Winter 2005 Bulletin 84

Voice of the Listener & Viewer

Working for Quality and DiversityBulletin in Broadcasting Winter 2005/06 Issue 84 VLV offers opportunities to debate the future of The BBC Charter & Digital Switch-over The Government White Paper on BBC Charter Review has now been postponed until late February. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Tessa Jowell MP in London... has re-iterated that it is likely to follow policy outlined in the 2005 Green Paper, Tuesday, 21 March, 6.30pm – 8pm but some powerful interests are still pressing for radical change in both the BBC’s public service remit and its future funding. James Purnell MP, the Minister for the Creative VLV is therefore organising a number of high profile events in England, Wales and Industries and Tourism, will Scotland in order to provide opportunities for listeners, viewers and licence payers speak at a .VLV Westminster Evening Seminar on the to hear and question some of the key players on these important issues. Three one- Government White Paper on day conferences in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh will also provide opportunities to BBC Charter Review, Palace of learn more about the process and implications of digital switch-over, which is due Westminster, London SW1. to start in Border region in two years time. All these events are open to the public. Thursday, 23 March, 6.30pm – 8pm Sir Christopher Bland, in Edinburgh... in Cardiff... Chair of BT and former Chair, BBC Governors, will be the Thursday, 23 February, 3pm – 7.45pm Thursday, 16 March, 10am – 4.30pm speaker at a VLV Westminster Broadcasting in Scotland: Broadcasting in Wales: Evening Seminar on the Government White Paper on Technology, Culture & Enterprise Radio, Television and Public Service BBC Charter Review, at One VLV’s annual conference in Scotland to be held in in the Digital Age Whitehall Place, London SW1. association with The Royal Society of Arts and In association with Cardiff School of Journalism, Napier University. Media & Cultural Studies, University of Wales Wednesday, 26 April, 10.30am – 5pm At the Scottish Parliament In the Glamorgan Building, Cathays Park Campus, After the BBC Charter: (Committee Room 1) Edinburgh. Cardiff University. what future for pluralism in public service broadcasting? SPEAKERS INCLUDE: SPEAKERS INCLUDE: VLV ‘s 23rd Spring Conference Ford Ennals, CEO, Digital UK Aled Glynne Davies, BBC Radio Cymru at The Royal Society, Carlton Caroline Thomson, BBC Director of Strategy Julie Barton, Editor BBC Radio Wales House Terrace, London SW1. and Charter Review Andy Carter, Managing Director, Real Radio 11.00am: morning speaker: Professor Neil Blain, Paisley University Andrew Jones, Station Manager, GTFM Peter Fincham (above left), Professor Vincent Porter, Ministerial Consumer Huw Roberts, Head of Public Policy, Controller, BBC 1 Expert Group on Digital Switch-over & VLV BBC Wales Board Member 2.30pm: afternoon speaker: Professor Elan Closs Stephens, Chairman, S4C Andy Duncan, Chief Hugh Mackay, Open University Jocelyn Hay, Chair, VLV Executive, Channel 4. Jocelyn Hay, Chair, VLV Roger Lewis, Managing Director, ITV Wales 1.45pm: the presentation of Representatives from the main political Rhodri Wales, Director, Ofcom Wales. the VLV 2005 Awards for parties (invited). Excellence in Broadcasting will take place immediately after lunch during Full details of the programmes and of how to obtain tickets for these and other planned VLV events the Conference. are available from the VLV office: 01474 352835 or on VLV’s website: www.vlv.org.uk. Inside Stop Press VLV 3rd AGM Editorial Comment VLV Visits Wednesday, 24 May, 6.30pm –8pm VLV Spring Lecture Programme Student Essay Competition Book Reviews Mark Thompson, BBC Director General will speak VLV’s Children’s Conference Guest Contributor Letters at a VLV Evening Seminar on BBC Charter Review. Venue to be confirmed. VLV’s Autumn Conference Responses and Papers Competition

ISSN 1475-2948 3rd AGM of VLV Ltd Nearly fifty members attended VLV’s 3rd AGM held at Hamilton House London WC1 after the autumn conference on 30 November 2005. Voice of the Listener & Viewer Working for Quality and Diversity in British Broadcasting When introducing the annual report, the This huge amount of activity was entirely Chairman referred to the decision taken at the dependent on the voluntary support and expertise VLV Patrons previous AGM to change VLV’s financial year- given to VLV by its supporters. All of VLV’s policy Lord Barnet PC JP end from 31 March to 31 August. Her report work is done by volunteers, she said. VLV simply Archbishop Lord Eames of Armagh and the accounts therefore covered the 17 could not run without them. She thanked everyone Sir Francis Graham-Smith FRS involved, including members of the Board and Lord Inglewood MEP months from 1 April 2005 to 31 August 2006. VLV’s Gravesend staff, Linda Forbes and Sue Sir Charles Mackerras, KT, CBE This period included the launch of VLV’s 21st Dame Mary Peters DBE Anniversary Appeal by Lord Puttnam of Washbrook. They had been joined for 18 months Lord Phillips of Sudbury OBE Queensgate in July 2004 and a celebratory by Eddie Tulasiewicz, VLV’s first (part-time) Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE lunch at the House of Lords in November kindly Education and Development Officer, who was Lady Solti hosted by Lord Thomson of Monifieth, with funded by the Voice of The Listener Trust. Lord Thomson of Monifieth KT PC guest speaker Lord (Melvyn) Bragg. By the time Eddie left In September to take a full time post Sir John Tusa the Appeal closed in July 2005, she said more as Communications Officer at the Archdiocese of Westminster. Since then, she was delighted to Directors than £30,000 had been raised for VLV and the Trust. She was particularly pleased that the work report, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation had kindly Jocelyn Hay CBE (Hon Chairman) of VLV had been recognised in its anniversary offered to fund a full-time Director for the next Colin Graeme Thompson FCA, FIRM (Hon Treas.) two to three years. The Board and she were Bob Fletcher year by the award of a CBE to her in the extremely grateful to the Trustees of EFF and the Robert Beveridge Birthday Honours and she was extremely confidence they placed in VLV and its future. John Clark grateful for the support and generosity of so The report and accounts for the 17 month Professor Bob Franklin, PhD many people during those 21 years. Terry Glover The period had been the most active in VLV’s period, presented by the Hon Treasurer, Colin Professor Máire Messenger Davies, PhD, FRSA, history. VLV had responded to Government Thompson, were adopted unanimously. Warren Newman consultations on the future of the BBC, European Bob Fletcher, Company and Honorary Secretary Professor Vincent Porter Commission on revisions to the Directive on Trans- of VLV Ltd resigned in October 2005 but remains a Dr Andrew Taussig frontier Television, and Ofcom on a range of its member of the Board. The Board thanked him and had since appointed Messrs Waterlow Registrars Company Secretary operations and codes of practice. VLV had run an extensive conference and seminar programme as Company Secretary. There were no nominations Waterlow Registrars Ltd including two international conferences, one each for the post of Honorary Secretary. The Voice of the Listener Trust in Wales and Scotland, another on Children’s The two longest-serving members of the Board, (reg charity 296207) Television and several seminars including two at John Clark and Vincent Porter, stood down under VLV’s sister charity the Palace of Westminster with the Culture Company rules but, being eligible, were re-elected which supports VLV’s educational work Secretary and leading Party Spokesmen. In nem con. There were no other nominations. Interim Chairman: Elizabeth Smith OBE association with CSV Media and others, VLV had At the end of the formal business a wide Interim Secretary: Jocelyn Hay CBE also organised seminars on the BBC and digital ranging discussion on current issues took place. Treasurer: Professor Naomi Sargant switch-over in Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Copies of the annual report and accounts Michael Barton London, Manchester, Norwich and Oxford with and an audio-cassette of the proceedings are Professor Sylvia Harvey financial help from the Andrew Wainwright Social free to members in return for a large SAE with Dr Andrew Taussig Reform Trust. 