MPs urge public service broadcaster to back commercial press with licence fee moneyAre we about to see the BBC and the regional press, to use my colleague John Plunkett’s endearing phrase, “getting into bed with each other”?Clearly, the MPs want to see the public service broadcaster and commercial publishers settle their differences.“We believe there must be a more symbiotic relationship between local media and the BBC, where each benefits from the other. The BBC as the dominant partner must always be mindful of the effect of its activities on regional media groups and their ability to turn a profit”.“I am worried about the parlous state of local newspapers which is quite dangerous for local democracy. We should consider using part of the proceeds of the licence fee to support local newspapers directly”.“We can do the commercial side and they can also provide local services but in a way where we are supportive of each other rather than actually in direct competition and fighting... I do believe we can coexist for the best of each other and for the best of UK plc rather than just competing head-on”. Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'
[ The Guardian | 2015-02-26 00:00:00 UTC ]