ITC PUBLISH STUDY ON THE FUTURE OF BROADCASTING

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) have published a major new study on the future of broadcasting and communications.
In Culture and Communications, 21 distinguished authors analyse market change, offer policy proposals for creative and economic success and present their visions for what new media can offer culture and society. Among the authors are: independent producer Peter Bazalgette; former England footballer and Chairman of Sport England Trevor Brooking; director Sir Richard Eyre; Oscar-winning film producer Lord Puttnam; regulatory expert Dr Irwin Stelzer; and the Chief Rabbi, Professor Jonathan Sacks.
The essays focus on three priorities for Government as they prepare legislation for media and communications over the next 10 years: How can Britain maximise growth and competitiveness in global communications whilst offering services of real quality and social value?; What can citizens expect of broadcasting and new media in the„h Information Society? and What role will the electronic media play in„h supporting a cohesive culture and democracy in the UK?
Part One explores how the right framework can deliver a range and quality of broadcast and interactive services as well as driving economic growth. The emphasis, from eight authors, who disagree about many other things, is competition for quality content.
In Part Two, contributors urge more ambition for what broadcasting and new media have to offer.
Their conclusion is not to give up, but to focus on the public interest as well as the market. Broadcasting is pretty good in this country, but the pressures and problems are unmistakable. Several contributors argue for realistically demanding remits for leading broadcasters, with fresh offerings from new players ¡V public and private, nationally and community-based ¡V in new 'public spaces' made possible by new technology. There is a call for a new approach and settlement for public service within broadcasting. (CD)