47p in stamps. VLV office hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm Mon-Thurs New CAMPAIGNING IN BROADCASTING Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd (VLV) Member Director represents the citizen and consumer £40,000 interests in broadcasting and works for of VLV quality and diversity in British broadcasting. A small, highly influential, campaigning body VLV is free from political, sectarian and representing the citizen and consumer in Board broadcasting seeks a Director to work with the commercial affiliations. VLV is concerned Terry Glover, who Board in developing its role and services. with the issues, structures, institutions has been a member and regulation that underpin the British Responsibilities include external relations, of VLV for nearly ten years, was co-opted membership liaison and development, fund raising, broadcasting system and in particular on to the VLV Board in October 2005. conference organising and budgetary control. to maintain the principles of public He is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of An excellent opportunity for a talented media service in broadcasting. Personnel and Development and has an MSc professional with proven leadership, financial, VLV does not handle complaints. in Organisational Psychology. managerial and fund-raising skills to join a After holding a number of senior personnel growing organisation at a time of unprecedented Design & Production roles in financial services companies he set up industry change. High Profile Ltd, Tel: 01474 533077 his own consultancy in 2003 where he Offices in Gravesend, Kent with regular Published by Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd, specialises in executive selection and opportunities to work from home and A private company limited by guarantee development and in working with organisations some business travel. Supported by: (number 4407712) to help them become more effective. He has Send CV to; Registered address: a strong interest in current affairs and the [email protected] 101 Kings' Drive, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5BQ. arts, and is passionately committed to public Closing date: Tel: 01474 352835 Fax: 01474 351112. service broadcasting. 31 January 2006 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.vlv.org.uk

2 Bulletin Winter 05/06 Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting VLV’s Spring Lecture Programme Driving Towards Digital Switch-over: Combining Members can look forward to enjoying presentations by a range of distinguished speakers in VLV’s 2006 lecture series. All are open to the public as well as to VLV members and guests but, Quality with Equality as space is limited and they are popular, early booking is advised. VLV’s 22nd Autumn Conference The new programme starts on Tuesday, 31 January. Morning Speakers: Ford Ennals, CEO Digital P.D. James the John Simpson, the BBC’s renowned World UK; Graham McWilliam, Deputy Head of renowned crime novelist Affairs Editor, will give the second presentation Strategy, BSkyB; Ilse Howling, General (Baroness James of Holland in VLV’s 2006 lecture series on Tuesday, 28 Manager, Freeview; Keith Monserratt, Director Park), will give the first in March, 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the Lloyd George of Communications & Policy, NTL; Hugh the 2006 series on Tuesday, Room at One Whitehall Place, London SW1. Williams, Executive Director of Programming, 31 January, 6.30pm – He will share some Home Choice; Andrew Burke, CEO, BT 8.30pm.at the British of his views and his Entertainment; Chaired by Professor Vincent Academy, Carlton experience as a journalist Porter, VLV Board Member House Terrace, in the UK and when Afternoon Speaker: Stephen Carter, CEO, London SW1. travelling to report major Ofcom, the communications regulator Lady James is a former Governor of the BBC and events and conflicts from Chaired by Professor Steven Barnett, in her talk ‘The BBC – Whose Voice?’ she will give all over the world, Westminster University & Observer columnist her views on some aspects of the BBC and its future including the Middle East, as well as sharing her experience as one of Britain’s Northern Ireland and the Six leading protagonists in the digital television most eminent crime writers. The event will start Iraq war. The event will market laid out an exciting array of wares for with a wine reception and book signing in this start with a wine reception VLV members at their Autumn Conference in gracious Regency building overlooking the Mall. and book signing. London on 30 November. They demonstrated that digital technology can bring a veritable Joan Bakewell, writer, journalist and She will share her wide experience of working explosion of choice for those in the right place broadcaster, will give the third VLV lecture on with different colleagues on current affairs, the and with the means to enjoy it. Tuesday, 9 May, 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the Lloyd arts and religious programmes . The event will Ford Ennals, CEO of the company charged George Room at One Whitehall Place, London SW1. start with a wine reception. with managing the switch-over project, however, explained that about a quarter of homes would not be able to access the Digital Terrestrial VLV’s 11th annual conference on children’s television, 2 November Television service Freeview until after analogue transmissions had been switched off, starting with Kids’ Media: a Cultural Force or a Cash Cow? Border Region in 2008. Awareness of the change Al Aynsley-Green, an inspiring afternoon keynote was high but about 10% of viewers are expected Speakers included: speaker, outlined the responsibilities of his new to be reluctant or unable to make the move ● Phil Redmond, Merseyside Television position and made a plea for young people to be without some help in obtaining the necessary ● Alison Sharman, Controller CBBC portrayed more positively by the media. Constant equipment and becoming familiar with it. Digital ● Estelle Hughes, Editor CITV negative images and role models were very damaging, UK would welcome help from VLV and other ● Howard Litton, Director of Channels, he said. He also deplored the commercial pressure groups in reaching and assisting these people. Nickelodeon now put on children to develop their sexuality and Stephen Carter, CEO, also concentrated ● Professor