Voice of the Listener & Viewer Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Winter 2008/09 Issue 95

It’s not all over — FORTHCOMING CONFERENCES

PSB beyond the BBC Media literacy THIS is going to be a testing year for access to broadband Lord (Stephen) Making the Most of New Media. The VLV everyone: for the commercial Carter, the new broadcasting minister, conference on Wednesday 1 April at the broadcasters, for independent has said that as a nation we need to be BT Centre, London EC1 is aimed at the production companies, for Ofcom and both plumbers and poets, and that ‘we over- 50s who may be struggling with digital for the politicians. And VLV will have its will need to be sure we can deliver the television, radio and computers, or who work cut out, because we have to deal plumbing before celebrating or have still to take the plunge. Many with so many specific issues — ITV’s protecting the poetry.’ But is he right? organisations exist to make life easier and increasing abandonment of its former Can we really afford to ignore what goes they — along with broadcasters and internet regional structure; what’s going to through the pipes while we’re building service providers — will be offering advice happen to broadcasting in the UK’s the digital network? Doesn’t it matter in a variety of sessions hosted by nations; how public service whether it’s clean, sparkling water or, broadcasters like Evan Davis from Dragon’s broadcasting is to be funded at all frankly, sewage? Den and Roger Bolton from Radio 4’s outside the BBC; and whether C4 can VLV thinks it does. We think that Feedback. OFCOM and BT are supporting continue with its present brief; not to the best of British broadcasting should the conference, with hands-on exhibits mention a worrying loss of trust in recent be helped to thrive, because in the end including the latest voice activated BBC editorial judgements. we will be remembered not for plumbing computers. See Diary Dates. VLV needs to keep two things but for the poetry, the quality of what Spring conference clearly in mind. We must not be the plumbing brought to listeners and The End of Broadcasting as We Know It? negative, endlessly bemoaning the days viewers. And that is what we will be That’s the arresting title of VLV’s Spring when broadcasting was generously fighting for. Richard Lindley Conference to be held in London on Thurs- funded, and finding fault with every The VLV response to Ofcom’s PSB phase two is available on day 30 April. By then the regulator Ofcom technical or commercial development the VLV and OFCOM websites, or from VLV (sae required) and the Government will have published which seems to threaten programme plans for dealing with the financial crisis in CELEBRITY LECTURE standards. But at the same time we television — and how to maintain public Simon Schama, so well-known to television must not allow politicians and service broadcasting on ITV, C4 and Five. viewers for his award-winning series A His- commercial broadcasters simply to say All agree the present system no longer tory of Britain, has very kindly agreed to that if the market can’t find money for works. VLV is delighted that at this crucial come and talk to VLV members in the early good programmes then we can’t have moment two of the most important figures evening of Wednesday 25 February, at a them. Our job is to argue forcefully in broadcasting (pictured) have agreed to central London venue. Professor Schama’s that British broadcasting is something address our Conference, and answer ques- brilliant programmes, on art as well as his- we are proud of and that we must find tions. Michael Grade, now Executive Chair- tory, are exactly the sort of television that ways to maintain. man of ITV, is trying to maintain standards VLV members want. This will be a ticket only Promoting the idea of universal in the face of falling revenue. Colette Bowe, event. See Diary Dates. new Chairman of OFCOM (p.7) is charged Inside with sustaining PSB beyond the BBC. ■ Europe What is our sister ■ Children’s TV conference ■ Voting for VLV Awards organisation EURALVA working on? VLV leads debate ■ ■ Westminster VLV’s Second Autumn conference report ■ Letters, Who’s Who? meeting with Secretary of State ■ ■ Silver JubileeCelebrations Nations and Regions ■ Competition, Diary Dates

