BBC in the news, Thursday
| 10:02 UK time, Thursday, 15 March 2007
The Guardian: Reports that the BBC Trust has decided to suspend the online learning service, BBC Jam. (link)
Daily Telegraph: “Executives from ITV, the BBC, Channel 4 and Five met DTI Minister Margaret Hodge in an eleventh-hour plea for guaranteed spectrum to supply free high-definition (HD) television.” (link)
The Times: Comments on Richard Hooper, former deputy chairman of Ofcom, being on the shortlist for the job of BBC chairman. (link)
The Independent: Reports that Blue Peter has apologised for fixing a phone-in competition. (link)
Comments
Freeview provides valuable access to a variety of channels including the traditional broadcast airborne services. This basic gamut of channels provides an informative mix that gives a reasonably balanced view, by cross-reference, maybe.
If the new generation of High Definition screen technology is going to threaten the 'independence' of viewing options, then it's a big step backwards in Public Service Broadcasting - and another major step in the direction of significant offshore control of television media - and news and current affairs treatments in particular.
Bandwidth MUST be found to support this more broadly-based, hugely influential, news medium. People will use HD - the aspiration is confirmed by the sales of 'HD-Ready' displays. The consumer will therefore play into the hands of the cable and satellite moguls, who will fashion the HD 'experience' to maximise their own mid- to long-term profits! The healthy mix should be based on other criteria!
'Make HD Freeview work', I say.