Al Aynsley-Green, Children’s consumer tastes at an increasingly early age. on the implications of analogue switch-off Commissioner, England In summing up a day that was far too packed for broadcasters - especially public service ● Fran O’Brien, Senior Manager, Content & and informative to be reported here, VLV Chair, broadcasters. In a wide-ranging question session Standards, Ofcom Jocelyn Hay made a plea to Steve Perkins for Ofcom lasting over an hour, he said he regretted that ● Steve Perkins, Head of Public Service to renew the research commissioned by its Ofcom had not gone farther when earlier in the Broadcasting, Ofcom predecessor the BSC into the range of children’s year it relieved ITV of some of its programme programmes currently on offer. She also hoped that obligations, in particular those relating to non- This was an enthralling day in which a capacity Ofcom, which has assumed responsibility formerly held news regional programmes. Had it done so, he audience, including five overseas delegates, by the DCMS for enforcing the European Television said, it would have hastened the debate that still heard how children’s use of media is changing Directive, would require satellite services targeting has to be held about ITV’s ability to continue to with the development of new technology. the UK to abide by its requirement that 51% of be an advertiser-funded public service broadcaster Delegates also expressed grave concerns about their programmes be original European productions. in a multi-channel world. the future of indigenous children’s television. Audio-cassettes or CDs of the event are Audio-cassettes of the event are available Phil Redmond, keynote speaker, said the answer available price £17.50 including p&p. price £15 including p&p. to the title question was ‘Yes, kid’s media is both a cultural force and a cash cow at times.’ The problem was that the cultural force was mainly American VLV’s 2005 Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting because of the amount of imported programmes The splendid surroundings of the Royal Society in Carlton House Terrace will be the setting for the shown by the dedicated satellite channels. Many presentation of VLV’s 2005 Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting, during the Spring Conference kids watch more adult than children’s programmes, on Wednesday 26th April. Make a note of the date now! he said, partly because they aspire to be older than Last year, when the Awards were presented by Ken Bruce, among the winners who attended and proved they are, and partly because they often watch so entertaining were Michael Palin, Rory Bremner, John Fortune, John Bird, Tim Marlow and Andrew Marr. programmes like soaps with their parents. Children’s These stars of radio and television clearly demonstrate their respect and support for VLV by going out of programmes have never been as well-financed as their way to collect their Awards in person. Who knows who will be there this year? others, and the best way to ensure that a range of It is your votes they value and which make the Awards so special, and your personal congratulations which high quality, indigenous programmes continues to add to their pleasure. Voting forms are included with this Bulletin. Please return yours as soon as possible. be made was to support the BBC and the licence John Clark, Awards Organiser fee which took it out of the commercial rat-race.

Winter 05/06 Bulletin 3 Editorial Comment

2005 was a year of a full-time Director for VLV for the next two, When VLV Chair celebration and achievement possibly three years. The advertisement for the Jocelyn Hay went to for VLV – the culmination of new Director is published on page two. Please help Buckingham Palace 21 years of concerted effort us to spread awareness of it as widely as possible. in December to receive and growth. The climax Thanks to these achievements, we now have a her CBE, she was delighted came in June when I was firm foundation from which to launch our work in to meet VLV member, appointed a CBE in the 2006, and to prove that we deserve the Mrs Jenny Nathan, who was made an MBE Queen’s Birthday Honours, expressions of confidence that have been placed for her services to charities and with the success of our in us. It will mean re-doubling all our efforts on in London. 21st Anniversary Appeal launched by Lord behalf of listeners, viewers and licence-payers - Puttnam of Queensgate, a year earlier. as citizens and as individual consumers of on Trans-Frontier Television, to which the UK The recognition that the Birthday Honour gave broadcasting and new media services. is a signatory; and Ofcom, the UK regulator of to the public value of VLV’s work was gratifying By the end of 2006, the future governance, communications, favours greater relaxation and heartening. So too was the tangible support remit and funding of the BBC will have been in the safeguards against commercial influence which resulted in the success of the Appeal, which settled and laid out in a new Royal Charter. The on programme sponsorship, product placement has now raised more than £30,000 for VLV and its future of Channel 4 will probably have been and advertising. supporting charity, The Voice of the Listener Trust. decided too, while the shape of ITV and its VLV has been given a sound basis from which We are extremely grateful to every one who ownership may also be due to change. Meanwhile, to start work in 2006, but if we are to be effective, contributed in any way to these achievements. the breath-taking speed of technical change - we shall need to step up all our activities and for Recognition and funding are equally important in quite apart from the start of digital switch over in that we shall require your continuing support, assuring VLV’s future. just over two years time – will bring an even more both moral and financial. The next milestone will It was particularly pleasing therefore that the bewildering array of new services and means of be VLV’s Silver Jubilee in 2008/9. We would Trustees of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation showed delivery. welcome suggestions as to both their faith in VLV and their willingness to The regulatory frameworks are changing too, how we might mark it. support our work in a very practical way through with proposals from the European Commission to the offer of a grant to cover the costs of employing alter the provisions of the pan-European Directive

