VIEWERS’ VOICE IS LOUD AND CLEAR

MOVES to give licence payers a better deal in the digital age became a reality with the first meeting of the Viewers’ Panel.
Culture Secretary, Chris Smith, said: “Digital Television has got off to a flying start. Already one in five homes can receive the new and improved services and the future is set to open up even more exciting opportunities to transform television. But it is vital that viewers are not left out in the rush to bring in the new technology. That is why I have set up the Viewers’ Panel. It will ensure that the concerns of licence payers are listened to by the industry and treated seriously.”
The panel have been asked to report back on the progress made towards meeting the analogue to digital switch-over conditions already set out by Smith.
The tests are wider access to digital television, a clear understanding of the benefits of digital TV and how these match viewers expectations, bringing down barriers to take-up and effective management of the switch-over.
The Panel will consider evidence from the industry and other sources and their report is expected next autumn.
(CD)