ISSN 1475-2948 Secretary of State talks to VLV Voice of the Listener & Viewer members Working for Quality and Diversity in British Broadcasting ANDY Burnham’s second meeting with VLV VLV President Delegates to a conference held at the Univer- as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Mrs Jocelyn Hay CBE sity of Navarra, co-hosted by iC Media, Spain’s umbrella broadcasting and citizen grouping. Sport took place at Westminster on 9 VLV Patrons December. He paid tribute to Jocelyn Hay’s Lord Barnet PC JP EURALVA Archbishop Lord Eames of Armagh years as VLV Chair, and to the strong Sir Francis Graham-Smith FRS CONFERENCE IN foundations she bequeaths to her Lord Inglewood MEP successor, Richard Lindley. Sir Charles Mackerras CBE MADRID Dame Mary Peters DBE He referred to how the Jonathan Lord Phillips of Sudbury OBE EURALVA’s 2008 Annual Conference took Ross — Russell Brand debate had provided Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE Lady Solti place on 10 November in Madrid, well a focus on viewers’ hunger and demand for Sir John Tusa organised by Portuguese board member standards. British broadcasting’s hallmark Nuno de Campos. Richard Lindley attended had been high quality and integrity, and VLV Directors for the first time as VLV Chair. broadcasters should hold true in the face of Mr Richard Lindley (Chairman) Mr Hugh Peltor, CBE (Hon. Treasurer) Building Circles of Trust developed pressures from the on-line world. Prof Maire Messenger Davies a theme born at EURALVA’s 2007 In 2009, with Lord Carter’s interim Ms Carol Cattley (co-opted) Digital Britain Report and the Ofcom PSB Mr Robert Clark conference in Copenhagen, when Prof Ivor H Gaber participants from nearly a dozen Central Review, Parliament would debate the Mr Norman W Green European and Balkan countries found public’s priorities for PSB post-2012, the Prof Sonia M Livingstone Mr Lewis M C Rudd, MBE common ground with West European date by which digital switch-over would be Mr Laurence D Pawley colleagues around the idea of a tripartite complete. While MPs would understandably Dr Matthew Hibberd and rightly be concerned with regional news, Ms. Shyama Perera understanding between three sets of stakeholders — broadcasting policy- children’s TV was equally a crucial issue for Company Secretary makers and regulators, public service families. Consultation would also take place Waterlow Registrars Ltd. broadcasting organizations and the citizens on product placement, and what events The Voice of the Listener Trust who are their audiences, users and should be listed for transmission free-to-air. (registerred. charity 286207) a sister charity which supports There would be debate on online content, VLV’s educational work. consumers. Chairman: Mrs Jocelyn Hay CBE The necessity of trust strongly including protection of copyright, and the Trustees: influenced EURALVA responses to follow up to the Byron Review on the safety Mr Michael Barton of children on the internet. Mr John Clark Commission consultations on key issues Professor Sylvia Harvey such as state and product (or prop) In answer to a question on the time Lady Solti placement in programmes. scale, he said that we have had the ‘think Dr Andrew Taussig In Madrid, Spanish private sector tank’ and had now reached the ‘doing’ stage.

Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) representative EURALVA speakers stood He answered worries that Lord Carter might represents the citizen and consumer pre-empt the Ofcom Review by saying that interests in broadcasting and works for firm on the threat posed by commercial quality and diversity in British broad- due consideration would be given to all the casting. VLV is free from political, sec- pressures to public service values, and the tarian and commercial affiliations. VLV options in an ongoing process. While he is concerned with the issues, struc- related need for updated regulatory tures, institutions and regulation that mechanisms. This democratic imperative would not rule out top-slicing the BBC underpin the British broadcasting sys- tem and in particular to maintain the was underlined in speeches by R. Brethes licence fee at this moment, he later said it principles of public service broadcast- ing. VLV does not handle complaints. from the European Commission and M. was ‘not an option I would reach for first’. Maggiore, the BBC Controller of European Sylvia Harvey asked how ITV’s VLV Office: PO Box 401, Gravesend DA12 9FY commitment to regional news and non-news Tel: 01474 352835 Fax: 01474 351112 and International Policy. e-mail [email protected] Preben Sorensen, Denmark, is might be maintained, or replaced. He felt Office Hours: 9.30-5pm Monday-Thursday there was potential for partnership. His Linda Forbes: Conference & Events Sec. now EURALVA President, following Sue Washbrook: Membership/ Board & Trust Admin. Professor Vincent Porter who will continue Conservative shadow was right to raise the Website: www.vlv.org his involvement as EURALVA’s European opportunities for local TV, which could attract Registered address: Aercon House, Alfred Road, Gravesend DA11 7QF Media Policy Adviser and representative new advertisers. He also saw possibilities Bulletin published by the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd, a private company limited by guarantee (registered in England on the Advisory Committee of the European of public sector support from councils and no. 4407712). Audiovisual Observatory in Strasbourg. regional development agencies. Desktop publishing: Carol Cattley Andrew Taussig Lewis Rudd 2 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting

