Press Release - October 2004

Immediate

Public Service Broadcasting: Charting the Future

VLV’s 21st Annual Autumn Conference In London on 30 November 10.30-4.45pm. Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1. (Coffee 10.00)

At VLV’s 21st annual autumn conference on 30 November, broadcasters, politicians, academics, regulators and consumer representatives will debate the future of ITV, Channel 4 and the BBC in the multi-channel, digital future. Key speakers will include:

• Luke Johnson, Chairman, Channel 4

Channel 4's Luke Johnson
• Ed Richards, Senior Partner, Strategy & Market Developments, Ofcom
• Caroline Thomson, Director, BBC Charter Review Team, Policy & Legal
• Professor Patrick Barwise, London Business School and author of the DCMS review of the BBC’s Digital Television Services
• Steve Hewlett, Media Writer and Consultant to OFCOM and the DCMS
• Ray Snoddy, Media Commentator and Journalist

Morning Session. chairman: Ray Snoddy, Media Commentator and Journalist At 10.30am Ed Richards will give the opening address on Phase 2 of Ofcom’s Review of Public Service Television. At 11.45am Luke Johnson will give his vision for the future of Channel 4, as competition from satellite and cable channels increases and the switch-over to digital approaches.

Afternoon Session: chairman- to be confirmed Caroline Thomson, Patrick Barwise and Steve Hewlett will consider the future of the BBC prior to the publication of a Government Green paper early in the New Year setting out options for its future role and funding.

Commenting, VLV chairman Jocelyn Hay, said: ‘VLV’s 21st anniversary this month falls at possibly the most critical point in British broadcasting history. The new communications regulator, Ofcom, which is reviewing the future for public service broadcasting on the commercially funded terrestrial TV channels, predicts that declining audiences and revenue for ITV and Channel 4 will make it difficult for them to maintain their public service remits in the multi-channel, digital environment of the future. Meantime, the Government is aiming to switch the country to digital transmission by 2012 and also reviewing the future of the BBC, whose Royal Charter expires in 2006. In its 21st year, VLV continues to provide a unique forum for listeners and viewers, citizens and consumers to hear and question at first hand some of the key players and decision-makers involved.’

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