Menu
18/06/2009
Digital Britain Revealed
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to rush a Bill through parliament to take some of the BBC's licence fee revenue away.
The move comes on foot of this week's highly-anticipated Digital Britain report.
His Cabinet Media Secretary Ben Bradshaw has already told MPs that the government would publish a consultation document on the proposal to take some of the licence fee from the BBC to fund ITV regional news.
The move is anticipated within the next two weeks, timed to become law quickly.
Such haste would allow the government to introduce a bill in the Queen's Speech in the autumn and for it to become law before May 2010.
Expanding on the licence fee development, Mr Bradshaw told MPs: "A strong confident and independent BBC is more important than ever.
"This government supports multi-annual licence fee settlements for the BBC so it can plan ahead and act independently of day to day political pressures.
"But we also believe it is in the BBC's own interests to evolve into more of a public service partner with other media organisations," he said.
The controversial proposal was one of several just unveiled and also included key proposals for broadband and a potential tie-up between BBC Worldwide and Channel 4.
The report wants to achieve universal access to 2Mbps broadband by 2012 across the UK and a fund for investment in the next generation of superfast broadband to ensure it is available UK-wide.
It also proposed a digital radio upgrade by 2015 and accelerated current and next generation mobile coverage and services.
Crucially too, there is a new role for the regulator Ofcom being proposed to carry out a full assessment of the UK's communications infrastructure every two years.
Also on digital, a 'new direction' for Channel 4 is being sought championing new talent across all digital media.
Support for independently funded news consortia to take over regional news on ITV is also on the agenda.
On digital participation there is to be a three-year national plan to improve digital participation including a programme of digital switchover in public services, a new 'Digital Inclusion Champion' and with the revised digital remit for Channel 4 the suggestion of a key role for BBC in digital development.
(BMcC/JM)
The move comes on foot of this week's highly-anticipated Digital Britain report.
His Cabinet Media Secretary Ben Bradshaw has already told MPs that the government would publish a consultation document on the proposal to take some of the licence fee from the BBC to fund ITV regional news.
The move is anticipated within the next two weeks, timed to become law quickly.
Such haste would allow the government to introduce a bill in the Queen's Speech in the autumn and for it to become law before May 2010.
Expanding on the licence fee development, Mr Bradshaw told MPs: "A strong confident and independent BBC is more important than ever.
"This government supports multi-annual licence fee settlements for the BBC so it can plan ahead and act independently of day to day political pressures.
"But we also believe it is in the BBC's own interests to evolve into more of a public service partner with other media organisations," he said.
The controversial proposal was one of several just unveiled and also included key proposals for broadband and a potential tie-up between BBC Worldwide and Channel 4.
The report wants to achieve universal access to 2Mbps broadband by 2012 across the UK and a fund for investment in the next generation of superfast broadband to ensure it is available UK-wide.
It also proposed a digital radio upgrade by 2015 and accelerated current and next generation mobile coverage and services.
Crucially too, there is a new role for the regulator Ofcom being proposed to carry out a full assessment of the UK's communications infrastructure every two years.
Also on digital, a 'new direction' for Channel 4 is being sought championing new talent across all digital media.
Support for independently funded news consortia to take over regional news on ITV is also on the agenda.
On digital participation there is to be a three-year national plan to improve digital participation including a programme of digital switchover in public services, a new 'Digital Inclusion Champion' and with the revised digital remit for Channel 4 the suggestion of a key role for BBC in digital development.
(BMcC/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 January 2008
BBC Trust Approve Gaelic Digital Service
The BBC Trust’s decision to approve proposals for a Gaelic Digital Service has been welcomed by Gaelic Media Service (GMS) and BBC Scotland. GMS and BBC Scotland will now begin the process of implementing their joint plans for the launch of the new service.
BBC Trust Approve Gaelic Digital Service
The BBC Trust’s decision to approve proposals for a Gaelic Digital Service has been welcomed by Gaelic Media Service (GMS) and BBC Scotland. GMS and BBC Scotland will now begin the process of implementing their joint plans for the launch of the new service.
27 April 2004
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
BBC publishes first report on digital TV switchover
The BBC has published its first report on the proposed switchover to digital television.
18 January 2007
Hike On BBC Licence Fee Is 6% Over Two Years
The television licence fee will rise by 3% in each of the next two years, reaching £151 by 2012, it has been announced by the BBC. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell will outline the licence fee terms in full in the House of Commons. The BBC had pressed the Government for an above-inflation increase on the current £131.
Hike On BBC Licence Fee Is 6% Over Two Years
The television licence fee will rise by 3% in each of the next two years, reaching £151 by 2012, it has been announced by the BBC. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell will outline the licence fee terms in full in the House of Commons. The BBC had pressed the Government for an above-inflation increase on the current £131.
12 October 2005
Outrage at BBC licence fee 'stealth tax'
Politicians and consumer groups have expressed outrage over the BBC’s proposals to increase the licence fee over the rate of inflation from 2007. Commenting on the proposals Tory Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Theresa May said: "Yet again another Labour stealth tax will hit the poorest in Britain.
Outrage at BBC licence fee 'stealth tax'
Politicians and consumer groups have expressed outrage over the BBC’s proposals to increase the licence fee over the rate of inflation from 2007. Commenting on the proposals Tory Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Theresa May said: "Yet again another Labour stealth tax will hit the poorest in Britain.
11 October 2005
BBC seeks licence fee increase
The BBC is seeking an increased licence fee settlement to "ensure that it continues to deliver value to licence payers" as the Corporation moves towards a fully digital service. The BBC proposes a licence fee increase from April 2007 that is calculated on inflation plus 2.3% a year. Based on today's prices, this means £150.
BBC seeks licence fee increase
The BBC is seeking an increased licence fee settlement to "ensure that it continues to deliver value to licence payers" as the Corporation moves towards a fully digital service. The BBC proposes a licence fee increase from April 2007 that is calculated on inflation plus 2.3% a year. Based on today's prices, this means £150.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with some sunshine to end the day, then staying dry overnight with clear periods. It will be a milder night with light southeast winds. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
