got the message across that just because broadcasting is going digital does not mean that we are going to abandon our determination to support high quality television and radio programmes. But there’s no denying the many different pressures that threaten that quality, and the time it takes to see that VLV is fighting them all effectively is very considerable. A voluntary post as Chairman that we all thought would keep me busy for at most two days a week has turned out to be a virtually full-time job: I’m in Richard Lindley (left) with Culture Secretary the Rt. Hon. Ben Bradshaw at a VLV Westminster Evening Seminar in the House danger of neglecting prior commitments as chairman of a housing of Commons on 3 November. Richard welcomed Mr. Bradshaw charity and governor of a hospital trust. As a result I am stepping to his first VLV event and a capacity audience in the Grand Com- down as VLV’s Chairman a little sooner than I had expected. mittee Room. During a lively question and answer session the Minister responded on a wide range of issues, including the Digital The process of appointing a new Chairman is already Economy Bill, BBC funding and digital switchover. under way, and I am very pleased indeed that John Clark, a former Board member and now a VOLT Trustee, has agreed to support; also Sandy Chalmers, Susie Gilbert, Vincent Porter and hold the fort meanwhile as Deputy Chairman. Few people know Bryher Scudamore. They have all worked with tremendous energy VLV’s business better than John does, and he has always been a and goodwill with me to see that VLV continues to flourish, and I am doughty champion for VLV. very grateful to them all. Thanks too to all our members who have I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking our distinguished urged me on at our Conferences and other events to fight for the President and founder Jocelyn Hay, our Treasurer Hugh Peltor, our best of British broadcasting. I have so much enjoyed my time as office staff Sue Washbrook and Linda Forbes and my colleagues Chairman of VLV and I intend to remain an active member of this on the VLV Board and The Voice of the Listener Trust for their great organisation.

John Clark responds leading and representing VLV, and promoting the cause. We are I am flattered to be asked by the all grateful to Richard for agreeing to continue offering pro bono VLV Board and VoLT Trustees to advice to the VLV Board on news, current affairs and communication fill the role of Deputy Chairman of matters. I am also delighted that he will continue his long-term VLV Ltd whilst we face the difficult membership of VLV. task of replacing Richard Lindley This year looks like being an even more demanding and as Chairman. I have had a long busier year for VLV. The Digital Economy Bill is progressing through and rewarding association with VLV Parliament, the transition to an all-Digital TV UK is well under way, including many years on the Board Channel 4 and ITV face further financial problems and the BBC and am delighted to be able to help continues to confront attacks on its management and funding. further at this time. VLV will be active on all these issues through its Board and As Jocelyn Hay has said in a statement released to loyal membership. The Spring programme includes VLV’s 27th annual the press we are immensely grateful to Richard for leading VLV spring conference, voting for VLV’s 2009 Awards for Excellence in through one of its busiest periods ever, a time of intense activity and Broadcasting, and the 2010 Student Essay Competition. change in the media industries. It was a period which also included Our high level of activity will require the full attention of the celebrations to mark the first 25 years of VLV’s campaigning — on Board and the generous support of members if we are to continue behalf of listeners, viewers and new media users — to maintain the the momentum. As the only organisation continuously pursuing principles of public service in broadcasting. listener and viewer interests at many levels, I believe this momentum Richard threw himself into VLV’s affairs from the start, is essential. So I look forward, with the Board’s support, to continuing generously sharing his energy, enthusiasm and experience as a VLV’s tradition of campaigning for quality, diversity and impartiality broadcaster. He was unstinting in the time and care he gave to through editorial independence in British broadcasting.

