So the Government is waking up to the idea that you can't just ignore the digital revolution, but what do they propose to do?
The main issues that have stood out to me:
Firstly, Broadband internet is to be made accessable to all at a minimum speed (hurray). A retro Labour socialist ideology in the digital age? Gordon Brown actually likened the need for internet to that of electricity, water and gas. Does this mean you will be able to keep downloading movies when you go bankrupt because it is a staple resource that can't be cut off?
Secondly, Due to the fact that the ability to download/ watch programmes online has affected the profits of commercial companies there is a suggestion that the licence fee should be shared by the BBC with other broadcasters. So, ITV has made cut backs to local news coverage due to a lack of funds - should they be given licence fee money to fund these programmes?
ITV spends a lot of its budget on reality shows, sports and soaps that are arguably lowest common denominator broadcasting, which makes them a lot of money in advertising sales. Would ITV not just decide that they can put more money into this type of programme and allow the license fee to take care of shows that they feel do not have as much commercial value? Would this lower the quality of television produced?
Posts
