VLV conference to explore the future of children's broadcasting

Dr Kim Howells, Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, will open The Voice of the Listener and Viewer’s (VLV) 8th Annual conference on children’s broadcasting, days before the new Communications Bill is presented to Parliament.
Scheduled for Wednesday November 6 at the Commonwealth Club in London, 'What future for Children's Television and Radio?' will discuss the implications of the new Bill for children’s programmes, and is to be held with the support of the BBFC.
The draft Communications Bill, published in May, removes the special protection currently given to the timing, range and quality of children’s programmes on ITV, and proposes the lifting of restrictions which currently prevent non-European Economic Area companies from buying ITV.
The conference intends to explore what difference would such changes make to the quality of children’s programmes in the UK.
Dr Howells will be joined in addressing the conference by Nigel Pickard, Controller of BBC Children’s Programmes, Janie Grace, Controller of ITV Children’s Programmes, Nick Wilson, Controller of Children’s & Youth Programmes, Channel 5 and John Richmond, Schools Commissioning editor, Channel 4 Learning.
Describing the aim of the conference, VLV chairman Jocelyn Hay, said: “Our children deserve the best that television and radio can offer them, yet more and more they are being treated simply as young consumers. American programmes and animation can be highly entertaining and fun, and if consumed in moderation do no more harm than burgers, crisps or fizzy drinks. However we must ensure that TV and radio services which target British children also give them access to Britain’s rich cultural heritage of language, literature, music and history, and to the general knowledge they gain from factual programmes which will help them to grow into active, informed citizens of this country.”
For tickets or more information contact Linda Forbes or Jocelyn Hay on +44 (0) 1474 0352835.
(GB)