[opendtv] Channel 4 welcomes £14m switchover aid

Instead in the US, not only are broadcasters NOT paid to make the switch, but politicians are asking broadcasters to pay THEM for the privilege of airing their political ads. Almost like advertizing a new reality show series. 

Bert

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http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?id=2513

Channel 4 welcomes £14m switchover aid
Channel 4 has welcomed culture secretary Tessa Jowell's confirmation that the broadcaster will receive financial assistance with the costs of digital switchover, and that the Government is bringing forward a review of public service broadcasting which will consider Channel 4's future funding. In a speech to the Royal Television Society, Jowell said she would activate proposed measures for the BBC to meet Channel 4's capital costs associated with building out the digital terrestrial transmitter network. The £14m assistance will come via the licence fee settlement.
Channel 4 CEO Andy Duncan said: "We're delighted the Secretary of State has agreed this measure to meet Channel 4's capital costs of switchover. This is important transitional help that will underpin our public service contribution while we work with Ofcom and the Government to identify the most appropriate forms of medium- to long-term intervention. We believe the decision to bring forward the Government's review of PSB funding demonstrates the priority being given to securing Channel 4's public service future.
"Our board is committed to articulating a bold new public service vision for Channel 4 and we welcome such a strong endorsement from the Secretary of State of our public purposes including the vital role we play in maintaining plurality of PSB provision and our significant contribution to the health and breadth of Britain's creative industries."
Ofcom will conduct its next review of public service broadcasting in the autumn, and consider options for possible Channel 4 funding as part of that review. The Government's own review will take place as soon as Ofcom's conclusions are known. Jowell told the RTS: "These two reviews will provide the right context for considering the medium-to- long-term solutions for Channel 4."
Commenting on Jowell's announcement a BBC Trust spokesman said: "We note the Secretary of State's decision to implement her White Paper proposal to allocate a maximum of £14m to Channel 4 to cover its one-off digital switchover costs subject to State Aid approval, which we have acknowledged previously to be in line with the BBC's responsibilities to take a leading role in delivering digital switchover." 

Lovelace Consulting 22.06.2007

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