DGA research casts doubt of Ofcom findings

South West Screen has claimed that new research carried out by DGA Metrics into the value of regional documentaries and non-news features programmes is contradicting the findings highlighted in Phase II of Ofcom’s review of Public Service Broadcasting.
This week the watchdog confirmed plans to halve such programming aired by English regional broadcasters from three hours a week to just 90 minutes a week. DGA Researchers, who carried out a study in the North East of England, are now warning research used by Ofcom is based on inadequate evidence. They claim only 3% of those questioned agree with the watchdog that there is too much non-news regional broadcasting.
Public Service Broadcasting on regional channels across the South West provides not only a living for an important proportion of the professional workforce in the region, but also crucial opportunities in terms of talent development. It could now be argued that this latest round of research suggests possible inaccuracies in the critical information on which Ofcom is basing its decisions.
Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive of South West Screen, said: “The Creative Industries in the South West currently employ more people than any other region outside London. It is also home to a real wealth of talent in film, television and digital media, and that skill-base is continually growing. Although the figures from DGA Metrics are focused around the North East of England, they do appear to highlight inaccuracies in the original research. This is particularly worrying when decisions are being taken which could prove detrimental to the South West.”
(GB)