ITC URGE PSB TO ENTER NEW MEDIA “SPACES”

PUBLIC service broadcasting should be allowed to develop into new media “spaces”, Patricia Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Independent Television Commission (ITC), has urged.
The development of a true Information Society would require many initiatives and the investment made by public service broadcasters in content for new outlets could be key, she told delegates at the Eurovisioni International Film and Television Festival in Rome on October 22.
Hodgson said: “We should combine realistically demanding remits for public service broadcasters, with fresh offerings both from them and from new players in new 'public spaces' made possible by technology. This development would be vital for the cultural enrichment of all European countries.”
Patricia Hodgson welcomed guidelines approved in principle last week by the European Commission. The guidelines embodied five clear principles, requiring: A clear definition of the public service remit in each Member State; A legal act entrusting that remit to a broadcaster; An independent control authority to verify implementation of that remit; A proportionality test to ensure that the money granted is not excessive; and separate accounting for those public service broadcasters who also have commercial activities.
Hodgson said: “These make good sense. But there is still a long way to go in finalising and implementing these principles. There is uncertainty, for example, as to how to apply them to new services, particularly to new media developments.
“If we are committed to quality content, and to content the market won't necessarily provide, we need that commitment for all delivery systems. We should let niche public interest providers join the club – public and private, national and community – players offering a new dimension of public service. European guidelines for public service must make this possible.” (CD)