Winter 2010 3 VLV’s STUDENT ESSAY COMPETITION

l-r Leanne Rinne, Jean Mackenzie, Alex Thomson, Channel 4’s Chief Correspondent, Priya Kharbanda, Jonathan Crane THE CAMPAIGNING VOICES of younger ALEX THOMSON’s COMMENTS STUDENT ESSAY listeners and viewers were celebrated After the prize-giving, Alex offered the when four student-writers received awards Bulletin some personal thoughts COMPETITION 2010 at VLV’s Autumn Conference for their in- Alex found the VLV conference a fascinat- We’re setting a real challenge for this cisive and considered thoughts on the fu- ing event but felt that too much time had year’s VLV Student Essay Competition ture of Public Service Broadcasting. As been given to the BBC and issues such as by asking young people learning at uni- prizewinners in VLV’s 2009 Student Essay the number of Promenade Concerts being versity level, to consider how the flower- Competition, the four contributors were screened, and too little to the current crisis ing of independent online journalism from congratulated for progressing the debate. in public service broadcasting: how to fund blogs to special interest sites will impact The outright winners — Jean the provision of news across the English on the work of trained journalists. Does Mackenzie in the Postgraduate section regions, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ire- the success of independents undermine and Priya Kharbanda in the Undergrad- land, and in the longer term, national and or increase the need for traditional news uate section each received cheques for international news and current affairs on providers like the BBC and Channel 4? £250 from Alex Thomson, Channel 4’s Channel 4. Happily, Channel 4 is again pro- Chief Correspondent. Supported by The He pointed out that neither issue viding the cash prizes — £400 for the Voice of the Listener Trust, the cash prizes had been addressed at the conference ei- winner in each category. The two win- are provided by Channel 4. Both winners ther by Jeremy Hunt or delegates, even ners and two runners-up will also benefit and runners-up — Jonathan Crane and though Mr Hunt claimed it was a broadcast- from two weeks work experience. Leanne Rinn — enjoy work placements. ing sector he cherished. In Alex’s opinion, We are delighted that news The essay subject was: ‘What is im- the immediate need was for a public debate presenter Jon Snow will present the portant about Public Service Broadcasting about the future of C4 and ITV News. prizes at our Autumn conference. and how should it be funded in the 21st VLV invites entries from stu- Century? ‘ Jean Mackenzie of Teddington, Richard Lindley’s reply dents studying for a UK registered un- Middlesex, who studied for a post gradu- Alex made a plea for finding a way to fund dergraduate or postgraduate degree, or ate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at public service broadcasting (specifically similar professional qualifications, on the the London College of Communications is news) outside the BBC. VLV could not following subject: working as a freelance journalist. She will agree more — and we are leading the cam- In the world of internet blog- spend two weeks with Tiger Aspect in Lon- paign for ‘plurality’ in the Citizen’s Coalition ging, anyone can produce a news story? don. Priya Kharbanda, from Glasgow, is for Public Service Broadcasting. Assess this view in relationship to the studying law in London and will spend two This Conference focused on the standards demanded from professional weeks with Scottish Television. BBC because the Government wants to journalists and explore the prospects for Jonathan Crane of East Molesey, ‘top-slice’ BBC licence fee money to help traditional news providers. Surrey, a student on the same course, is pay for this rival commercial service.We Entries to be submitted as a writ- freelancing and about to start a contract want to find new money. ten essay of a maximum 2000 words by in Paris. In the spring he will spend two Channel 4 Chairman, Lord Burns, June 1, 2010. Details and an entry form, weeks with Roger Graef’s Films of Record. was not able to speak at this conference which must be completed, are available Leanne Rinne. from Cheltenham, is study- however, he has agreed to address VLV from vlv.org.uk or in writing enclosing an ing journalism at Sheffield. She will have members in 2010. SAE. Shyama Perera her placement with Ragdoll Productions.

