Hodgson Says ITC Focusing On Content

The ITC’s current focus is content, in order that competition will not lead to “commodity television”, according to chief executive Patricia Hodgson.

Speaking at a Royal Television Society dinner in Newcastle last night, Hodgson said that the three priorities for regulation were firstly for it to be investment-friendly, second to use competition rather than regulation to deliver to customers and third to reach a new settlement for public service broadcasting.

She continued: “Broadcasting is pretty good in this country but its under strain. Many believe that competition will destroy the range and creativity our generation enjoyed. It will create commodity television, good of its kind, but failing to offer real mental nourishment. That is why the ITC’s agenda for autumn has been largely focused on issue of content – putting the programmes and services back centre stage.”

This agenda was continued in last night’s speech, when Hodgson took up the subject of public service broadcasting. The ITC is currently discussing a Charter for Nations and Regions with ITV which would simplify regulation while retaining investment commitment.

“Programming and production from nations and regions are an important part of the television landscape and the regional character of ITV is a critical distinguishing feature of the channel” she said, citing research carried out in Leeds which found that over 90 per cent of a cross section of viewers watched regional news.

She continued: “We need a debate about hours, investment targets and accessibility of the regional schedule, together with a sensible flexibility of resources in response to technological and market change.”

ITC: 020 7306 7743 www.itc.org.uk

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