Congratulations in the River Room from Bar- oness Hayman (left), Lord Bragg (above) and Sir Michael Lyons (below). Silver Jubilee at the House of Lords

A Silver Jubilee deserves at least one Trust, Sir Michael Lyons. Support for the our Silver Jubilee celebration and loud party. It has to be a good one, and it was. BBC is an article of faith for VLV; applause that followed Jocelyn’s speech Very graciously the Lord Speaker of the whatever its mistakes – and there have were all the evidence anyone could want House of Lords, Baroness (Helene) been quite a few recently – it remains the of her success. Hayman agreed to give us the wonderful cornerstone of the British broadcasting Finally a very special tribute to River Room in which to celebrate. This is system, without which there would be little our two office staff, Sue Washbrook and the notorious wallpaper room for which hope of maintaining this country’s high Linda Forbes. To avoid the cost of an her predecessor got into trouble over the reputation worldwide for broadcasting expensive London caterer they had decorating bill. It is right on the edge of standards. It was a tribute to VLV that Sir assembled the excellent refreshments in the Thames, with a fabulous view up and Michael had asked if he might make a Gravesend (where our office remains) and down the river: a perfect setting in which short speech, and good to hear him say transported everything to Westminster in a to welcome many of the great and good how important an independent van, together with volunteers Sue who have been so helpful to us over the organisation of listeners and viewers like Walford, Jane Mills, Dawn Bright, and years, and to greet many of our members. ours was to the BBC. Chloe Washbrook, who made sure that Some came up to London to enjoy the We were very pleased that Sir glasses and plates stayed full. Sue and party, stay overnight and come to our Michael and our other guests from Linda saved VLV a fortune and did a Autumn Conference. broadcasting and politics could see from superb job. And having taken everything Official host for the evening was the assembled company that VLV back to Gravesend that night they were Lord (Melvyn) Bragg. A great creative members include both the still-active up long before dawn to run our Autumn talent as writer and broadcaster, he this veterans of the last twenty-five years and Conference in Piccadilly. Truly year won VLV’s award for the best new and younger recruits to the cause of remarkable: we are very grateful to them. individual contribution to radio. Single- quality and diversity in broadcasting. R.L. handedly, it sometimes seems, he keeps Our last speaker — responding the arts vividly alive on ITV with the South to many tributes to her successful Bank Show, of which he became writer, leadership of VLV since the beginning — editor and presenter 30 years ago. He was former Chairman, now our President, spoke of his warm feelings for VLV. And Jocelyn Hay. Over the last 25 years, we were so glad to be able to thank him whenever the way we do broadcasting in for his strong support over the years. this country has been under scrutiny, she We were also very pleased to has given all her efforts to making VLV a welcome the Chairman of the new BBC force to be reckoned with. The turnout at

