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---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: [CPBF Charternet] Campaign Update From: "CPBF CharterNET" <[log in to unmask]> Date: Tue, March 14, 2006 5:58 pm To: [log in to unmask] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- CPBF response to the BBC Charter renewal White Paper, released today (and don't forget our conference on 1 April.... details on the CPBF web site) White Paper weakens BBC The CPBF welcomes the commitment to continue funding the BBC through the licence fee but is concerned about the increased role of Ofcom in the BBC’s governance and operations.“The White Paper makes significant concessions as a result of intense lobbying by commercial media groups which will weaken the BBC’s independence,” Granville Williams said. “The White Paper increases the power of commercial and new media groups to challenge initiatives by the BBC and undermine its ability to develop innovative projects.” It does this by proposing a significant extension of the role of Ofcom in the BBC’s operations. The CPBF believes that Ofcom represents the interests of commercial broadcasters and new media, not the licence holders. Giving Ofcom a role in market impact assessments for new ventures, and even pilots, will inevitably allow the commercial media groups greater scope to continue to lobby against new ventures by the BBC. The composition of the BBC Trust will also not represent licence holders either. It will monitor and vet new plans by the BBC for programming and services in terms of ‘public value tests’ – an exercise designed to ensure they do not have an impact on commercial rivals. There has been an intense lobbying by industry groups such as the internet association group (BIPA), commercial radio (CRCA) and other media groups which argue that the BBC is too big, and the licence fee an unfair subsidy which distorts the market and stifles their business. Their arguments and ideas have clearly influenced the final shape of the White Paper. The CPBF is also concerned about the use of the licence fee to assist C4 through digital switchover and to provide digital terrestrial capability. Clearly C4 has a public service remit which needs to be protected but this proposal represents a form of ‘top-slicing’. The CPBF is organising a conference on April 1 at which the full impact of the White Paper proposals will be discussed. Full details from www.cpbf.org.uk We urge people to attend the conference but also to contact their MPs to express their concern about the power which Ofcom will have over the BBC’s operations and independence. Contact details: Granville Williams 01977 646580 [log in to unmask] -- T.P.O'Malley BA, PhD, Professor of Media Studies Department of Theatre Film and Television Studies, Univeristy of Wales Abertystwyth, Parry Williams Building, Penglais Campus, Aberytwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AJ Wales, UK 01970 622 833