of an analogue channel while content could reach viewers via the digital update watching a digital channel but not of Internet and mobile phones. Student Essay Competition a different digital service. Newsnight is already experimenting Sarah Smith, of Channel 4 and E4 Always look for the Digital Tick Digital Sets and the stand-by with a broadband edition of the symbol when buying new mode. Some people believe it is show via its website. News, presented the prizes to the television or recording equipment. necessary to leave all digital The BBC Launches its Digital winners of VLV’s first Student Essay Although the US media regulator, receivers on stand-by overnight but Curriculum for schools under the Competition during VLV’s autumn the Federal Communications one study estimated that 8% of a name ‘BBC Jam’ After several years conference on 30 November. Commission (FCC) has brought typical household’s electricity costs of preparation, the BBC has launched The theme was ‘The Future of UK forward the date by which all TV resulted from domestic appliances its new learning service for five to Public Service Broadcasting in the Digital receivers in the USA must include always being left on standby - as 16 year olds, formerly known as the Age’ and first prize was won by James the capability to receive digital TV high as £12 a year for some TVs. If ‘digital curriculum’, under the new Bennett, who gained a PhD from the signals, the British government has you pay for a subscription TV name of BBC Jam. The new service, University of Warwick. James received not. Many retailers are still selling service, the provider will send you will be delivered over broad band, a cheque for £1,000 kindly donated widescreen analogue receivers software up-dates during the night continuing until September 2008. which will not be able to receive but if you only have a digital by Channel 4 and the offer of a work digital transmissions unless they are terrestrial TV receiver for the Free When purchasing placement with Endemol UK. fitted with a set top box. view service, it is not necessary to digital equipment The two runners-up, Nektaria Marinou, look for the logo Any analogue TV can be used to leave TV sets, video or DVD who gained a PhD in Broadcast Journalism receive digital but it only if fitted recorders on standby all night. from the University of Central England, and with a set top box. For Freeview The next ‘big thing’ is High STOP PRESS Ben Singleton, who gained a PhD in and cable you will need to check if Definition Television (HDTV). BBC Children’s TV switch Broadcast Journalism from City University, you are in a coverage area. Your Be careful and to look for the HDTV London, won work placements with the retailer should be able to help by symbol if you are planning to buy from One to Two independent production companies Films of checking your post code. To receive an expensive plasma screen to hang On 7 January the BBC switched its Freeview you may also need a new on your wall, not all plasma screens children’s programmes from BBC 1 Record and Tiger Aspect Films, respectively. to BBC 2 for a three month trial aerial and your TV should ideally are compatible with HDTV. The BBC VLV’s Student Essay Competition was period. The programmes are have a ‘scart’ socket to plug the and BSkyB are planning to start launched in 2005 with support from broadcast from 6am to noon. box into. A wide variety of boxes is trial broadcasts of HDTV in 2006 Channel 4 and the Voice of the Listener now available. Have a good look and hoping to be joined by the The BBC says it is to provide Trust. We are delighted that Channel 4 ‘greater consistency for young round before buying the cheapest - cable operators. HDTV screens and the Trust have agreed to support the for just a few pounds more you will be needed to enjoy these viewers who tune to BBC 2 for children’s output on every other Competition for a further year. may be able to get a much wider broadcasts and also to view the day of the week’. It will also allow VLV’s 2006 Student Essay range of options that you might next generation of DVDs. want to take up later. the BBC more freedom to broadcast Competition will be launched on 15 BBC 2 will be first channel to sport on Saturday mornings. Recording Digital Programmes. Unless go fully digital in each region February. Full details will be available you have a digital recorder you will when analogue signals are switched If you have children and views on on the VLV website: www.vlv.org.uk or only be able to make a recording of off. BBC 2 Controller, Roly Keating the change, write to Richard by post in return for an SAE from the Deverell, Acting Controller, CBBC, the digital channel you are watching. is therefore planning a pilot project VLV office. White City, London W12 ORT. You will be able to make a recording early this year to test how its

4 Bulletin Winter 05/06 Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Guest Contributor, Tony Hall “A Many Splendoured Thing” - but is British culture being properly exploited as an unique international asset? Tony Hall, Executive Director of The Royal Opera House – who received a CBE in the 2006 New Year Honours - says we need a Foreign Policy for the Arts.

train them to conduct a weekly lesson for an which, without being ‘dirigiste’, is coherent and entire year, putting together a piece of “music- coordinated. The 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 theatre” – what we might call opera. Black South Shanghai World Exposition and the 2012 London Africans being what they are, the notion of it just Olympics exemplify events which will offer huge being about the voice soon gets taken over by promotional scope. dance as well. You can’t sing without moving. I What’s on offer here in London surpasses in found it fabulous to watch and to be part of. quality what’s available in New York. Our weakness These two examples illustrate a more general is in packaging, presenting and promoting – areas point: that the UK possesses an unrivalled range of where the French, incidentally, are very skilled. cultural exports including the BBC World Service The challenge is one of taking our cultural and BBC World TV. We have so much to offer the exports more seriously; ensuring that efforts are rest of the world. The international contacts which joined-up. The Royal Ballet, for example, focuses culture facilitates for Britain are phenomenally its overseas tours on wealthy countries where it I went with the Royal Ballet this summer to important. Conceptually these contacts, and what can count on more than covering costs. Actually - Singapore and watched the audiences there they represent, fall into the category of “soft given the power of Britain to influence, to shape, respond to the Royal Ballet. It really was power”. This kind of power, exemplified by the to nurture - we should be going to places that extremely exciting to see our dancers performing work of the British Council, needs to be built on can’t afford us: emulating what the British there, and in Korea and in Japan – to packed and backed by serious resources, and synergically Museum has done recently in the Sudan. There’s a houses and raising such a stir. The series of We need to pull together some of the really big project on my desk right now for work in Cape events was a fantastic export for Britain. cultural players. Alongside the British Council, the Town townships: one of a number of projects in Another example from another part of the BBC, Channel Four and other broadcasters we various cultural fields which – if they could be world: South Africa. There we do a programme should team up some of the organisations which made to happen – would at the same time each year in Johannesburg where teachers come make London and this country so great: the British showcase British skills and be exciting experiences from Soweto to spend a weekend with us, learning Museum, the Tate, the Victoria & Albert Museum, for British artists: a real two-way street of how to write an opera. Their assignment is to the National Gallery, the Royal Opera House, the teaching and learning. spend some hours each week teaching their Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre The challenge for those running major cultural children about culture. Our UK contribution is to and others. We require a cultural export policy organisations is to collaborate and make it happen.