Winter 2008/09 3 Children’s Television — a glimmer of hope James Thickett (Ofcom) gave VLV CHILDREN’S C4 AND OLDER CHILDREN some idea of how competitive funding could Janey Walker, Channel 4, said that the CONFERENCE work, for instance as zones on existing current problems were symptomatic of a November 2008 at the New Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden commercial children’s channels. The pace bigger crisis in all genres. She affirmed of change had been faster than expected, commitment to the Next On Four £10m pilot In her keynote speech, the Playschool and Ofcom would publish its conclusions by scheme for older children, although for presenter Floella Benjamin saw herself as the end of January. There was no intention budgeting reasons transmissions would be a Cassandra who had been warning of the to top-slice the BBC’s core services; delayed until 2010. It was important for need for action. She stressed the positive although again some in the audience were these programmes to be shown when they influence of iconic children’s programmes concerned about precisely what might would be found by the audience, e.g 6pm like Playschool, the role such programmes constitute core services. weekdays or teatime at week-ends. played in cultural diversity, and how ITV’s REGULATING NEW MEDIA A final session asked: where do output had until recently challenged the The next session dealt with the thorny we go from here? The children’s writer BBC’s in quality. The digital channels were problems of regulating new media, Eleanor Updale drew an analogy with the too much driven by commercialisation and demonstrated in the Byron Review. fate of books since the ending of the net big business had moved into what had been Elizabeth Filkin, chair of the Association for book agreement, resulting in far less money a cottage industry. Ofcom, on whose TV On Demand, and Mike Rawlinson, from for writers. Nigel Pickard, formerly head of Content Board she had served, had lacked the computer games publishers association, children’s at both ITV and BBC, felt it came the powers to protect the genre, although explained the self-regulation put into effect down to finding ways to finance more some present disagreed. so far, while Marc Goodchild, Head of breadth of content. Media commentator POLITICAL ISSUES Interactive and On Demand for BBC Maggie Brown saw a glimmer of hope in the The first session, chaired by journalist Gillian Children’s, and Pete Johnson, BBFC’s Head politicians’ support for tax breaks, but was Reynolds, dealt with political issues. Anna of Policy and Business Development, sceptical of Channel 4’s commitment. All Home, chair of Save Kids TV, referred to demonstrated how responsibly problems agreed that Ofcom research proved public the decline in UK originated new were being addressed, while making it clear demand is there, and lobbying was vital. programmes – only 1% of all the that parents have a big role to play. They Lewis Rudd programmes transmitted. pointed out that regulation and technology Ofcom’s well-researched 2007 only has a limited effect. NEW MEMBERS OF discussion paper had drawn attention to the PLANS AND ASPIRATIONS THE VLV BOARD crisis, indicating that the genre was ‘the The afternoon looked at the plans and canary in the coalmine’ — threatening all aspirations of public service broadcasters. A distinguished Public Service Broadcasting. In the 2nd PSB Richard Deverell, BBC, affirmed the academic, Mat- review Children’s had been overwhelmed importance of providing content whose only thew is Deputy by the concern about these other genres, purpose is to serve children. While Head of the De- only suggesting Elastoplast remedies. continuing to entertain, the BBC did not partment of Film, John Grogan MP (Labour) felt avoid difficult or sensitive subjects. The Media and Jour- some reasons to be cheerful: the campaign future of children’s programmes on BBC1 nalism at the Uni- had made Children’s an issue, and Ofcom and 2 after switchover has not yet been versity of Stirling. had highlit the situation. Now politicians had decided. The move to Salford was a to decide. He supported levies on new challenge to become the most creative media, tax breaks for new media and liked community in the UK, suited to the internet the SKTV idea of an online portal. age. The move would not effect budgets. Ed Vaizey MP (Conservative) Nick Wilson, Five, gave examples agreed that the profile had been raised, and of the success of the Milkshake strand for felt that tax breaks, already enjoyed by film, pre-schools. He was ambitious to extend should be extended to children’s TV and the age-range, and offer a 12 hour daily video games. He was totally opposed to an service. He felt co-operation between ‘Arts Council of the Airwaves’. While broadcasters, including cross-promotion, unconvinced anything would happen could help meet the needs of older children. Shyama is a journalist and broadcaster with quickly, he felt Stephen Carter’s Huw Rossiter, S4C, indicated how thirty years of experience in print — The appointment as minister was a hopeful sign. the Welsh language channel was increasing Guardian, radio — The Weekend Breakfast Lord (Tim) Clement-Jones (Lib-Dem) its service for children on digital, and from Show, and television, where she presented supported tax breaks and an on-line portal. 2009 sub-titling all its output in English. Channel 4’s Eastern Eye.

