ITC ANNOUNCE MAJOR REFORM

THE ITC have announced a fundamental reform to equip the organisation to position themselves for the creation of a single communications regulator, resulting in the loss of 22 jobs and the possibility of further redundancies.
Sir Robin Biggam, ITC Chairman, said: “We need to adapt for the digital age. This means simplifying, streamlining and containing the cost of regulation, being more accountable and gaining a much better understanding of new media and the changing marketplace.”
The cuts will lead to the loss of 22 posts out of a total ITC staff of around 200.
Patricia Hodgson, ITC Chief Executive, said: “Regulation must reflect the public mood and evolve with the changing marketplace. The communications economy is changing dramatically and regulation is, quite rightly, under intense scrutiny. These changes are designed to help us deliver our new priorities, become more efficient and effective and fulfil our promise of Putting Viewers First.”
The ITC’s business will focus on public service content obligations, industry development and consumer protection with a major concentration of resource on accountability and consumer representation initiatives.
The ITC intend to put a stronger emphasis on operations in the nations and regions with the set up of a new Viewer Relations. A series of community initiatives will be organised by the national and regional offices, along with a range of interactive events with special interest groups. In addition, a more proactive lobbying programme is to be introduced.
As part of the reform the ITC will introduce a reduction in engineering research and development and a five per cent cut in discretionary spending.
Further cost savings will be gained from the closure of the ITC’s Kings Worthy Court base in Winchester and other regional offices. ITC regional officials will then work from home and the regulator is planning to put more resources into regional community initiatives with interest groups.
Content regulation will be streamlined with more simple requirements for the licensees and a greater emphasis on UK production and investment in the nations and regions in news, current affairs and a diverse schedule.
A new economic strategy function will be established with the aim of enabling the organisation to minimise the cost of regulation.
There will also be a new policy unit, following the publication of the White Paper and the development of new Communications legislation.
Implementation of the proposals will take place between now and June of next year.
(CMcL)