[Community Television] A new framework for Public Service Broadcasting

[Ian Fergusson]

Hi Dave et al: - -

Just some clarity on the following point in your note -

"Assume it to be unlikely that digital terrestrial transmission will
roll out further - therefore isolating all communities on relays from
localised broadcasting. These 
communities might possibly be pushed to a Freeview Satellite or other
(Sky?) service with a one off set top box purchase as well as to
broadband. Ofcom don't spell this out - but terrestrial digital access
will be tricky for areas reliant on relays not currently digitally 
configured."

This is not the case - the BBC is committed to substantially replicating
the existing analogue coverage of its public service television services
with digital terrestrial television (DTT). 

A number of relay transmitters (including two here in Bristol) have
already been upgraded to DTT, as part of the initial phase of DTT
provision.  The key issues of timing remain one of spectrum availability
(i.e, using analogue UHF frequencies presently tied-up until switch-off)
and the actual mechanism and costings of rolling-out DTT for the
patchwork of relay stations.  We anticipate that any national roll-out
of DTT will be done in close co-operation with the other PSBs.

However, the BBC's commitment to undertaking this process remains
undiminished (and will likely form a key responsibility under its next
Charter). Equally, it is likely that similar obligations to upgrade
relays will fall upon commercial PSB's as part of their Digital
replacement licences issued through OFCOM.

Regards
Ian
--------------------------
Ian K. Fergusson * Manager, Press & Publicity *  BBC Bristol /  BBC West
& Southwest
Room 20, Broadcasting House, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR, England,
UNITED KINGDOM
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(+44)-(0)117-923-7147   
ian.fergusson at bbc.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice * http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature 


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