4 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting AUTUMN CONFERENCE

THE Autumn Conference was held on 26 November at the Geological Society, Burlington House. In a short opening session, chaired by VLV Board member Norman Green, Jan Ostler, Director of the Help Scheme, Housing & Industry, Digital UK, gave a succinct but valuable update on progress towards switching the UK to digital television. And Peter Davies, Director of Radio Policy & Broadcast Licensing, Ofcom, brought delegates up to date on the position of digital radio (DAB). Jay Hunt addressing the VLV NEW BBC ONE CONTROLLER Jay, it was her dream job, and it still was. She felt it a huge privilege Perhaps the star of the occasion was the new Controller of BBC to preside over a channel that impinges so directly on people’s ONE, Jay Hunt. A week, said Jay, was an even longer time in lives. ‘I want it to continue to deliver moments that bring the nation television than in politics. She remembered not that long ago talking together’, she told us. ‘I want it to try even harder to connect with to John Sergeant when he was a respected political editor and she the widest range of audiences. In this job you can’t always breed was running the BBC’s Six O’Clock News. Previously she had been consensus. But you can make great content that engages people trying to dissuade John from leaving Strictly Come Dancing and and gets them talking. That’s the conversation I want to be having then discussing with him and his dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff about BBC One, and I am grateful to you for letting me start that how they should wow the audience for his final turn on the floor. conversation today.’ This was an excellent session, ably chaired It would not be right to suggest that John’s progress from by the distinguished journalist and currently television critic for the authoritative political commentator to dance floor comedy turn is Financial Times, John Lloyd. symptomatic of the ‘dumbing down’ in television that some of our members complain of — Strictly is a quality programme that surely RADIO HAS BECOME AUDIO has a place in the range of public service broadcasting; but it did In the main afternoon session Gillian Reynolds, that sage and raise the perennial problem for the Controller of the BBC’s most insightful radio reviewer, interviewed the BBC’s new Director of popular television channel — how to keep maximum numbers Audio and Music, Tim Davie. A former marketing man, Tim was watching lots of different programmes while at the same time clearly still feeling his way into the world of broadcast programmes, maintaining real quality. Jay was clearly worried that television as but VLV members were heartened when he talked of how we have known it would not necessarily continue to attract today’s passionately he cared about radio — or, as we must apparently young people when they became adults, as it used to do. ‘In a now learn to call it, audio.Tim emphasised the huge benefits he competitive multi-channel landscape, many viewers under 50 are saw in audio, for listeners rather than viewers — it builds a great not coming to the channel as their first port of call. We can no sense of connection to the broadcaster that no other medium quite longer assume they will when they grow older’, she said. So BBC seems to match; it can allow the real exploration of ideas; and it One had to be creatively ambitious. Costume drama, for instance requires the listener to think and to imagine. All of this was music would get a new look with an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Small to VLV members’ ears. We were pleased to hear Tim say that while Island, in which we witness the impact of the second world war he was challenging all his creative teams to keep their sense of through the eyes of a newly arrived Jamaican woman. ‘This sort ambition in programme making of all kinds his overwhelming focus of opportunity to see Britain’s heritage in a new guise will be was on core strands like The Archers, the Radio 1 and 2 daytime fundamental to keeping the channel feeling modern and schedules, File on 4, The News Quiz and the Afternoon Play. We contemporary.’ look forward to hearing Tim talk to us again. When she took over BBC One six months earlier, said Richard Lindley

