italian-studies: Scholarly discussions in any field of Italian studies
From Mike Kelly,
Professor of French
Director, LTSN Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area
Studies,
I have just learned that the BBC has decided to terminate the production
of language programmes for adult learners on television. I understand
this is a fundamental shift of policy on the part of the Controller of
BBC Learning and Interactive and is not seen as a short-term measure.
It appears that the BBC will continue to repeat existing series on BBC
Learning Zone. The languages website will continue, but will not be
enriched by new material generated by the TV series.
It is surprising and shocking that this flagship programme area is to be
discontinued. It will gravely reduce the BBC's ability to promote
language learning, at a time when the government is developing its
National Languages Strategy. The BBC's language programmes have been an
important contribution to public education over forty years and it is
regrettable that production should now be abandoned.
In the circumstances, I think it would be appropriate to give this
information wide circulation. Colleagues may also wish to express their
disappointment to the BBC directly, by contacting John Willis, Director
of Factual and Learning, and perhaps the Acting Director General and
Acting Chair of Governors.
-------------------------------------
Michael Kelly,
Professor of French,
Director, LTSN Subject Centre for
Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, Modern Languages, University of
Southampton,
SO17 1BJ
Tel: +44 23 8059 2191
Fax: +44 23 8059 4815
www.lang.ltsn.ac.uk
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