Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV) represents the citizen and consumer interest
in broadcasting and works for quality and diversity in British broadcasting.

Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) will bring together a distinguished panel of speakers to discuss the future of the Proms and how the excellence of BBC music can be maintained in the ever-more competitive, commercial media environment of the future.  The Panel will include:    

Sir Charles Mackerras CH, CBE, the renowned conductor,  
Nicholas Kenyon CBE, Director of the Proms,  
Peter Maniura, BBC Head of Television Classical Music and Performance, with
Christopher Cook, the Radio 3 and Radio 4 broadcaster, in the chair. 

Now in their 108th Season, the Proms have grown to be the most successful popular music festival in the world and an essential part of the London summer season.  The BBC supports the Proms, every one of which is broadcast on Radio 3.  The BBC also supports five orchestras and it commissions more live and original music than any other broadcaster.   

Many of us take the BBC’s cultural patronage for granted, together with the way it enriches British musical life.  But the BBC’s ability to fund the Proms, its orchestras and live music broadcasts, even BBC Radio in its present form, depends on its funding via the licence fee.  Could any of them survive without it?  The BBC’s Royal Charter expires in 2006 and debate about its future role and funding has already begun.   Many powerful commercial interests would like to see the BBC’s role and power diminished.  What effect would that have on the quality of British cultural life?   

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear and question the views of these distinguished panellists at this exclusive event.  More than 70 seats have already been booked.  The remainder will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  
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The British Academy will also be the venue for Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd ‘s annual general meeting on Monday, 7 July 2003 at 4pm. 

For further information, contact: Linda Forbes or Jocelyn Hay. 
Tel: (00)1474-352835; Fax:  (00)1474-351112.

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