Broadcasters Criticise Uncertainty Over Digital TV Plans

At the biennial Royal Television Society convention, the government’s plans for digital TV have come in for criticism from several quarters, including John Birt, director general of the BBC.

Mr. Birt said the system could bring marvellous creative opportunities for all broadcasters, but these were being overshadowed by uncertainties, which the government could dispel by announcing a date by which programming should be switched from analogue to digital. Estimates put the changeover time between ten and fifteen years, because viewers will need new receivers.

David Glencross, chief executive of the ITC, said that the present plans were “too complicated”, and many other broadcasters voiced the opinion that cable and satellite would offer more channels than digital, and is therefore a better investment opportunity.