Press Release 18 February 2004 - Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV)

The Future of Public Service Broadcasting in Europe and the Commonwealth

Voice of the Listener & Viewer’s 10th International Conference

The Royal Society, London, England Friday, 11th February 2005

At a time of unprecedented economic, political and technological change, Voice of the Listener & Viewer is to hold a one-day conference to examine the prospects for public service broadcasting in Europe and the Commonwealth. The Conference, which will be held on Friday, 11th February 2005 at the Royal Society, London, will provide a timely opportunity to hear about the latest developments affecting public service broadcasting from leading broadcasters and policy makers from countries including the UK, Germany, Poland, New Zealand and Fiji.

Key sessions will include:

Is News and Current Affairs safe in the hands of public service broadcasters - can they still deliver on truth, accuracy and impartiality?
Public service broadcasting in a hostile environment – what is the impact of digital technologies, fragmenting audiences and possible changes to legislative and regulatory frameworks under the World Trade Organisation?
Can public service broadcasting be safeguarded in Europe – what are the key commercial, governance and funding issues facing European broadcasters?
What role can citizens play in ensuring good governance and the principles of public service in broadcasting?

Keynote speakers confirmed include: Jacques Briquemont, Head of Public Affairs, European Broadcasting Union; Ken Clark, CEO, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation; Ian Fraser, Chief Executive, New Zealand Television Corporation; Karol Jakubowicz, Vice-Chairman, Steering Committee on the Mass Media, Council of Europe and Expert, National Broadcasting Council of Poland; Richard Sambrook, Director, BBC World Service and Global News; Adam Singer, Content Board Member, UK Office of Communications & former Group CEO, Telewest, & CEO, Flextech, Verena Wiedemann, Head of European Affairs, ARD, Germany.

Jocelyn Hay, Chairman of VLV commented: "In the 21st Century public service broadcasting must adapt to a rapidly changing environment. VLV’s 10th International Conference will provide a tremendous opportunity to hear how leading European and Commonwealth public service broadcasters are facing the challenges of increased competition, the impact of new digital technologies and fragmenting audiences. The Conference will also consider proposed revisions to the European Television without Frontiers directive and what these could mean for European public service broadcasting."

"In the UK, Ofcom’s review of public service television and the debate about renewing the BBC’s Royal Charter are already pointing to possible future changes to public service broadcasting in the UK. This Conference will provide a forum where UK, European and Commonwealth broadcasters can discuss new ways of ensuring a strong and effective role for the future of public service broadcasting around the world. It will provide a tremendous opportunity for broadcasters, policy makers and all those concerned with the relationship between broadcasting and civil society to debate and consider these key issues at this critical time in the history of public service broadcasting."

Delegate Rates: £230 - Corporate; £115 – Charities and Voluntary Organisations; £85 – Academics Student rates -£ 30