4 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting

IN 2009 VLV RESPONDED TO these critics be written off as old-fashioned should lift its present ban. To do so would NO LESS THAN TWELVE and out of date. The number of older people be to destroy our reputation for honest CONSULTATIONS — by Ofcom, is growing: it would be foolish for the Trust to programme making which gives British the DCMS and the BBC Trust think their views can safely be discounted. programmes their high reputation, and erode These criticisms made, VLV members the trust viewers place in the programmes VLV’s response to the BBC are among the BBC’s most loyal they watch. It would undermine Ofcom’s Trust Reviews of BBC 1, supporters.‘The BBC is a fantastic national primary regulatory responsibility to protect BBC 2, BBC4 and the institution — please look after it’. VLV the interests of the viewer as citizen and Red Button Service urges the BBC Trust to redouble its efforts consumer. To sacrifice an important principle to do so. Robert Clark on which British commercial television was In our last mailing we asked members to founded for uncertain financial gain is wrong. respond to the above reviews. Thanks to NO TO PRODUCT PLACEMENT VLV urges the Government to abandon this all who wrote and to the small teams who In its response to the Government’s ill-advised proposal. Robert Clark collated our response, summarised below. new consultation, VLV strongly opposes lifting the ban on product placement in MORE FREE-TO-VIEW EVENTS Voice of Listener & Viewer believes the BBC television programmes made by or for UK remains a unique cultural institution, greatly SHOULD BE LISTED broadcasters. In our view it is vital to the admired in the UK and around the world. Under EC law member states can, if they health of British broadcasting to maintain Through its programmes and services it choose, draw up a list of sporting or other the clear separation between advertising provides a range of fascinating material events considered of major importance to and content — the hallmark of British-made to inform, educate and entertain. VLV also society, which should be made available on programmes since the advent of ITV in believes that the Licence Fee is still the best free-to-air television. (Free-to-air means no 1955. (Product placement means payment way to sustain the BBC’s independence, payment for reception beyond the licence to a broadcaster or producer to feature a important not just to broadcasting but to fee and cost of receiving equipment, and product or service in a programme. The democracy itself. broadcasts capable of reaching at least 95% existing ban is on product placement on all This response has given VLV an of the UK. It covers the BBC, ITV, Channel BBC output, all programmes for children and opportunity to think hard about the quality of 4 and Channel 5 and the Government has news and current affairs coverage, even if these channels and services, and ask how maintained a list since 1956.) allowed in all other TV programmes.) good they now are. Other things to enjoy As former Culture Secretary Andy The DCMS is consulting on the current list, BBC 1 is seen to be meeting a Burnham said last year: ‘there are some following an independent report published in very wide and demanding remit: ‘The full lines we should not cross — one of which November 2009. VLV supports the principle remit for BBC1 seems to us to be beyond is that you can buy the space between and considers the list should include other the scope even of Renaissance Europe.As programmes on commercial channels, but key events as well as sport. There are many viewers, it seems that BBC 1, with variations not the space within them.’ things in the life of a nation that people want over time, meets these challenging targets Far from adding to ‘authenticity’, as to enjoy as they happen. reasonably effectively’. some in the television industry have argued, At present some sports are only BBC 2 provokes a more critical product placement destroys trust; and the available on subscription channels. Since response. Although ‘VLV believes that, more ‘subtle’ the more likely the viewer the 1960s live broadcasting of sporting compared with the alternatives, BBC 2 is to be deceived. Product placement is and other national occasions on television still provides value for money...’ There surreptitious advertising. and ought not to has been the place where the UK comes is a feeling ‘that the channel has gone be permitted in UK-made programmes. together — high points so significant that downmarket, and perhaps moved away Already damaged standards their coverage on free-to-air television from its original high ideals’. VLV is deeply concerned at the present must be guaranteed. Not at the whim of a BBC 4 receives more enthusiastic poor financial state of our commercial television station scheduler or only available support: ‘BBC 4 is a distillation of the BBC public service broadcasters, which has on a pay-to-view service. mission. It can be compared to a vast already damaged programme standards. We consider all sporting events library which is life-enriching’… ‘It is my We fully understand why these companies where national teams or players are involved regular channel.’