Fair media access for all?

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TVBy Steve Brundish

The culture of entertainment as we all know has changed dramatically in the last few years. With videos gone and DVDs fast following them, downloading HD films and accessing games on the web has become the norm. In most parts of the country 20Mb downloads speeds are available with BT rolling out 40Mb and testing 1Gb. Entertainment is evolving but not everyone can get or afford the superfast connections that many of us take for granted. This along with the challenge Sky has made to terrestrial TV means there are policy questions that will affect all of us in the way we access or would like to access entertainment in the very near future.

Access to superfast broadband and subscription pay per view TV is an area Labour cannot ignore in the run up to the next election. With the evolving nature of entertainment, it is time to focus on the needs and challenges of the 21st century media. A change in regulation is required to charge the regulator to provide reasonable cost HD films, sports and high speed internet. Without this regulation such access will become a preserve of the well off.

Balanced political debate and a broad spectrum of quality programme commissioning should also be a priority of an incoming Labour government. To pursue this the broadcast media (including Sky), newspapers and the internet need to be brought under one regulatory umbrella. The new body, totally independent with a membership representing the wider community, should be empowered to impose substantial fines if publishers/broadcasters break guide lines designed to enable the UK to have a competitive free and fair media.

Under the Tories we have a policy based on diminishing choice and debate. Their actions in reducing the BBC’s funding, removing powers from Ofcom and cancelling the levy on phone lines will lower standards, reduce innovation and allow SKY/News International to gain a dominant position in the UK media.

The challenge to an incoming Labour government has three strands, to enshrine free speech and quality programming, to ensure adequate competition in broadcasting and enable affordable access to high speed internet. The regulatory body will therefore be central in delivering the opportunity for fair access to the media for all, not just those who can afford Sky’s subscription charges. Labour can show that we have the vision to make a difference by defending BBC funding, calling for the rollout of 100Mb superfast broadband, and support the development of the new Youview platform to provide real choice at a fair price.

Access to a free and fair media with all the possibilities that it brings with it cannot be left to chance or to the gerrymandering of the coalition. In post-deficit Britain policies that can bring about real change without prohibitive cost will be in short supply. Guaranteeing a right to affordable access will be popular, deliverable and shows up the Tories as a party who do not support choice or real change.

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