A selection of VLV Responses and Briefing Papers Conferences & ORAL EVIDENCE VLV has submitted written evidence ● BBC – Consultation by the BBC Meetings in which VLV Chair, Jocelyn Hay, was invited to the following consultations: Governors on the Future of the BBC VLV representatives ● to give oral evidence to the House of House of Commons Select Radio Archive: November 2005 ● have spoken or Commons Select Committee on Committee on Culture, Media & BBC – Preparing for the New BBC Analogue Switch-off on 8 November. Sport: inquiry into Analogue Switch- Trust: Service Licences and the Public participated recently. She appeared before the House of Off: October 2005 Value Test: December 2005 ● ● BBC Governors’ consultation; Lords Select Committee on BBC Charter House of Lords Select Committee on Ofcom – Procedures for the Review in July and has been invited to Charter Review, 2nd Inquiry into Handling of Fairness & Privacy BBC Director General’s give further evidence to the 2nd stage Religious, Sports and Regional Complaints: December 2005. consultation, BBC Citizenship ● of the Committee’s inquiry on Broadcasting and the Role of the Ofcom – Radio, Preparing for the event; meeting with DCMS 24 January 2006. BBC World Service: October 2005 Future – Phase 2: January 2006 Creative Industries Division; Ofcom presentations on their VLV DISCUSSION PAPERS: DCMS Consultation on the Use information visit the DCMS website: Annual Work Plan, Media of National Lottery Money www.lottery2009.culture.gov.uk/ Literacy, Consumer Forum; ● The end of Surreptitious The DCMS has launched a public The closing date for comments is 1 Future of Radio and Advertising? Advertising, consultation on how the money raised February, send them via the website or Advertising; Digital Sponsorship and Product by the National Lottery should be to: National Lottery Consultation, DCMS, Stakeholders’ Group; Placement, prepared for VLV’s used. The money is currently 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SWY 5DH. Ministerial Expert Consumer Policy Seminar in October. distributed to good causes under four Group on Digital Switch-over; ● Revisions to the European main headings: the arts, film, national Public Consultations Now Open Westminster Media Forum ● Directive on Trans-Frontier heritage and sport, all of which receive Ofcom’s Annual Work Plan - 2006. Seminars on Advertising, ● Television: prepared for EURALVA an equal share. The introduction of Ofcom - Issues to do with Digital Switch-over and meeting in Lisbon, January 2006. scratch cards to help fund the Product Placement. Media Literacy; Quarriers ● Copies of all responses are Olympics may affect this policy and Ofcom - The Future Licensing conference in Bath on posted on the VLV website: the department is consulting on what of DAB Digital Radio. Children’s Rights Vs Press www.vlv.org.uk and free to proportion of Lottery money should be Further details from Ofcom call Freedom; EURALVA meeting members in return for a large allocated to the arts and film, sport centre 020 7981 3000 or at on revisions to European SAE with 47p in postage. and heritage after 2009. For further www.ofcom.org.uk Directive on Television Without Frontiers, Lisbon.

