Fears Of Further Delays For BBC3

The launch of the new digital entertainment channel, BBC3, may be delayed until next year according to press reports.

BBC3, which is a revamped version of the existing BBC Choice channel,(see BBC Reveals Cost Of Digital Plans As Public Welcomes Proposals) aimed at the 16-34 year-old youth market, was initially denied approval last September amid fears it would stifle the commercial market(see Government Says No To BBC3). Since then the planned launch has been the subject of much scrutiny(see Channel 5 Opposes Plans For New BBC3). According to reports in the Times, the BBC had been hoping Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, would make an announcement at the Edinburgh Television Festival next week. However, it is understood that for the second year running Ms Jowell is unable to attend. It is also reported Ms Jowell will not be attending the International RTS conference in London, meaning that a decision on the future of BBC is unlikely to come before the end of the year.It was believed the revised proposals for BBC3 would gain Government approval after a favourable ITC report and a revised proposal with renewed emphasis on public service programming. However, any Government go ahead is expected to include strict conditions on content and programming.

BBC: 0208 743 8000www.bbc.co.uk DCMS: 020 7211 6200 www.culture.gov.uk

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