Dyke “Disappointed” As BBC3 Refused

BBC director general Greg Dyke has met the Government’s refusal to let the BBC go ahead with plans for BBC3 with “surprise” and “disappointment”.

Responding to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell’s decision not to let the broadcaster replace BBC Choice with BBC3 (see

He added: “We believe our proposals do meet the BBC’s core public service criteria of distinctiveness and quality,” and emphasised that the BBC is working “with urgency” to put forward fresh proposals for the channel.

The BBC chief welcomed the government’s decision to approve three new television channels, including BBC4 and five new digital radio services, saying: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has approved eight of the nine services we proposed. It is good news for listeners and viewers and we will now go ahead to implement our plans.”

The decision has also received the backing of commercial TV and radio broadcasters, with both ITV and GWR welcoming the ruling as a positive step for digital broadcasting.

ITV said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State has ensured that these new services will be governed by clear remits which will aid the accountability and ensure that promised distinctiveness is delivered. We will now look to the BBC to join with ITV and other major broadcasters to promote digital television.”

Ralph Bernard, executive chairman of GWR, which owns a controlling interest in Digital One, the UK’s only national commercial digital multiplex, added: “This is an important day in the development of radio. I am delighted that the BBC has been given instructions to put as much muscle behind the development of digital radio as the commercial sector. We look forward to some healthy competition in the marketplace to the benefit of all consumers.”

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk Department of Culture, Media & Sport: 020 7211 6272 www.culture.gov.uk

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