ITC WELCOME STATEMENTS MADE BY BROADCASTERS

THE ITC have welcomed the publication of the first statements of programme policy by ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The statements set out how broadcasters will carry out their public service commitments to viewers over the coming year. They are being introduced as part of the ITC's drive to modernise the regulation of commercial television.
The statements mark a key step in developing greater self-regulation in commercial television, with broadcasters required to make a public commitment to their viewers about the range and diversity of programming that they propose to provide. The broadcasters draw up and publish their statements and will publish reviews of how they performed against these at the end of the year. The ITC will assess their performance throughout the year against the promises made. Its assessments will be published as part of the Commission's overview of the television industry in its Annual Report and Accounts.
This initiative anticipates the move towards self-regulation for the delivery of quality and diversity in programme services outlined in the Government's White Paper on Regulating Communications. The White Paper proposed that quantifiable targets such as original and regional programme-making should be set by the regulator, with the broadcasters asked to make annual commitments on precisely how they will fulfil their remits, which will be set out in broadcasting legislation.
The statements allow creative flexibility in delivering public service broadcasting obligations under current licences, ensuring that the broadcasters are more directly accountable to their viewers and that core public service obligations are maintained. If the system is adopted under forthcoming legislation, the proposed regulator OFCOM would monitor the statements and the licensees' performance, reporting regularly on whether the commitments had been fulfilled and with 'backstop powers' (to be determined) if licensees failed to provide the promised services.
The programme policy statements cover the network commitments of ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and those of GMTV.
Patricia Hodgson, ITC Chief Executive, said: “By introducing this new form of accountability and increased self-regulation now, before the new legislation is in place, the ITC is providing Government, the public and broadcasters with an opportunity to test the effectiveness of the proposed system of self-regulation. We are delighted that the broadcasters have risen to the challenge and that their statements show imagination and a continuing commitment to their public service roles.” (CD)