ITV Publishes First Statement Of Programme Policy

ITV has published its first statement of programming policy in which it promises to invest £750m on programming during 2001, excluding regional services. The network’s commitment is part of a new initiative by the ITC in which broadcasters are obliged to produce annual public service targets in preparation for the adoption of self-regulatory measures proposed as part of the Government’s White Paper (see Broadcasters Publish Details Of Public Service Commitment).

Defining its public service role as “a high quality, mass audience channel whose aim is to attract the largest number of viewers to its mixed programme schedule”, ITV said its service will include a number of “landmark” programmes in the coming year. These include The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby, Time of our Lives, a social history of Britain in the 20th Century, a documentary about Bloody Sunday and a dramatisation of the life of Henry VII.

It promised to increase its current level of original programming from 65% of total annual hours to 85% during peak time hours. On top of this at least half of its network commissions broadcast this year will come from outside London.

The News At Ten will be extended to 30 minutes during the General Election campaign and the network is committed to 1˝hrs of current affairs each week. Drama will remain a strong element of the schedule, with a total £250m spent on the genre.

ITV’s director of programmes David Liddiment, said: “I welcome the opportunity to take greater responsibility for ensuring that ITV continues to deliver a distinctive service of range and diversity. As niche and pay-tv channels proliferate I believe that ITV’s public service role as a mass audience, free-to-air channel will become more not less important.”

ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk