RI
I believe that if technically possible Channel 5 would have been the perfect channel to trial the local services. It would have added something unique to the PSB landscape and Channel 5's status. I'd personally like ITV to keep a Regional (or sub-regional) News service to challenge the BBC's programmes, though I admit that would be likely be reduced post 2014 (the difference being ITV would be paying for the Regional News while C5 would be providing space for the Local TV operators.)
This idea should be interlinked with ITV and Ch5, with slots being give up at times for local tv use..... that's how the local tvs in the USA do it..
I believe that if technically possible Channel 5 would have been the perfect channel to trial the local services. It would have added something unique to the PSB landscape and Channel 5's status. I'd personally like ITV to keep a Regional (or sub-regional) News service to challenge the BBC's programmes, though I admit that would be likely be reduced post 2014 (the difference being ITV would be paying for the Regional News while C5 would be providing space for the Local TV operators.)
RI
Is it fair the Public pay twice for Regional News though (BBC and ITV's offering)? I think that post 2014 Ofcom/ITV should agree to reduce ITV's Regional News commitment to 25 minutes a weekday (10 minutes on weekend days) - Weekdays: 5 minutes between 6:00 and 7:00, 15 minutes between 18:00 and 18:15 and 5 minutes after News at Ten. As part of this commitment, ITV would produce 25 minutes of Regional News for something similar to the pre-2008 sub-regions along with a 30 minute weekly Politics/Current Affairs/Lighter Stories show (something like 'Central' Life?).
I also believe the BBC should reduce it's Regional News commitment to the 9 English Government Regions and the Home Nations, as well as keeping their Regional Non-News programming. With both BBC and ITV reducing (but keeping) their Regional News commitments, this could allow Local TV to thrive (though as previously stated I'm not keen on the current idea, if technically possible I think it should be part of Channel 5's commitments post 2014 to broadcast the Local TV stations as part of their schedule). Then we could have the best of both world's - Local and Regional as well as National and International of course.
Well I'd have thought the answer would have been for extra funding given to ITV Regional news teams and maybe more partnerships with regional newsrooms.
There is an appetite for local news, not on the scale as America, and i think what we had up until around late 2000's was sufficient.
There is an appetite for local news, not on the scale as America, and i think what we had up until around late 2000's was sufficient.
Is it fair the Public pay twice for Regional News though (BBC and ITV's offering)? I think that post 2014 Ofcom/ITV should agree to reduce ITV's Regional News commitment to 25 minutes a weekday (10 minutes on weekend days) - Weekdays: 5 minutes between 6:00 and 7:00, 15 minutes between 18:00 and 18:15 and 5 minutes after News at Ten. As part of this commitment, ITV would produce 25 minutes of Regional News for something similar to the pre-2008 sub-regions along with a 30 minute weekly Politics/Current Affairs/Lighter Stories show (something like 'Central' Life?).
I also believe the BBC should reduce it's Regional News commitment to the 9 English Government Regions and the Home Nations, as well as keeping their Regional Non-News programming. With both BBC and ITV reducing (but keeping) their Regional News commitments, this could allow Local TV to thrive (though as previously stated I'm not keen on the current idea, if technically possible I think it should be part of Channel 5's commitments post 2014 to broadcast the Local TV stations as part of their schedule). Then we could have the best of both world's - Local and Regional as well as National and International of course.
JJ
jjne
I think that post 2014 Ofcom/ITV should agree to reduce ITV's Regional News commitment to 25 minutes a weekday (10 minutes on weekend days) - Weekdays: 5 minutes between 6:00 and 7:00, 15 minutes between 18:00 and 18:15 and 5 minutes after News at Ten. As part of this commitment, ITV would produce 25 minutes of Regional News for something similar to the pre-2008 sub-regions along with a 30 minute weekly Politics/Current Affairs/Lighter Stories show (something like 'Central' Life?).
That would actually be a vast improvement in my area over what we have right now. Pre-2008, we had a Southern split to the Tyne Tees news; now we get a monthly programme tucked away in the schedules and ten minutes for the whole Tyne Tees region at 18:00, with the rest taken up with pan-regional fluff which could be from anywhere from Stranraer to Selby.
15 minutes for this sub-region, can the fluff, and a weekly programme for the North East region only? I'd jump at that.
GH
It is interesting that Sky are trialing a hyper-local news service. I wonder if this is the beginning of their attempt to replacate this?
It's worth noting too that many of the US stations used as an example may be local in the sense they offer local content to the local audience, but many are owned by ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.
