Extract from the campaign material used to draw attention to the threat to the BBC and its funding
18 November 2009
BECTU has welcomed the government's decision not to proceed with plans to top-slice the BBC's licence fee but has warned of the need for continued vigilance.
The announcement by the DCMS on Monday this week defers until 2012 any decision on the long-term use of monies collected by the BBC to fund commercial news in the regions.
"The news is welcome as it demonstrates that the government has been listening to the many and detailed representations from individuals and organisations, including BECTU, dedicated both to the BBC and to the survival of properly funded commercial news in the nations and regions," said Gerry Morrissey, BECTU general secretary.
The union, many of whose members work in broadcasting, has welcomed the announcement that the underspend from monies collected by the BBC to assist vulnerable groups with digital switchover, is to be used to support commercial regional news pilots in Scotland, Wales and in England. The pilots are to be delivered by Independently Financed News Consortia (IFNC).
"The support for commercial news in the regions is a much needed short term boost," added Gerry Morrissey.
However the union has joined it colleagues in the NUJ in insisting that much more detail is needed about the planned pilots before the IFNC model can be regarded either as a saviour of regional news or of the expertise built up over years.
“It is clear from the government’s statement that it still favours the use of funds collected by the BBC to support commercial PSB output. There are other and better ways to support regional news without compromising the licence fee. It is essential that we, and others, continue to campaign for those other and better ways.”
The government's announcement on its proposal for top-slicing and the funding of commercial news in the nations and regions came in reply to its consultation, Sustainable Independent and Impartial News in the Nations, Locally and in the Regions, prompted by the Digital Britain report published in June 2009. The government's response is available to download from this page.
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