Viewers shouldn't fund whole digital burden, says CPBF

The Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom has called for Government and private sector contributions to alleviate some of the burden on BBC licence-fee payers currently facing the full costs of the ongoing switch-over from analogue to digital television.

The corporation announced on Monday that it was asking for a rise in the licence fee at 2.3% above inflation to help it meet the costs of switching the UK to digital.

However, Barry White, the CPBF national organiser, said: "If all the population is to have equal access to digital, the Government should fund the purchase and fitting of digital boxes and any new aerials for those people on low incomes, more especially pensioners.

“The switchover planned on a phased basis from 2008 to 2012 is government
policy. Whilst the BBC, as the lead public service broadcaster, should play a
significant role in the process, it should not carry the full cost.

“Such a payment is also a hidden subsidy from the licence fee payer to the
commercial sector who will also benefit from the switchover. Therefore there
should be some financial contribution from the commercial sector, perhaps by
the introduction of a special levy on advertising.

“It is not a question of choice, the Government is forcing viewers to switch
over to digital. If viewers don't make the switch they will be staring at
blank screens. And once the move is complete the Treasury will benefit from
cash raised by the sale of analogue frequencies."

Comedy for Cuba

The Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign, to which the NUJ is affiliated, is to host a fund-raising evening at The Stand comedy club in Glasgow.

Tickets for the event (next door to the STUC building in which branch meetings are held) cost £6 (£4 concessionary rate). Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets or further details can be obtained from the SCSC on 0141 221 2359.

Information on Cuba