Winter 2008/09 5 Internet NATIONS AND REGIONS Public Service Broadcasting/Content, Readers will be aware of VLV’s activities in VLV is a UK-wide body with Independent Production Scotland and Wales where debates members across the nations and regions Intellectual Property about broadcasting have their own particular and hosts conferences in the nations. We flavour and context. welcome contributions to these debates. VLV will want to take a view on Recent developments have these matters and members are engaged VLV members in discussing what invited to do whatever they can to kind of provision broadcasters make for DIGITAL BRITAIN make their own views known to us specific needs of listeners and viewers in In the autumn Bulletin we noted that and to the UK Government. the nations. Three publications highlight Stephen Carter, formerly of OFCOM and these issues: the Scottish Broadcasting adviser at Number Ten, had been elevated Commission reported in the autumn to the to the House of Lords and appointed Scottish government. Amongst other Minister of State at DCMS with responsibility Report on the matters it has recommended the for Communications and Broadcasting. VLV Annual establishment of a Scottish Public Service Stephen Carter spoke at the 2005 Channel, at a cost of around £75 million per VLV conference and several members took General Meeting year. Also that broadcasters should ensure the opportunity to quiz him about OFCOM’s The 6th AGM of VLV Ltd was held on 26 they better serve the needs of viewers and approach to PSB. He is now leading a November, following the Autumn confer- listeners in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, group which will produce a Digital Britain ence. Chaired by Richard Lindley, appointed by providing news and current affairs more report in the Spring. Amongst the issues at the EGM of the Company on 2nd October, in tune with the changing face of a Britain being examined are: Jocelyn Hay, Chairman until 2nd October, with devolved government. (Available on How to ensure that the UK presented the annual report for the finan- www.scotland.gov.uk) maximises the benefits of convergence right cial year to 31 August 2008. Hugh Peltor, Meanwhile the BBC Trust has across the economy and society? A Treasurer, presented the annual accounts produced the Nations Impartiality Review. strategy will be developed to secure four key to 31st August 2008. Both were accepted Written by Professor Anthony King of Essex conditions: open markets, empowered and unanimously. University, it looks at BBC reporting on the informed consumers and citizens, universal Warren Newman and Brian UK network and provides evidence of a access to public service content, and a Groombridge retired from the Board and Dr number of problems where reporting is responsive regulatory framework. Priorities Matthew Hibberd, University of Stirling and insensitive at best and inaccurate and in each of these areas will be: Ms Shyama Perera, University of misleading at worst. If the BBC is to achieve Broadband Development, Westminster, were elected. (see p. 4) its purposes, it has to do better, but then Digital Radio again, ITN news is often Londoncentric. This well written report is available from www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/research/ VLV AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE impartiality/ Or call 03700 103 100 or text 03700 100 212 Mon-Friday, 9.30-5.30pm. IN BROADCASTING The Welsh Assembly has followed Awareness of how lucky Britain is to have Ballot papers with short lists for the Scottish Parliament in calling for the such a variety of quality public service voting in each category will be sent with the establishment of a Welsh English language broadcasting — a situation possibly at risk Spring Bulletin, when the celebrity presenter channel, to avoid a situation in which ‘Wales — lends special relevance to the will be announced. Please also return these is on track to be a passive consumer of nominations VLV members will send in for straight away, as the goblets must be programmes rather than have its own voice.’ favourite television and radio programmes engraved for the Awards Ceremony at the ITV Wales output is due to fall to seen and heard throughout 2008. Again we Spring Conference on 30 April. 5.5 hours a week in January, amounting to thank Roberts Radio for sponsorship of this. It goes without saying that 4 hours of news and 1.5 hours non-news. Nomination papers for both the programme-makers and presenters treat the The group suggests annual investment for television and radio selections accompany VLV Awards with great respect. The winners its proposals would be around £50 million. this Bulletin. We urge you, please, to usually collect their engraved goblet in ‘Taking BBC Wales and ITV Wales together complete and return these as soon as person, although last time Andrew Marr sent there is a danger that the annual value of possible, the deadline being Thursday, 12 a helicopter message while filming his 2008 television output in English for Wales will February. Such a variety of programmes are series on Britain from the air. decline by £25-30m from its 2006 level by chosen that counting always takes time. Carol Cattley 2013’, said the group. 6 Bulletin Working for Quality and Diversity in Broadcasting Letters to the Editor

