§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures she is introducing to secure the future of(a) independent television broadcasters and (b) local programmes in Northern Ireland. [79429]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are seeking to introduce a Communications Bill in the next Session that would include provisions intended to retain and strengthen the regional dimension to public service broadcasting. Under the new three tier structure for the regulation of broadcasting, OFCOM would have to558W agree targets with the public service broadcasters for regional (and where appropriate local) programming and/or regional productions. The Channel 3 service would continue to be licensed on a regional basis.
§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role ITV will be required to play in sustaining local programming under the new ITV Charter for the Nations and Regions. [79430]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Charter for Broadcasting in the Nations and Regions is an agreement between the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and the ITV Companies. The Charter sets out levels of quality and investment for a diverse range of programmes designed to reflect life within the nations and regions. Through the Charter the ITV Companies aim to secure the quality and accessibility of national and regional programmes into the future.