It is interesting that Sky are trialing a hyper-local news service. I wonder if this is the beginning of their attempt to replacate this?
BR
Is it fair the Public pay twice for Regional News though (BBC and ITV's offering)? I think that post 2014 Ofcom/ITV should agree to reduce ITV's Regional News commitment to 25 minutes a weekday (10 minutes on weekend days) - Weekdays: 5 minutes between 6:00 and 7:00, 15 minutes between 18:00 and 18:15 and 5 minutes after News at Ten. As part of this commitment, ITV would produce 25 minutes of Regional News for something similar to the pre-2008 sub-regions along with a 30 minute weekly Politics/Current Affairs/Lighter Stories show (something like 'Central' Life?).
I also believe the BBC should reduce it's Regional News commitment to the 9 English Government Regions and the Home Nations, as well as keeping their Regional Non-News programming. With both BBC and ITV reducing (but keeping) their Regional News commitments, this could allow Local TV to thrive (though as previously stated I'm not keen on the current idea, if technically possible I think it should be part of Channel 5's commitments post 2014 to broadcast the Local TV stations as part of their schedule). Then we could have the best of both world's - Local and Regional as well as National and International of course.
Why on earth would you call for local content to be cut. I do think what we have now is about right and apart from the odd daytime update the amount of local news on BBC and ITV hasn't actually changed much in the last 20-30 years - although in some cases the regional news isn't quite as regional as it once was.
I agree with Shaun that the 1990s system worked well - whether that is 15 regional companies or ITV offering regional content nationwide, and the demand for anything more local than regional news is pretty low, although there are areas where sub-regions might be beneficial - but not crucial. It is the non-regional news programming which is the bigger problem - I do think English regions should aim for 30 minutes a week, with 2-3 hours in Scotland, NI and Wales.
As I've said before this idea that once we all went digital we'd no longer be interested in regional TV was absolute bollocks (the combined audience of BBC Regional News is often their biggest audience of the night outside EastEnders) and why OFCOM let ITV get away with that line for so long I don't know. I don't believe any money from the licence fee should be diverted away from the BBC to fund these local stations or ITV regional content, but I wouldn't be opposed to OFCOM allowing ITV an extra few minutes of advertising in primetime (upping it from 40-45 minutes) to help fund regional content.
These issues today though pretty much stem back to poor decisions taken over the last couple of decades. Really I suspect any concerted effort to expand regional and local TV in the UK should have come with the launch of DTT, with half a mux reserved at launch for local services.
Well I'd have thought the answer would have been for extra funding given to ITV Regional news teams and maybe more partnerships with regional newsrooms.
There is an appetite for local news, not on the scale as America, and i think what we had up until around late 2000's was sufficient.
There is an appetite for local news, not on the scale as America, and i think what we had up until around late 2000's was sufficient.
Is it fair the Public pay twice for Regional News though (BBC and ITV's offering)? I think that post 2014 Ofcom/ITV should agree to reduce ITV's Regional News commitment to 25 minutes a weekday (10 minutes on weekend days) - Weekdays: 5 minutes between 6:00 and 7:00, 15 minutes between 18:00 and 18:15 and 5 minutes after News at Ten. As part of this commitment, ITV would produce 25 minutes of Regional News for something similar to the pre-2008 sub-regions along with a 30 minute weekly Politics/Current Affairs/Lighter Stories show (something like 'Central' Life?).
I also believe the BBC should reduce it's Regional News commitment to the 9 English Government Regions and the Home Nations, as well as keeping their Regional Non-News programming. With both BBC and ITV reducing (but keeping) their Regional News commitments, this could allow Local TV to thrive (though as previously stated I'm not keen on the current idea, if technically possible I think it should be part of Channel 5's commitments post 2014 to broadcast the Local TV stations as part of their schedule). Then we could have the best of both world's - Local and Regional as well as National and International of course.
Why on earth would you call for local content to be cut. I do think what we have now is about right and apart from the odd daytime update the amount of local news on BBC and ITV hasn't actually changed much in the last 20-30 years - although in some cases the regional news isn't quite as regional as it once was.
I agree with Shaun that the 1990s system worked well - whether that is 15 regional companies or ITV offering regional content nationwide, and the demand for anything more local than regional news is pretty low, although there are areas where sub-regions might be beneficial - but not crucial. It is the non-regional news programming which is the bigger problem - I do think English regions should aim for 30 minutes a week, with 2-3 hours in Scotland, NI and Wales.