Winter 05/06 Bulletin 5 Book Reviews VLV Visit to ITV Network Centre REGULATED SELF-REGULATION VLV members much enjoyed a visit in October. AS A FORM OF MODERN After a welcome by Sophie Cohen, Controller of GOVERNMENT Public Affairs, they were given presentations by by Wolfgang Shulz and Nigel Pickard, Director of Programme Services, Thorsten Held, published by Alan Rufaie, Head of Content Research, David John Libbey Publishing for Bergg, Director of Programme Strategy, Dominic University of Luton Press , Crossley-Holland, Controller of Current Affairs, Box 276, Eastleigh, SO50 5YS, Arts & Religion, Estelle Hughes, Editor, Children’s email: [email protected]. ITV (CITV), and Jill Kerslake, Operations Director. for training new schedulers and the choices it P/B ISBN: 1 86020 597 6 ITV has the highest commitment to public service posed proved remarkably tricky. Among the factors The relationships between governments and public broadcasting of all the commercial broadcasters. It that affect the placing of advertisements are the and private institutions are changing all over the puts out more regional news, children’s programmes season and the weather, the time of day and world. This analysis of case studies from media and and original drama than any of its competitors, whether pre or post the watershed, also whether telecommunications law covers experience in terrestrial or satellite. ITV’s audience research the programme in which the advertisement is Australia, Malaysia and the UK. The authors set out to involves 50,000 people a year, weighted to match placed is targeting a male or female audience. find answers to questions about the changing role of the UK population. It includes both the programmes All stops were pulled-out to make this visit an government, especially in regulating the trans-national and which artists are most popular. in-depth occasion. We came away with a much communications industry, and to provide a tool-kit that Before leaving, time was allowed for greater understanding of the difficulties that can be applicable across the world for what they call everyone to test their skills at fitting a selection of programme controllers and schedulers face when ‘regulated self-regulation’. They address a number of advertisements into a normal day’s schedule. The trying to maximise the revenue from advertisements key questions, including whether industry can, in the computer ’Game’ (see photo) involved was developed on which ITV depends for its survival. first place, be trusted to regulate itself, and if so, how overall regulatory objectives can then be protected. 210,000 businesses which is largely funded UNDER THE WIRE Visit to Ofcom by the fees they pay. Ofcom receives a third of by Bill Ash, published by Matt Peacock, Director of Communications, hosted a million emails/calls every year, but the number Bantam Press h/b price £16.99 a visit for VLV members to Ofcom in November. of actual complaints is relatively small and under 9% concern broadcasting. Many complaints can be ISBN 05 93 054 083 (p/b £6.99 Ofcom is responsible for managing all over-air answered quickly, but some have to be referred on, ISBN 055 38 17 48 June 2006) communications, including those used by broadband, eg, to the ASA or Ofcom’s Content Board. from bookshops or online from mobile phones and air traffic control. Pirate radio By the start of digital switchover in 2008 a www.underthewire.co.uk stations often create interference on wavebands used cheap set-top box should be available but some Bill Ash has been a member of by emergency services or air traffic control and in people will need a new aerial. Attention is being VLV for many years. In this 2004 almost brought Heathrow airport to a standstill. paid to vulnerable groups who will need help with autobiography co-authored by Today pirate stations are mostly set up by drug installing new equipment. Brendan Foley, he tells the story of his adventures as dealing gangs to advertise clubs where drugs are One problem is that there are not enough a Spitfire pilot, during World War II, including his available. The sums of money involved are large, frequencies to allow the whole country to switch time and escape from the notorious German prisoner and police raids are met with violence. Normal policy until after analogue signals are turned off. Matt of war camp Stalag Luft III. Bill, now 87 and living in is to remove the transmitters from their illegal said that keeping an existing television and buying London, originally hailed from Texas. Despite a tough placements, but this can be difficult and hazardous. youth, he worked his way through college during the a reasonably priced set-top box was a good option An average of 1000 police raids take place each year. Depression before joining the Royal Canadian Air at present. With a cheap set-to box you cannot Community radio stations are different, as long Force on the outbreak of War. He was shot down over record a digital channel whilst simultaneously France, captured and tortured by the SS, before as they are licensed and using frequencies watching another digital channel but if one or becoming one of the most courageous escape artists. allocated by Ofcom. The licence costs only £500. both are analogue it is possible to do so. After the war he worked for the BBC in India and UK until he retired as senior radio drama producer. Bill is a constant champion of the underdog and writers. VLV Visit to CBBC disabilities to learn and interact through Senior Executive, Amanda computer games linked to the TV and website. Gabbitas welcomed VLV Next, we visited the Newsround production members to the BBC’s office and met its editors, Ian Prince and Sam Who’s Who children’s department in Beddows. They told us how their bulletins are November shortly after sensitively written to help young viewers cope Philip Graf has been appointed Deputy Chair of Alison Sharman, Controller with difficult news and to give them an Ofcom and Chair of Ofcom’s Content Board, for the past year, had left understanding of the world they live in. The replacing Richard Hooper who retired at Christmas. to join ITV. Newsround website has launched a project to Mr Graf who is a former Chief Executive of Trinity Richard Deverall, Acting Controller of CBBC help children become journalists by develop Mirror Group was commissioned by the Secretary joined us over coffee and sandwiches – in the their writing, observational and story telling os State for Culture, Media & Sport to carry out a lounge where normally groups of children are skills. 5,000 requests for the project kit had Review of the BBC’s Online Services in 2004. invited to discuss the kinds of programmes they already been received. David Jordan, the BBC’s Chief Adviser, Politics, has would like to enjoy. He explained that the BBC A highlight was the Blue Peter studios, and been appointed Controller, Editor Policy, succeeding employs 500 staff, all committed to providing an opportunity to meet the presenters, watch Stephen Whittle who retired in December. high quality programmes for children on TV, them in rehearsal and see the Blue Peter Garden. Alison Sharman, former Controller of CBBC has left radio and online. Finally, members were taken to a studio used to take up the post of Daytime Controller at ITV. We saw plenty of evidence of this dedication to train young people where they were given the Julian Bellamy, former head of Channel 4’s factual during our two-hour tour of the department. First, chance to read news and take part in a panel game. entertainment and of E4, has been appointed we were given a demonstration of some of the A most enjoyable and informative visit during Controller of BBC 3, replacing Stuart Murphy programmes which have been developed especially which members were impressed by the dedication, who left the BBC in October to join RDF Media. to help children with learning and physical pride and skill shown by every one they met.

