IPA Response To BBC White Paper

The IPA has issued a response to the Government’s White Paper on the BBC. The proposal to review the BBC licence fee before 2001 has been welcomed; the IPA had originally responded to the Green Paper by saying that there was a need for a co-ordinated review of the whole of broadcasting at the end of this decade; this would enable consideration of the C3 and C4 licences, (which expire December 2002) at the same time.

The IPA also welcomes the White Paper’s proposal to leave open the option of permitting the BBC to take advertising, subject to the approval of government. The Government’s endorsement of BBC Programme Policies is approved by the IPA, who specify that the BBC should concentrate on programming which genuinely extends programme choice, and does not simply duplicate programme types available on commercial television.

The emphasis placed on public accountability for programme output is approved of by the IPA, with the Government being urged to ensure that the process of regular review of BBC programming takes account of viewers’ actual preferences as measured by quantitative and qualitative audience research, as well as analysis of the broadcasting hours.

The IPA does however regret that the proposals do not permit the BBC to explore the possibilities of sponsorship.

The IPA is seeking a meeting with the Department of National Heritage to further discuss matters.

IPA: 071 235 7020