… ‘It is as close as any are looking for new sources of revenue. But should be on the list. We would also include other service to meeting the ideals and product placement is not the way forward. all royal and state occasions, national and values of public service broadcasting’ were As well as being wrong in principle it is European elections, key cultural events comments. highly unlikely to make up the shortfall in and national happenings that command a On the Red Button service advertising revenue. Ofcom estimates reasonable audience. some say it is ‘usually good’, others find it that revenues from product placement It is particularly important for ‘distracting’, and more don’t use it at all. are unlikely to top £25-30 million after five BBC Questionnaire those members of society isolated by age, years. Even these low figures ignore the infirmity, income or geography to be able to Concern that quality may have been slipping likely result — a corresponding reduction in join in these events on TV. For many this is is reflected in responses from VLV members income from programme sponsorship and only possible if broadcast free-to-air. moved to write in response to the BBC Trust spot advertising. This consultation ends on 5 March. questionnaire. Dissatisfaction with a BBC VLV recognises that product If you wish to comment write to Listed perceived to be too often abandoning the placement already exists, most obviously Events Consultation, DCMS, 2-4 Cockspur highest programme standards in pursuit of in American feature films and television St, London SW1 5DH, and send a copy to ratings should not be ignored. Nor should series, but we see no reason why Britain VLV . Robert Clark/JohnClark

Winter 2010 5 VLV’s Autumn Another BBC duty is SCOTLAND Conference to stand up for creative freedom and ambition: ‘It’s Success for Both keynote speakers at VLV’s Autumn what the public want from Conference in November offered fresh us. What we believe in!’ Gaelic Television thoughts on the topic of the moment: The He noted that the digital VLV places particular emphasis on promot- End of the BBC’s Licence Fee Monopoly? assault on PSB was happening across ing quality and diversity in British broadcast- Mark Thompson (right), the developed world and attracting ‘plenty ing so we warmly welcomed the decision to Director General of the BBC, talked of political activity’…but ‘in Britain we proceed with the new Gaelic digital channel optimistically about Beyond 2012 — The are different — there’s a tradition of UK from August 2008. BBC ALBA is the Gaelic Future of the BBC. Taking a look at politicians accepting and honouring the language television channel available on commercial broadcasting both here and independence of the BBC, and other Sky and Freesat and via BBC iPlayer. It around the world, he asked himself: ‘Is it PSBs.’ However ‘none of this should be aims to serve both those who are Gaelic possible to believe that if you took the BBC taken as an argument for the status quo. speakers, interested in Gaelic culture, iden- away you would end up with anything other BBC independence is not there to stand still, tity and heritage, and to promote Gaelic than a big black cultural hole?’ but so it is better able to serve the public, issues across English-speaking Scotland. That was why the BBC ‘has an and where necessary adapt and change.’ We believe the stimulus given to cultural absolute duty to impartialiity’, he said. The Strategy Review will set out a and educational proogramming has already This was ‘now regularly disputed with well- template for a more focused BBC and ‘first helped to improve English services and the intentioned and serious minded people’. and foremost a quality strategy. Emphasis BBC to more fully meet public purposes. There was also a vigorous attempt to on the best journalism in the world, high The go ahead for BBC ALBA was suggest that ‘strong comedy and satire quality programmes, children’s services…’ conditional on a review taking place before were somehow unacceptable in the public It may point to a smaller BBC in some digital switchover in Central Scotland and space’. respects, but no less confident, he said. the Highlands in 2010. This was undertaken between October 2009 and January 2010 Hunt — ‘Choice can drive up quality’ and examined the service’s progress to After lunch Jeremy Hunt (right), Shadow have 7 local TV stations and Birmingham reach beyond existing Gaelic speakers and Secretary of State for Culture Media and none. New York has 6 and London has provide quality educational programming. Sport — introduced by Tom Bradby of ITV none.’ He regrets ITV was not licenced on It also examined future strategy for BBC — said that the local rather ALBA considering the merits or otherwise of Conservatives than regional making space available on Freeview so that had not only levels: ‘There BBC Alba could be viewed by more Scots. founded the BBC is no TV In its evidence to the review, VLV but introduced structure in supported the aims of BBC ALBA and ar- competition county or gued for its inclusion on DTT Freeview, not- for it. Today it city.’ And he ing that BBC evidence showed the channel faces serious saw a role for scored highly on approval rates and that competition and community TV, non-Gaelic speaking viewers outnumbered ‘choice can drive but it would its target audience by three to one. up quality’. He is need local Matthew Hibberd ‘a big supporter of Channel 4 — Dispatches networks. ‘New technology has massively v. Panorama.’ He said that with Reality reduced the cost of news, but we must and Online, also stressed the positives of programming quality and competition had find a model that works’. He would like: encouraging creativity with the the internet. been broken. But advertising income was 1. To remove regulation on local media Hamish McPharlin equipped down drastically, which was ‘catastrophic’ ownership allowing more convergance: ‘No 15 families with the newest technology for viewers. Local media was also being monopolies are as stable as they used to and his research had indicated that while lost and that impact was starting to bite: ‘We be’. 2. To develop a new local TV sector. shared and ‘live’ viewing decreased, total need to act fast — it’s a responsibility for The government wants to subsidise this viewing increased. Matt Deegan showed decades to come — and take serious action’ through the licence fee — ‘a disaster how Fun Kids Radio has geared to appeal he said. He is convinced that ‘identity’ is because it undermines competition’. to children of the digital age. important: why did ‘Birmingham Alabama Carol Cattley Alex Nagle of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre VLV’s CHILDREN’S appearance and gave some assurances on provided sobering information on problems CONFERENCE the funding of his department. involving children using adult social sites. ‘Children are digital natives, adults are the Among the mix of speakers Ben Peter Johnson. British Board of Film immigrants’ — is how Professor Tanya Williamson of Futurelab drew attention to Classifications, saw a potential regulatory Byron, the keynote speaker, characterised young people as participants and creators, gap. Rebecca Newton of Crisp Thinking the situation at VLV’s November conference able to remix ‘mashups’. Alex Evans of and Tamara Littleton of eModeration on Children’s Media, which examined the Media Molecule explained that participants explained methods of moderating the growth of new media for children and how in PlayStation’s Little Big Planet were internet. Kate Bulkley, journalist and it is being used. Joe Godwin, the BBC’s ‘making’ rather than ‘playing’, and Marc chair, gave an encouraging summing up. new Director Childrens, made his first public Goodchild, BBC Head of Interactive Lewis Rudd

6 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting

VLV’s visit to the BBC mobile phones how to select the most Letter to the Editor Research Department important part of the picture for their small screens. Graham Thomas demonstrated DAB Radio at Kingswood Warren Production Magic and how moving images In the Autumn Bulletin, Robert Clark Matthew Postgate, Director of Research, can be inserted into television scenes, for expresses some reservations about the and Judy Parnall, Head of Knowledge example in weather forecasts. The BBC proposed switch from FM to DAB radio. Management & Development, welcomed is now able to use pictures and graphics Here is another one: 15 VLV members to a fascinating visit to to analyse live sport video such as football I understand that a digital radio Kingswood Warren, Surrey last autumn. action, and move back to the live match uses significantly more power than an Matthew outlined the past, present and without the viewer noticing. This will be analogue one. Now that we are becoming future of engineering research at the BBC. used extensively at the Olympics to cover aware that we all need to reduce our energy Kingswood Warren was closing in 2010, its athletics. New techniques also enable 3D consumption as much as possible, this is staff being split between Shepherds Bush pictures to be generated from 2D images. surely a step in the wrong direction — quite and Salford Quays. It emerged that with Chris Noakes and Phil Layton apart from the energy used in manufacturing the demise of TV’s research facilities, the explained problems of maintaining picture all the new sets (and the environmental BBC was the only organisation undertaking quality in Freeview HDTV transmissions. impact of dumping all the old ones). broadcast research for UK plc. The need for The BBC and other PSBs might not be able Fiona Vincent open technical standards was stressed by to transmit high specification HDTV signals St. Andrews, Fife VLV members, to provide genuine choice due to lack of Freeview bandwidth.The Letters do not necessarily represent for consumers and free access. problem could be solved apparently if they the views of VLV and may be short- In the laboratories, Andrew were allowed to use one of 14 RF channels ened for publication. Parland explained work to enhance Deadline for next issue: released when Digital Switch Over is 12 March 2010 Audience Experience and how the complete. The intention is for all 14 to be Write, fax or e-mail your letters to Internet could be used to carry additional the Editor at: [email protected] auctioned by Ofcom, so UK HDTV could be programme information to the viewer, of a lower quality than that transmitted in including simultaneous subtitles in foreign Book Review the rest of the world. languages. New techniques will instruct Norman Green EUROPEAN MEDIA IN A fascinating visit to the BBC’s Natural History Unit THE DIGITAL AGE by Richard Rooke London Pearson Longman £24.99 At first this may seem like a student text- book. It is well worth a purchase by