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11/12/2003
Public urged to have their say on future of BBC
Following on from last month's hike in the television licence fee, the British public have been invited today to give their views on the accountability, commercial activities and future direction of the BBC.
The public consultation, which will give people the chance to put their views directly to Ministers at meetings across the UK, is the first stage in the review of the BBC's Royal Charter - a document that shapes the corporation, setting out its general aims and functions. The Charter is up for review by 1 January 2007.
Launching the consultation, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell stressed the importance of the BBC to both the world of broadcasting and the wider public - in particular she said it set a "gold standard" in its news coverage that people trusted.
And she said that the unique challenge of this Charter Review is that it is taking place at a time of rapid technological change – nearly 50% of homes now have access to digital TV.
Tessa Jowell said: "Rapid change means that we must consider how the BBC should be adapted for the future. The one certain outcome of the review will be a strong BBC, with the courage to be editorially autonomous and independent from government."
A consultation document – The Review of the BBC's Royal Charter – was published today to kick-start the first stage of the review.
It sets out a list of key questions to prompt discussion about the BBC's role, structure and function.
Members of the public and other stakeholders are being invited to send in their views on these issues, and any others, to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by e-mail or post.
To help stimulate debate, an information leaflet, entitled Your BBC, Your Say, will be available in public libraries and a dedicated website giving further information is being launched today.
From 1 April 2004, a TV licence will now cost £121 while a black and white licence will go up from £38.50 to £40.50.
(gmcg)
The public consultation, which will give people the chance to put their views directly to Ministers at meetings across the UK, is the first stage in the review of the BBC's Royal Charter - a document that shapes the corporation, setting out its general aims and functions. The Charter is up for review by 1 January 2007.
Launching the consultation, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell stressed the importance of the BBC to both the world of broadcasting and the wider public - in particular she said it set a "gold standard" in its news coverage that people trusted.
And she said that the unique challenge of this Charter Review is that it is taking place at a time of rapid technological change – nearly 50% of homes now have access to digital TV.
Tessa Jowell said: "Rapid change means that we must consider how the BBC should be adapted for the future. The one certain outcome of the review will be a strong BBC, with the courage to be editorially autonomous and independent from government."
A consultation document – The Review of the BBC's Royal Charter – was published today to kick-start the first stage of the review.
It sets out a list of key questions to prompt discussion about the BBC's role, structure and function.
Members of the public and other stakeholders are being invited to send in their views on these issues, and any others, to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by e-mail or post.
To help stimulate debate, an information leaflet, entitled Your BBC, Your Say, will be available in public libraries and a dedicated website giving further information is being launched today.
From 1 April 2004, a TV licence will now cost £121 while a black and white licence will go up from £38.50 to £40.50.
(gmcg)
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05 July 2004
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Government publishes BBC Online review
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has given the BBC just under four months to redefine the remit for its online services, following the publication today of the findings of a major independent review. Tessa Jowell said she found Philip Graf's review into BBC Online "authoritative and constructive".
20 July 2004
'High quality' BBC should be more independent, says public
The BBC is still held in high esteem by the British public and the corporation should be less accountable to government, according to a report published today by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.
'High quality' BBC should be more independent, says public
The BBC is still held in high esteem by the British public and the corporation should be less accountable to government, according to a report published today by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.
27 May 2011
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
Trust Launches Review Of BBC News Channel And BBC Parliament
The BBC Trust has launched its service review of BBC Parliament and BBC News Channel, as part of its rolling programme of service reviews. The review will look at the current performance of BBC Parliament and the News Channel - including the stations' quality, distinctiveness and value for money - and the BBC's future plans for the services.
02 March 2007
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
Union anger at health sector pay rises
Unions have reacted angrily to the government's announcement that pay for nurses and other healthcare professions has been pegged below inflation. Nurses and other health care professionals will get 2.5%, 1.5% in April and 1% in November. General dental practitioners will get 2% but there is nothing on offer for general medical practitioners.
09 February 2011
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