6 Bulletin Winter 05/06 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. DIGITAL SWITCH-OVER a firm religious belief. We could suggest many non- Editor’s note: We agree with the sentiment of The Government’s decision to switch the UK to a fully religious people who would have much more to this letter but chose the title of VLV’s digital television system between 2008 and 2012 raises contribute and comment on life and problems... conference ‘Kids’ Media - a Cultural Force or a a number of concerns, including the potentially large One of the main duties of the BBC is to reflect the Cash Cow?’ deliberately in order to shock people costs to ordinary viewers. The current Freeview service totality of life and interests in Britain, so we do not into realising just how much the dominance of would, in effect, become the core of the new service object to religious programming, provided that it is American media is influencing the English but Ofcom’s current consultation proposals could proportionate... language and our children’s cultural heritage. potentially de-stabilise and threaten the existing varied We believe that the excessive time devoted to religion VLV AND MEDIA WATCH channel line-up, leading to a poorer service for all. should be balanced by many more programmes that How I echo the point made by a VLV member in the Personally, I think the stability of the existing system represent the views (especially in matters of philosophy Autumn Bulletin that ‘ VLV is nothing to do with the should be preserved and, for once, Ofcom should put and ethics) of the huge proportion of the population National Viewers’ & Listeners’ Association, now re- long term public interest ahead of its dogmatic that rejects the claims of religion, or is indifferent to named Media Watch’. At a recent talk that I attended, competition inclinations. In case it is of any interest, I organised religion.... given by a staff member of the British Humanist have enclosed a copy of Ofcom’s latest proposals plus Complaints to the BBC about Thought for the Day have Association who deals with education, she mentioned my response. It is at times like these that I am glad that not been dealt with objectively ...... Possibly the BBC the VLV in a dismissive way, saying that this was the the Voice of the Listener and Viewer exists. should consider adopting the appeals procedure operated organisation founded by Mary Whitehouse. Had I not Tim Fairhead, By e-mail by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which offers been present to correct this unfortunate error, everyone Editor’s note: We are grateful for Mr an Independent Complaints Review Panel to look into in the audience would have believed it to be true. Fairhead’s support and always welcome news cases where complainants about issues concerning Wendy Sturgess, Somerton, Somerset serious bias, lack of balance or unfair treatment are of consultations and copies of members’ Editor’s note: VLV is frequently confused with responses which help to inform our thinking. dissatisfied with the response from the ABC." Jean and Barrie Berkley, Hexham, the former NVALA and would be glad of I am of the opinion that the digital drive appears to be Northumberland suggestions as to how we could reduce this. a strange affair. I’m still not sure of why we need to be BACKGROUND NOISE IN PROGRAMMES digital only in the first place. Also, digital devices are Editor’s note: What do readers feel about these noticeably power-hungry compared to their analogue issues? I was so sorry not to get to Tim Marlow’s evening with VLV, I greatly admire him, especially as he does not counterparts by a factor of 10+ times in some cases. VLV’S CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN’S TV How does this square with the Government’s green and allow his producer to introduce a single note of energy saving policies? As I cannot attend VLV’s November children’s background music, something that drives me up the conference, I would be grateful if you could make the wall in so many other programmes. I would have liked Graeme Craig, Aberdeen following point on my behalf. Children’s broadcasting is to have asked him how he manages to keep out that I monitor the television service for my area from the a specialised area and can not possibly be delivered universal plague. Beacon Hill Transmitter. We cannot get Channel Five successfully by programme makers or presenters who E Neville-Rolfe, Tisbury, Wilts here but my husband and myself are quite happy with are not professionally qualified to understand how the four channels we receive. Now, however, we are young people think and what their real needs are. VLV MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS being informed that we shall ‘have to go digital’ before Children are highly perceptive and can detect, extremely These days I hardly see any television at all so cannot very long. Needless to say we do not want this enforced quickly, a lack of substance and any patronising tones. sensibly complete the Awards voting forms, and having upon us and, in any case, we cannot receive the As a former teacher and founder of the ‘Junior Literary now acquired arthritis, seldom make any journeys outside. pictures. Moreover, we are not allowed to have external Club’ here in Northern Ireland, I have been However, I do admire all you are doing, and if you do aerials here, they have to be in the roof void. It will, campaigning for many years for better provision, on not mind having a non-participating member, I shall be I have no doubt, also involve us in extra expense. television and on radio, for 8 to 14 year olds. I fail to happy to continue my subscription standing order. I sometimes wonder who makes all these decisions – understand why quality programmes for this very With every possible good wish for your work probably a person who has little else to do and no important age-group can not be regarded as P. Croy, London SW11 knowledge of the ramifications involved; a bit like commercially viable. There is an urgent need for a full- running a train without any rails for it to run on! scale debate to examine ways in which programmes of Editor’s note: We are extremely grateful for Mrs B V Ashton, Brixham, Devon a higher standard could be encouraged and supported the continuing support of every member. by corporate bodies to the advantage of all Some are able to participate in events, some are As a retired BBC staffer, dedicated listener and not – but VLV’s main aim is to be an effective occasional online buff, living near the New Forest Anne C Robertson, Portstewart, Northern Ireland campaigning body and for that both kinds of where the new TV services are not available without Since VLV’s main purpose is to maintain and improve member and financial support are equally the high cost of a new TV aerial which is beyond my standards in broadcasting, I was surprised to see the important. budget, the radio and TV trails urging me to try the word ‘Kids’ on the front page of our last Bulletin, CHRISTMAS CARDS AND THE RAFFLE delights of BBC 3 and BBC4 drive me to distraction. especially in view of the latest politically correct Congratulations on producing the Christmas cards. Norma Gilbert, Fordingbridge, Hants absurdity in calling schoolchildren no longer ‘pupils’ or even ‘students’ but ‘learners’. If these well- What a good idea. How about producing some