As I've said before this idea that once we all went digital we'd no longer be interested in regional TV was absolute bollocks (the combined audience of BBC Regional News is often their biggest audience of the night outside EastEnders) and why OFCOM let ITV get away with that line for so long I don't know. I don't believe any money from the licence fee should be diverted away from the BBC to fund these local stations or ITV regional content, but I wouldn't be opposed to OFCOM allowing ITV an extra few minutes of advertising in primetime (upping it from 40-45 minutes) to help fund regional content.
These issues today though pretty much stem back to poor decisions taken over the last couple of decades. Really I suspect any concerted effort to expand regional and local TV in the UK should have come with the launch of DTT, with half a mux reserved at launch for local services.
ST
ITVplc no longer have much of a regional commitment in many of their 'pan-regional' areas. Furthermore, we're not 'paying for [local news] twice': ITV's revenue is commercially based and we all pay through the cost of items we buy, whether we get regional news or even watch ITV's channels.
I assume you'd make sure that the Midlands was still served as a single region under your plan, and not amalgamated with Wales, the North West, or East Anglia?
So, your argument is contradictory. Either 'Local TV' or 'Regional TV' has a future, you seem to be making cases for both.
The BBC manage to provide a very good regional service to the South West of England. It's popular and TVL-funded: I see no reason to pay for another one as an excuse for letting ITVplc off their franchise commitment to provide the same in return for their EPG allotments. I doubt ITVplc are suddenly going to recommit themselves to regional TV for the sake of revenue from an extra "few minutes of advertising".
Plymouth is one of the suggested sites for this new service: but I wouldn't watch a 'Channel 6' filled with endless reports of "Man misses bus on way to work" type stories. It's the sort of rubbish that perhaps fills the inner pages of the Plymouth Herald , the parts that never see the light of day after they're printed.
Is it fair the Public pay twice for Regional News though (BBC and ITV's offering)? I think that post 2014 Ofcom/ITV should agree to reduce ITV's Regional News commitment to 25 minutes a weekday (10 minutes on weekend days) - Weekdays: 5 minutes between 6:00 and 7:00, 15 minutes between 18:00 and 18:15 and 5 minutes after News at Ten.
ITVplc no longer have much of a regional commitment in many of their 'pan-regional' areas. Furthermore, we're not 'paying for [local news] twice': ITV's revenue is commercially based and we all pay through the cost of items we buy, whether we get regional news or even watch ITV's channels.
I also believe the BBC should reduce it's Regional News commitment to the 9 English Government Regions and the Home Nations, as well as keeping their Regional Non-News programming.
I assume you'd make sure that the Midlands was still served as a single region under your plan, and not amalgamated with Wales, the North West, or East Anglia?
As I've said before this idea that once we all went digital we'd no longer be interested in regional TV was absolute **** (the combined audience of BBC Regional News is often their biggest audience of the night outside EastEnders) and why OFCOM let ITV get away with that line for so long I don't know. I don't believe any money from the licence fee should be diverted away from the BBC to fund these local stations or ITV regional content, but I wouldn't be opposed to OFCOM allowing ITV an extra few minutes of advertising in primetime (upping it from 40-45 minutes) to help fund regional content.
So, your argument is contradictory. Either 'Local TV' or 'Regional TV' has a future, you seem to be making cases for both.
The BBC manage to provide a very good regional service to the South West of England. It's popular and TVL-funded: I see no reason to pay for another one as an excuse for letting ITVplc off their franchise commitment to provide the same in return for their EPG allotments. I doubt ITVplc are suddenly going to recommit themselves to regional TV for the sake of revenue from an extra "few minutes of advertising".
Plymouth is one of the suggested sites for this new service: but I wouldn't watch a 'Channel 6' filled with endless reports of "Man misses bus on way to work" type stories. It's the sort of rubbish that perhaps fills the inner pages of the Plymouth Herald , the parts that never see the light of day after they're printed.
Last edited by Stuart on 11 May 2012 12:12am
AM
I believe that ITV should keep their regional news - with no extra funding from either TVL or extra "primetime" advertising revenue. ITV know their PSB commitments and should adhere to them or hand their Channel 3 Licences back.
ITV News in general should be shook up a bit.....
