Media watchdog Ofcom is proposing the introduction of a new television channel to broadcast public service programmes in the UK.
The new network could cost about £300m a year to run, it says.
Ofcom sets out its ideas in its second interim report on public service broadcasting, with a final review to be published at the end of the year.
It stresses the importance of a fully-funded public service-focused BBC, paid for through the licence fee.
Although I'm sure it has been discussed before - what is "public service television" ? I'm sure everyone has a completely different view - some may say populist programmes that please a wide range of people and others say it's about minority programming that doesn't have to chase ratings.
The trouble is...the BBC haven't got the balance right at the moment. It's all or nothing. It can go from incredibly minority based programming such as that on BBC4 and then to populist shows that ARE chasing ratings over on BBC1. A range yes...but not the right one.
The BBC have allowed commercial competition to both help and hinder them. At the same time they can say that "we're doing something different..." but also means that they have to try and keep up with competition. There should be an element of competition...but not one where the BBC grabs ideas (and personalities!) from other networks in order to make them seem better.
I realise a lot of what I've said is contradictory - but I think it sums up the whole issue nicely. No-one (including the BBC) seems to be able to get the mix right. And policy can change from one night to the next.
And the first person to mention "dumbing down..." gets a bat up their nightdress.
Something which will make ITV very happy I'm sure. I assume the plan is to make the new public service broadcaster to take on the commitments...surely the BBC wouldn't be left to do it on their own?
No doubt ITV had a bit of say in that idea, anyway! But then still it could work to their advantage...they have the best commercial regional setup - and if all regional programming WAS junked from ITV then it could be plopped onto this public service station - even if it was run by ITV. I'm sure they'd be happy to be able to play "semi-primetime" programming throughout the 6-7pm slot on ITV if the programming did go.
I'd be more interested in seeing Sky have to do it though! It does seem they're building up a bit of a domestic network at the moment - but nowhere near enough to be able to provide good regional coverage (Boscastle anyone...?) - but then there's a bit of time between now and 2012...
It is now, but in the past - and particularly in the early 90s, ITV produced some cracking regional programming. It did vary from region to region but generally the standard was pretty high.
Just see "Central Weekend" which was networked (under a new name and in a poor time slot...I add!) - a highly successful debate programme that often made the national headlines. It was a genuinely good regional programme no other programme came close to the feeling and energy you used to get from it. It really was a high brow Jerry Springer if you look back.
Quiz shows, documentaries, entertainment shows, review shows, debate programming were all an important part of the schedule which has been torn apart by ITV. There is still an incredible market for TV programming with a local feel. It's not just a case of having the satisfaction of hearing your town on the programme...but proper regional programmes often felt like "your" programme - something which national programmes can't always acheive.
Agree - what is public service TV - and do the general public want it?
I completly disagree with these proposals. The public want the licence fee to decrease, not increase - and it's a bit unfair saying if the BBC don't do what they should, launch a rival.
As for C4 - I personally think it's a much better channel in recent years and meets alot of it's public service requirements in original ways.
Terrestrial broadcasters should have an obligation to PSB, as the price they pay for being in a privileged position in relation to satellite broadcasters. If they don't want to make this unprofitable stuff, that's fine, but then they should be removed as terrestrial broadcasters and others brought in who are prepared to play the game properly.
Regional broadcasting is an inherent (but not the only) part of the public service broadcasting sector. If ITV don't want to bother with this, either they should come up with a compelling reason to stay on terrestrial, or be removed.
No problem with relinquishing ITVs commitment to regional programming, as long as they also relinquish their licence to broadcasting on terrestrial.
As I've said before, in the interests of quality programming ITV MUST be required to maintain public service commitments if it leaves terrestrial. Otherwise digital will be even more of a cesspit than it already is.
A shame Tony Blair's heckler didn't remind him of his party's opposition to the 1990 Broadcasting act when it went through Parliament...
The reason why regional programming is so bad these days is because ITV have been allowed to get away with a 'box ticking' approach to it, and have put as little cash as possible into it. ITV should have been forced to spend a set minimum amount of cash on PSB programming - then perhaps they'd realise that if you spend a bit of cash on it, regional programming can actually be watchable. But ITV will never take risks with their cash if they aren't forced to. They need a push.
It's the government's fault - they could have given ITV's £300m a year broadcast licence fees back to them on the proviso that it is put directly back into PSB programming. Then ITV would have nothing to lose by taking a few risks now and then. But then the government would rather just have the cash, of course...
Media Guardian reports that this £300m channel would only air programmes for 3 hours a day - even more of a waste of money.
Also - a question. As ITV have to show X hours of regional programming and Y hours of religious programming - does a regional religious programme count as both?
PS: Any chance of adding a poll at the top to see if forum members want this extra channel?