notelets? OFCOM’S CONSULTATION PRACTICE established words are somehow considered Jill Hyem, London W14 I am not happy with the ten-week consultation period demeaning, how much more demeaning is it to that Ofcom generally allows for its consultations: it is refer to young people as goats….. Deadline for next issue: too short for many organisations. For instance, Ofcom’s A word in the ear of the BBC would not come amiss; 15 March, 2006 Phase 2 consultation Radio – Preparing for the Future – but I suppose the answer would be that they are not was published on 19th October, too late for the last VLV allowed to ‘edit’ speakers’ contributions. Write, fax or e-mail your letters to the Editor at: newsletter and the closing date in January will be too [email protected] soon to alert members in the next one. R M Wickenden, Staplecross, East Sussex I also find that it is not easy to navigate around some of Ofcom’s documents, particularly online, and that key IN MEMORIAM proposals are sometimes hidden in technical verbiage. Although they produce a plain English version, it is not VLV has lost two active supporters and a good member who helped VLV regularly in a variety of enough; to respond to the questions you need to read friend in recent weeks: practical ways, including the preparation and the main document, which should be clearly laid out Helen Cresswell, the popular and prolific posting of the quarterly mail-out. Doris died and have most of the technical content in appendices. children’s writer and creator of Lizzy Dripping and suddenly just before Christmas. We shall miss her Often the appendices are only available on CD. None of the eccentric Bogthorpe family, was a member and very much. Our thoughts are with her two daughters. this is helpful to those wishing to respond unless they staunch supporter of the VLV Forum for Children’s Philip Whitehead MEP, was a long-standing are industry players with specialist technical back-up. broadcasting, adding her weight to our campaign supporter of VLV who participated in several of Robert Clark, London SE11 for more quality programming for young people. VLV’s international conferences. Philip kept us in Thought for the Day & Religious Broadcasting Helen lived in Nottinghamshire and died after a touch with European affairs and in a Christmas card We are the Programme Secretary and Chairman of long illness. We extend our sincere condolences to just before his death, expressed concern about some the North East Humanists...... her daughters. aspects of the proposed revisions to the current We are dismayed by the low quality of some of the Doris Griffiths, a former head teacher and European Directive on Trans-frontier Television. We Thought for the Day broadcasts, where the only neighbour in Gravesend, was a long-standing offer our deepest sympathy to his widow and family. criterion for choosing the speaker would seem to be

Winter 05/06 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 Tuesday 31 January members. Please send typed copy with a cheque made payable to VLV Ltd. For display space please An evening with P D James contact Linda Forbes on 01474 352835. The British Academy, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1 6.30pm – 8.30pm The Radio Listener's Guide 2006 The Television Viewer's Guide 2006 Tuesday 14 February ● 160 pages ● 160 pages VLV Visit to ITV Studios, ● Frequencies for all BBC and commercial radio ● Digital TV details of what you need to pick up Sky, Newcastle stations, plus DAB digital transmitter details. Freeview or cable 12.30pm – 2.30pm ● Radio Reviews Independent reviews of over ● Transmitter sites for all analogue and digital Thursday 23 February 130 radios including DAB digital radios. television transmitters. VLV Conference In association ● with Napier University & The Royal ● News from both BBC and commercial radio stations. Equipment advice covering TV sets, VCRs, DVD Society of Arts Scottish players and recorders, Sky and Freeview. ● Digital Radio (DAB) The latest news and information. Parliament, Edinburgh ● Freeview set-top box guide. 2.30pm – 7.45pm ● Sky and Freeview radio information and ● channel lists. Channel lists for Sky and Early March (date tbc) Freeview. Visit to ITV News Studios, ● Advice showing how to get the ● Southampton best from your radio. Advice covering aerial installation, connecting 12.45pm equipment and avoiding Thursday 16 March Ordering details: picture problems. VLV Conference In association The guides cost £5.95 each - ● News about analogue with Cardiff School of Journalism, (this includes postage and packing). to digital switchover, Media & Cultural Studies, Please make your cheques payable to high-definition TV and University of Wales, Cardiff Radio Listener's Guide, and send them to: 10.30am – 4.30pm TV over broadband. Radio Listener's Guide, PO Box 888 Tuesday 21 March Plymouth PL8 1YJ VLV Evening Seminar with James Purnell MP, Minister for the Creative Industries & Tourism VLV GIFT House of Commons, London SW1 Winter Competition MEMBERSHIP 6.30pm – 8pm Thursday 23 March Give VLV membership VLV Evening Seminar with You could win a copy of ‘Delia’s How to Cook - Book Three’ as a gift to a friend or by answering the question below. Sir Christopher Bland, Chair BT relative. We will add an One Whitehall Place, London SW1 Question: Which football team is Delia Smith appropriate greetings 6.30pm – 8.00pm closely associated with? card and a FREE copy of the Sunday 26 March Replies on a postcard to: Delia Competition, VLV, 101 King’s Radio or TV User’s Guide Concert by BBC Elstree Concert Drive, Gravesend, DA12 5BQ. Or by email to: [email protected] by 1st March 2006. worth £5.95. Band In aid of The VoL Trust, BBC The Editor’s Decision is final. Single member: £14.50 Maida Vale Studios, London W9 Two at same address: 4.30pm –6pm AUTUMN COMPETITION - The Janus Aspect by John Tusa £22.50 Overseas: £21.50 Tuesday 28 March Two winners: Shelagh Norton, Thetford, Norfold and Richard Francis, Penarth, Wales An Evening with John Simpson One Whitehall Place, London SW1 NEW SUBSCRIPTION / DONATION / CHANGE OF ADDRESS* 6.30pm – 8.30pm *please delete as appropriate Thursday 6 April Visit to BBC Radio Leicester VLV subscription - individual £14.50, two at same address £22.50, student/concessionary £10.00. VLV overseas subscription - 2pm individual £21.50, student/concessionary £15.00. Newsletter only subscription (non members) UK £22.00, overseas £26.00. Please make cheques payable to VLV Ltd and send to 101 Kings Drive, Gravesend, DA12 5BQ. Wednesday 26 April PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS VLV Spring Conference The Royal Society, London SW1 Name 10.30am – 5.00pm Address Wednesday 26 April Presentation of VLV’s Awards for Post Code: Excellence In Broadcasting Tel Fax: The Royal Society, London SW1 1.45pm – 2.30pm e-mail: OR Credit Card payments Thursday, 11 May Name of Cardholder An Evening with Joan Bakewell (last 3 digits of One Whitehall Place, London SW1 Card type: Mastercard ■ Visa ■ Expiry date ■■ / ■■ Issue No. ■■ CVS ■■■ security code on 6.30pm – 8.30pm reverse of card) Card No. ■■■■ / ■■■■ / ■■■■ / ■■■■ Amount £ Wednesday, 24 May VLV Evening Seminar with Mark Signature of Cardholder Thompson, BBC Director General I would like to pay by Bankers' Order ■ Gift Aid ■ please send me a form. Venue tbc 6.30pm – 8.00pm

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