Weekdays:
0530 ITV Morning News
0600 ITV Newshour
including 0615-0618 and 0645-0648 ITV Regional Headlines Weather and Travel
1230 ITV News at 1230 (start on time and not earlier, like at present)
1250 ITV Weather
1252 ITV Regional News Update and Weather (5 minutes long)
1800 ITV Regional News and Weather
(1825 Party Political Broadcast)
1830 ITV News at 630
1855 ITV Weather
2200 ITV News At Ten (separate graphics from other ITV News and old NAT Theme)
2245 ITV Weather
2248 ITV Regional News Update and Weather (9 minutes long)
Weekends:
0530 ITV Morning News
1220 ITV News Update and Weather (11 minutes long)
Saturday:
1715 ITV Regional Weekend News and Weather
1735 ITV Weekend News and Weather (21 minutes long)
Sunday:
1730 ITV Regional Weekend News and Weather
1750 ITV Weekend News and Weather (21 minutes long)
2300 ITV News Update and Weather (11 minutes long)
ITV News in general should be shook up a bit.....
Weekdays:
0530 ITV Morning News
0600 ITV Newshour
including 0615-0618 and 0645-0648 ITV Regional Headlines Weather and Travel
1230 ITV News at 1230 (start on time and not earlier, like at present)
1250 ITV Weather
1252 ITV Regional News Update and Weather (5 minutes long)
1800 ITV Regional News and Weather
(1825 Party Political Broadcast)
1830 ITV News at 630
1855 ITV Weather
2200 ITV News At Ten (separate graphics from other ITV News and old NAT Theme)
2245 ITV Weather
2248 ITV Regional News Update and Weather (9 minutes long)
Weekends:
0530 ITV Morning News
1220 ITV News Update and Weather (11 minutes long)
Saturday:
1715 ITV Regional Weekend News and Weather
1735 ITV Weekend News and Weather (21 minutes long)
Sunday:
1730 ITV Regional Weekend News and Weather
1750 ITV Weekend News and Weather (21 minutes long)
2300 ITV News Update and Weather (11 minutes long)
:-(
A former member
Why are there still trying to waste money on this draft idea, I still believe there should be better off spending the money on programmes and then forcing them into the ITV, ch4 line up, ITV already have a high number of transmitter which would allow for targeted show to be beamed for local area.
AL
Yes, I agree in principle of putting regional programming on ITV, but would someone in Ashton Under Lyne want to really know about Traffic works in and around Cleveleys say, plus aren't some people saying they are not the represented by the news programme for their area anyway?
Why are there still trying to waste money on this draft idea, I still believe there should be better off spending the money on programmes and then forcing them into the ITV, ch4 line up, ITV already have a high number of transmitter which would allow for targeted show to be beamed for local area.
Yes, I agree in principle of putting regional programming on ITV, but would someone in Ashton Under Lyne want to really know about Traffic works in and around Cleveleys say, plus aren't some people saying they are not the represented by the news programme for their area anyway?
:-(
A former member
Why are there still trying to waste money on this draft idea, I still believe there should be better off spending the money on programmes and then forcing them into the ITV, ch4 line up, ITV already have a high number of transmitter which would allow for targeted show to be beamed for local area.
Yes, I agree in principle of putting regional programming on ITV, but would someone in Ashton Under Lyne want to really know about Traffic works in and around Cleveleys say, plus aren't some people saying they are not the represented by the news programme for their area anyway?
A the Granada issue, well could there NOT build a new sub relay for the livipool/preston area? to give them a more dedicated service?
It would also mean at likes of 7.30pm on tues/thur or 10.30pm Mon - Thur locals could be placed on to the network but made by lots of local indes etc
AL
Yes, I agree in principle of putting regional programming on ITV, but would someone in Ashton Under Lyne want to really know about Traffic works in and around Cleveleys say, plus aren't some people saying they are not the represented by the news programme for their area anyway?
A the Granada issue, well could there NOT build a new sub relay for the livipool/preston area? to give them a more dedicated service?
It would also mean at likes of 7.30pm on tues/thur or 10.30pm Mon - Thur locals could be placed on to the network but made by lots of local indes etc
I don't know about that, but wouldn't ITV start to have too much bearing on what is done editorially in due course, and everything starts to look the same?
Why are there still trying to waste money on this draft idea, I still believe there should be better off spending the money on programmes and then forcing them into the ITV, ch4 line up, ITV already have a high number of transmitter which would allow for targeted show to be beamed for local area.
Yes, I agree in principle of putting regional programming on ITV, but would someone in Ashton Under Lyne want to really know about Traffic works in and around Cleveleys say, plus aren't some people saying they are not the represented by the news programme for their area anyway?
A the Granada issue, well could there NOT build a new sub relay for the livipool/preston area? to give them a more dedicated service?
It would also mean at likes of 7.30pm on tues/thur or 10.30pm Mon - Thur locals could be placed on to the network but made by lots of local indes etc
I don't know about that, but wouldn't ITV start to have too much bearing on what is done editorially in due course, and everything starts to look the same?