Edited by John Wilson and Hugo Foxwood
Published 2002 (ISBN 1 902488 49 0) Price £19.95
The Regulatory Environment In the first seminar held on 21st March 2001, Rt. Hon. Chris Smith MP explained some of the background to the White Paper concerning regulatory frameworks. David Edmunds considered some of the challenges for OFCOM, drawing on his own experience with OFTEL in removing barriers to competition. Patricia Hodgson discussed the transition to digital, considering how quality and pluralism could be enhanced by a regulatory structure that listened to the consumer. Deirdre Hutton looked at how competition relates to consumer welfare and discussed consumer panels, self-regulation, education and access. Public Service TV The second seminar held on 20th June 2002 was opened by Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell MP who discussed the positive role public service broadcasting can play in the life of the nation. Greg Dyke examined some of the challenges of the switch-over from analogue to digital, including investment in the UK production industry. Leslie Hill considered the roles and regulation of ITV and the BBC. Michael Jackson described how Channel 4 is adapting to the digital future, combining traditional broadcasting with interactive and cross-platform initiatives.