Regional Programming Must Be Preserved, Says ITC Chairman

Regional programming will play a strong role in the digital future, according to the chairman of the Independent Television Commission (ITC), Sir Robin Biggam. Speaking in Birmingham yesterday, he said that regionalism and the importance of regional programming has been strongly endorsed by viewers and must be acknowledged by broadcasters.

Increased competition from pay-tv broadcasters in particular has lessened the commercial value of regional programmes but this should not lead to marginalisation. “We have to recognise that regional programming…is less financially attractive to ITV than networked programmes, and provision of regional programmes is a trade-off in financial terms for the privilege of universal access,” he said.

He said that standards should not be allowed to fall in the face of extra pressures. “Respondents felt the high quality of regional news and current affairs programmes should be maintained. Very importantly, and topically, the consolidation of ownership in ITV should not be allowed to dilute regional commitments,” he said.

ITC licensees should be managed locally and operate autonomously regardless as to where the head office is based and local resources should be safeguarded. He said that this job was not a regulatory issue but the responsibility of each broadcaster.

He went on to stress the importance of having a wide range of programmes by both the BBC and commercial broadcasters and criticised the BBC’s decision to move its news to 10pm. “The recent decision by the Governors demonstrates the fault lines of the existing system of regulation and this will need to be addressed by Government in the forthcoming broadcasting legislation,” he said.

ITC: 020 7255 3000

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