Jon Snow, presenter of Channel 4 News, will award the prizes at the VLV Autumn Conference in London on 30th November 2011.
Background
The new Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government has made a number of far-reaching decisions affecting the media generally, and broadcasting specifically, since it came into office in May 2010. These include the freezing of the BBC Licence Fee, changes in the funding and status of the BBC World Service and S4C the Welsh language TV service, and, along with many other public bodies, cuts to the telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, Ofcom. Controversies about telephone hacking of public figures’ messages by journalists have raised new concerns about communications technology, privacy, individuals’ rights and journalistic ethics. Considerable concern has also been raised at the possible threat to media pluralism by the proposed 100% takeover of BSkyB by News International, making it the most dominant commercial force in UK media. A new Communications Bill is planned by the Government in 2012 and a Green Paper is shortly to be published. VLV invites entries for its 2011 Student Essay Competition from students studying for a UK registered undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or similar professional qualification. Your essay could include any or all of the following themes:
Safeguards to protect media pluralism; promoting journalistic integrity; opportunities for citizens and consumers to make their views known; the role of Ofcom and media regulation. Should anything else be safeguarded in your opinion?
Entries should be submitted as a written essay of a maximum of 2,000 words. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, 1st June, 2011
VLV membership is open to all students and costs just £15 annually. VLV membership offers many benefits to students including the chance to attend VLV events at special rates where they can hear, meet and interview leading speakers from the industry at first hand.
Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) is an independent, non-profit-making association, free from political, commercial and sectarian affiliations, working for quality and diversity in British broadcasting. VLV represents the interests of listeners, viewers and new media users as citizens and consumers across the full range of broadcasting issues. VLV is concerned with the structures, regulation, funding and institutions that underpin the British broadcasting system. VLV does not handle complaints. The Voice of the Listener Trust (registered charity 296207) supports many of the educational activities of VLV that fall within the scope of its own objects.
Full details and entry form, which must be completed, are available at www.vlv.org.uk <http://www.vlv.org.uk/> or in writing, enclosing an SAE from: Linda Forbes, Conference Administrator, VLV, PO Box 401, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 9FY.
If you do not want to receive further e-mail information from VLV about forthcoming events linked to the future of public service broadcasting in the UK, Europe and worldwide, please return this e-mail, entering UNSUBSCRIBE into the subject box.
Linda Forbes
Conference Administrator
Voice of the Listener & Viewer
PO Box 401, Gravesend, Kent DA12 9FY
Tel: 01474 338711 or 01474 338716
Email: [log in to unmask]
Website: www.vlv.org.uk <http://www.vlv.org.uk>
Forthcoming VLV events:
An Evening with the Controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra. Gwyneth Williams will speak with Gillian Reynolds, Radio Critic, The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, 18th May 2011 6.30pm - 8pm at The Royal College of Pathologists, 2 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1.
For tickets/enquiries please contact Linda Forbes, Conference Administrator,
tel: 01474 338711 email: [log in to unmask] or visit www.vlv.org.uk <http://www.vlv.org.uk>
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