ITC Asks Cable To Make The Most Of Digital

Chairman of the Independent Television Commission (ITC), Sir Robin Biggam, told the European Cable Convention yesterday that cable companies must use digital television as an opportunity to develop their industry. Biggam stressed that new platforms are not only about new technology but also about programmes and that people will not buy technology for the sake of it but will have to be persuaded to ‘climb aboard the digital bus’. He challenged cable companies to develop more local channels and to encourage new programme genres.

On programme bundling (subscribers see Cable Firms Want Greater Channel Flexibility), Sir Robin asked that programme regulators keep a wary eye open to ensure fair competition for programme rights and distribution. He noted that the ITC is not only a programme content regulator but deals with economic regulation as well; the best regulatory body should have responsibility for both as they intrinsically linked, he concluded.

Independent Television Commission: 0171 306 7743/4