BBC Launches Public Consultation Of Digital Plans

The BBC is today launching a consultation to discover public opinion of its digital plans. People will be able to make their views on the subject known through questionnaires or on the internet between now and 17 November.

Greg Dyke, director-general of the BBC, unveiled future plans for the Corporation at the Edinburgh Television Festival in August (see Greg Dyke Lays Out Future Of The BBC). The creation of two new digital channels covering the youth, arts and children’s sectors were at the heart of his proposals and last week additional digital radio services were also announced (see BBC Radio Plans Introduction Of Three New Digital Stations).

Final approval of these plans will come from BBC governors and culture secretary Chris Smith but BBC chairman Sir Christopher Bland said a public consultation was necessary before the launch of any new public service.

“These new services are designed to respond to the changes in the broadcasting environment, balance the BBC’s analogue and digital responsibilities and will ensure that an even wider range of top quality distinctive programmes will be available to television and radio audiences throughout the UK,” he said.

The BBC has come under increasing criticism for its digital and online strategy, which commercial rivals feel creates an unequal playing field and uses licence fee money for non-universal services (see BBC Makes Promises, ITN Makes Threats). An independent study on how the BBC spends its money, published by Chris Smith today, has concluded that the public should have greater access to information on BBC accounts.

The consultation document can be obtained by phoning 0800 011 011.

BBC: 020 8743 8000