UK: MUTUAL OWNERSHIP SUGGESTED FOR BBC

Article Abstract:

New ways of raising funds are being sought by the BBC broadcasting corporation in the UK, which include turning the BBC into a mutual society owned by licence-payers. This would transform the BCC into a company and allow stakes to be floated on the stock exchange. The new strategy could be tried out initially with the BBC's Internet division, Beeb.com. An alternative proposal concerns the direct flotation of 100% of the division.

Telegraph & other communications, Television broadcasting stations, Online services, Internet services, Online information services

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TV world closes ranks over the BBC's digital dilemma

Article Abstract:

The ITV companies, BSkyB and cable operators NTL and Telewest have joined together to oppose the imposition of a digital levy on top of the 101 pounds sterling annual licence fee. They allege that this is tantamount to a tax on innovation and that it will be a strong disincentive to digital uptake. They feel that the BBC does not require further funding and that it is mainly unaccountable to effective external scrutiny. It is not certain how the commercial broadcasters will react if the report into the digital licence fee due to be published on Aug 5, 1999, does propose some form of digital fee.

Public affairs, NTL Inc., Telewest

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BBC told to cut out waste, sell off assets and stop the dumbing down

Article Abstract:

A committee headed by Gavyn Davies has recommended a new digital licence fee set initially at 1.99 pounds sterling a month. The BBC has reacted very negatively to this recommendation, as it had sought a digital fee of at least 30 pounds sterling and had planned to invest an additional 650 million pounds sterling a year in its digital channels. The Davies committee has also called for higher standards, indicating that the BBC has been reducing standards in order to maintain audience levels.

Comment:

Has protested new digital license fee of 1.99 pounds sterling per month

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