BIG BAND MUSIC SWEARING ON THE treat.The weather prevented us from I am appalled that Radio 2 presenter BROADCAST MEDIA going over the BBC building site but the Malcolm Laycock has been instructed by Following the Brand/Ross debacle there BBC and Peel Holdings presentations at his programme controller to stop appears to be something of a public the Lowry Centre were very informative broadcasting British music from before protest building about the preponderance and we were able to view the site from the 1940! For over 30 years, since the days of of swearing on television and possibly comfort of the Centre. Alan Dell, Radio 2 has proudly broadcast radio, although thankfully not on Radio 4. We were given a very warm a programme of music from the 1920s I appreciate this may not be the reception by the BBC representatives and 1930s, featuring dance bands playing most important matter concerning involved. I hope the VLV will hold further the great songs from the dance floors, broadcasting at the moment, but it events in the North West. films and shows of those pre-swing days. reduces the value of programming in the Margaret Pollard, Stockport, Cheshire Malcolm Laycock announced that eyes of those offended by it and does the BBC would no longer broadcast 30 nothing to improve the literacy of those for mins of British dance band music.With the whom it is a way of life. I would like to see JOCELYN STEPPING UP loss of a proper classic jazz programme this point made most strongly to I much enjoyed VLV’’s autumn and now dance bands, add to that Richard programme makers whenever an Conference and I do want to say how Baker’s light classical show, we have appropriate occasion arises. much I have admired your leadership of completely lost half a century of pre-pop Miss E.J. Clayden, Ashstead, Surrey such an important organisation. You have popular music. So, no 1930s music, yet in certainly influenced many government one week the same Beyonce record can ministers, broadcasting moguls and critics be heard 30 times. VLV VISIT TO SALFORD QUAYS + as a long time practitioner in the media, John Wright, Coventry Thank you for making all the I recognise just how valuable it has been This was one of a number of letters and arrangements at such short notice so that to have such a valiant fighter for truth and emails on this topic: The BBC response two friends and I could join the VLV visit. high quality. Good luck for the next 25 was that the change in emphasis would We enjoyed it very much and the years. With lots of good wishes allow the whole of the big band era to be trip to the Granada Studios was an added Monica Sims, London W2 better reflected.

VLV members visit WHO’S WHO IN BROADCASTING BBC World Service Nigel Chapman is stepping down as her career as an economist at the Twenty four VLV members visited the Head of the BBC World Service. Department of Trade and Industry and BBC World Service at Bush House on Nigel has been a good friend of subsequently worked at the Independent 21 October 2008. VLV hosting receptions for our international Broadcasting Authority, the Securities and Nigel Chapman, the Director, conferences etc. We wish him well in his Investment Board, and as Chief Executive briefed members on the role and new venture as head of Plan, the of the Personal Investment Authority. activities of the BBC World Service, international children’s charity. OFCOM has appointed two new members which has a weekly global audience to the Scotland Advisory Committee: estimated at 182 million. The service Roger Mosey has been appointed the Thomas Prag and Professor Philip broadcasts in 33 languages on FM, as BBC’s Director of London 2012. Schlesinger — the latter now as Chair. well as via satellite cable, podcasts, mobiles and online — in addition to The new chair of OFCOM is Dr Colette short and medium wave. In March Bowe.The Commons Business and CMS OBITUARY 2008 BBC Arabic television was select committees will now hold a public We regret to note the death of Professor started. Later this year a Persian scrutiny hearing in line with parliamentary Sir Bernard Crick. Bernard spoke at the television service will be launched. procedures. 2008 VLV Scotland conference and his After the briefing members were Dr Bowe trained as an economist trenchant views were equally appreciated allowed to observe a studio in action. and has held a number of senior roles in by both the young students and older We were most grateful to the Director the public and private sectors. She began attendees. and his staff for a very interesting and impressive visit. Hugh Peltor

