§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost was of producing the report entitled "Viewing the World". [133869]
§ Mr. Foulkes"Viewing the World" was carried out as part of the Government's commitment to raising awareness and understanding of development issues in the UK. We know that TV is the biggest source of information and beliefs about developing countries, and that levels of coverage have steadily fallen over recent years. Against this background, we set out to go beyond an approach based simply on measuring hours of coverage, and instead to work with the broadcasting industry to analyse the impact of different kinds of programming on viewers' attitudes, as well as the current influences within the industry. The work was carried out with close involvement from senior broadcasters, and has not only provoked debate within the industry but led to a range of follow-up activities. The cost of the research work plus printing and publication of the report was £202,000.