both Bulletin readers or your local library, if the latter still has funds to buy books! Richard makes accessible some of the daunting issues and processes in- volved in EU politics in the context of regu- lation and media legislation. It quickly becomes apparent that the tensions between those who view the media as a business and profit market ori- ented approaches are privileged, as op- posed to the arguments advanced in favour of public service values and funding mod- A highlight for VLV members who visited the the Life series narrated by David Atten- els, which see the media as being about BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol in borough explained the enormous care, culture, quality, range and diversity. October was the chance to see the studio research and sometimes danger that went The EU structures seem to reflect where Kate Humble and Chris Pack- into making these big-budget international UK ones, with their culture media and sport ham present Autumn Watch (see photo), productions. Tim Schoons, on the oth- department being mirrored in one directo- and meet production staff. er hand, explained that Spring Watch and rate general and the business department Tim Martin, Executive Pro- Autumn Watch were designed to be acces- being reflected in another. ducer, explained how the NHU worked and sible and to involve audiences, especially Curiously it is the EU and its con- that sometimes up to four years research children. cern for national and regional identities and pllanning went into making blockbuster Their websites are enormously which may — in the end — be a useful way series. Andrew Jackson, new Head of popular and an esssential extension to the of helping to ensure the survival of the Brit- the Unit, anticipated an even more exciting programmes. Their use has led to an explo- ish broadcasting industry and preventing future with HD, time lapse photography and sion of interest in conservation and wildlife, it going the way of the British film industry constantly new techniques. with all sorts of valuable spin-offs involving — but we will see. So readable and useful. Members learnt about the philoso- young people and old.One of the most suc- What more can you ask of a book? phies and ambitions behind programmes. cessful and enthralling VLV visits ever. Robert Beveridge Michael Gunton, Executive Producer of Jocelyn Hay Winter 2010 7 Advertisements Diary Dates Please refer to VLV when responding to advertisements. VLV Ltd cannot accept any li- ability or complaint in regard to the following offers. The charge for classified ads is 30p Wednesday, 28 April per word, 20p for members. Please send typed copy with a cheque payable to VLV Ltd. Strictly Public Service For display space please contact Linda Forbes on 01474 352835. Broadcasting — Creative Freedom and Ambition? The VLV Spring Conference VLV GIFT MEMBERSHIP will be held at the Geological Give a VLV membership as a gift to a friend Society, Burlington House, or relative. We will add an appropriate greet- Piccadilly, London W1 ings card and a FREE copy of the Radio or TV (opposite Fortnum’s). User’s Guide. Fill out the subscription form be- 10.30-5pm (registration and low and state which publication and card type coffee 10am). Keynote you would prefer. speakers Alan Yentob, BBC Creative Director, and Lord Melvyn Bragg. Audio books help while For tickets and enquiries please away long journeys…or THE RADIO LISTENER’s GUIDE contact: Linda Forbes make welcome presents 2009 & THE TELEVISION VIEW- for friends and family. ER’s GUIDE 2009 tel: 01474 352835 email: linda. Crimson Cats offers a [email protected] or visit www. range of interesting and vlv.org.uk unusual audio books on ORDERING DETAILS CD for £9.99 plus p&p. The guides cost £5.95 each (inc. p&p). The juvenalia of Jane Please make your cheque payable to Visits to Broadcasting Austen, the death of Radio Listener’s Guide and send it to Lord Nelson, the spying Centres adventures of Robert Radio Listener’s Guide. VLV organized four visits for Baden Powell and many PO Box 888, members and guests round the more… Plymouth, PL8 1YJ For a full list of titles visit UK in the last quarter of 2009. www.crimsoncats. We shall again be arranging a co.uk or ring 01379 programme; meantime we would 854888 for a brochure. be glad to hear from members with suggestions as to venues they might like to visit, especially outside London. Please write to Sue Washbrook at VLV PO Box WINTER COMPETITION 401, Gravesend, DA12 8FY or e- mail [email protected].

WIN A COPY OF KEVIN McLOUD’S RARE BBC GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE HANDBOOKS Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson for Channel 4, price £25.00 FOR SALE BBC Handbooks—1928 Following the TV presenter in the imaginary footsteps of Inigo Jones, to 1988— complete Christopher Wren, Robert Adam and the origins of the Classical Revival. collection for sale. best offer over £500 sent by Q: Did Andrea Palladio come from Venice, Florence, Padua end of February 2010 to Vicenza or Piacenza? thkendall@phonecoop. coop or telephone 0207 Replies on a postcard to WINTER Competition , VLV, PO Box 401, 485 4870. Purchaser must Gravesend DA12 9FY or by e-mail to [email protected] by 15 March. collect from London or pay The winner of the Autumn Competition for BREAD was for delivery. Mrs E. Thornton of Bury St. Edmunds,