Winter 2008/09 7 Advertisments Diary Dates Please refer to VLV when responding to advertisements. VLV Ltd cannot accept any liability or complaint in regard to the following offers. The charge for classified ads is 30p per word, 20p for members. Please send typed copy with a cheque payable to VLV Ltd. Thursday, 5 February For display space please contact Linda Forbes on 01474 352835. Visit to Parliamentary Broadcast Unit, Millbank, London SW1 (wait- ing list only)

VLV GIFT MEMBERSHIP Wednesday, 25 February Give a VLV membership as a gift to a friend or Celebrity lecture with Simon relative. We will add an appropriate greetings Schama, 6-7.30pm. London venue to be confirmed. card and a FREE copy of the Radio or TV

User’s Guide. Fill out the subscription form Tuesday, 31 March below and state which publication and card New ways to communicate type you would prefer. Visit to OFCOM, Riverside House, London SE1. 10am-12noon Members of the Strategy and Mar- ket Developments team will provide an overview of emerging trends in Audio books help while the audio/visual media sector. The away long journeys…or THE RADIO LISTENER’s GUIDE two-hour session will include a tech- make welcome presents 2009 & THE TELEVISION nical demonstration of new services for friends and family. VIEWER’s GUIDE 2009 such as WebTV and 3DTV and Crimson Cats offers a questions and answers. range of interesting and unusual audio books on CD for £9.99 plus p&p. ORDERING DETAILS Wednesday, 1 April The juvenalia of Jane The guides cost £5.95 each (inc. p&p). Making the most of New Media. One day Austen, the death of Please make your cheque payable to media literacy conference at the BT Centre, Lord Nelson, the spying Radio Listener’s Guide and send it to 81 Newgate St. London EC1 (opposite St. adventures of Robert Paul’s tube station). 10.30am-4.15pm. Baden Powell and many Radio Listener’s Guide. Tickets £10, including a light lunch. more… PO Box 888, Speakers include:Philip Graf, For a full list of titles visit Plymouth, PL8 1YJ Ofcom; Tony Ageh, Controller of Archive www.crimsoncats.co.uk Development, BBC; Adam Gee, Director of or ring 01379 854888 for New Media, Channel 4; Carmel Giblin, Head a brochure. of Corporate Responsibility & Accessibility, BSkyB; Tim Blackshall, Broadcaster & Presenter, Border TV; Lindsey Etchell, Ricability; Rachel Thomson, NIACE; Emma Solomon, Digital Unite; Mike Cushman, LSE; James Thickett, Director of Market Research, Ofcom; Nick Lansman, DG of the Internet Service Providers Association; Peter Barron, WINTER COMPETITION Head of PR for Google UK; Emma Wilson, Head of Public Affairs, Vodafone UK.

WIN A COPY OF SIMON SCHAMA’S SUPERB THE AMERICAN FUTURE Tuesday, 21April Published by Bodley Head £20 hardback Visit to BBC Editorial Complaints Unit, London W12. 2-3.30pm Simon Schama’s books and programmes need no detailed introduction: VLV members are aware of his masterful prose and insights and his ability to inform, Thursday, 30 April educate and entertain all at the same time make him an exemplar of public service The end of broadcasting as we know it? VLV Spring Conference at the broadcasting. In 2002 he received a VLV award for an Individual Contribution to Geological Society, Burlington Television. We are delighted to offer The American Future as our prize for this House, Piccadilly, 10.30am-4.30pm competition. (see p.1 for speakers) As President Obama commences his term of office, take the opportunity to gain a richer insight into where the United States has been and is going. For tickets/enquiries please Q: In which year did Simon Schama receive a VLV award? contact Linda Forbes tel: Replies on a postcard to Winter Competition , VLV, PO Box 401, Gravesend 01474 352835 or email: DA12 0FY or by e-mail to [email protected] by 12 February 2008. Winner of [email protected] or VLV’s autumn competition for a copy of Rick Stein’s Seafood was Paul Mayhew, visit www.vlv.org.uk London, WC1.