Byline: David Williamson Senedd Correspondent
FRESH calls have been made for the BBC to distribute its licence fee among other broadcasters in Wales.
There are concerns the BBC could have a near-monopoly on regional television news coverage following the digital switchover in 2012. ITV Wales will face intensifying competition for advertising and is already scaling back non-news programming.
The Western Mail has seen research commissioned by communications regulator Ofcom which revealed 91% of people in Wales believe it is important for ITV as well as the BBC to provide regional news coverage.
This research also found that 67% of Welsh respondents did not believe the internet was an adequate substitute for regional news on the main TV channels.
The Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan has joined calls for Wales to have a strong alternative to the BBC. He said, "While recognising that the BBC provides a valuable public service there is always a danger that anybody that has a monopoly could end up doing a less vigorous job than if it had strong competition."
Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne believes the time may have come for the licence fee to support more than one broadcaster.
He said, "Let's keep the BBC as it has always been, a marvellous national institution, but let's recognise there are other providers of public service broadcasting."
Mr Bourne argues that a healthy democracy needs more than one television news provider.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Mike German said, "It's a very interesting idea and, absolutely, we must in Wales do everything we can to strengthen the media.
It's by a range of providers we get balance and deep analysis."
Labour AM Alun Davies said, "The BBC has to understand and appreciate it's not the only public service broadcaster; ITV and S4C both have public service broadcasting responsibilities."
He wants MPs and AMs to join forces to ensure Wales is home to vibrant broadcasting. He said, "We've got to put Wales and the needs of people in Wales centrestage and create a vision for a broadcasting environment that will support their wants and needs."
Aled Eurig, former head of news and current affairs at BBC Wales, welcomed the suggestion.
Mr Eurig - now a constitutional adviser at the National Assembly-said, "One of the options to consider is you top-slice the BBC licence fee. A small proportion, let's say5%, could be allocated for news and regional programming on the ITV system."
A Westminster Government review is likely to begin next year which will consider making public funding more available beyond the BBC.
It is forecast that by2012-13 the licence fee will have risen to pounds 3.9bn. The House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee last year noted, "By that time, the costs associated with digital switchover will have been met, potentially releasing more money for broadcasting purposes.
There will therefore be a substantial amount of money available to support public service content for the next six years at least."
There is further concern that Welsh independent production companies are winning fewer pan-UK commissions.
Mr Eurig, said, "What BBC series Doctor Who and Torchwood are doing is masking something quite serious that's going on elsewhere."
Arecent report bythe Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television found the number of hours of Welsh-produced independent network television fell from70 in 2004 to 58.7 in 2006. It claimed there was no Welsh network programming from ITV in 2006. It said Five did not broadcast any programmes from Welsh independents in 2005 and 2006.
What the Heritage Minister says. . .
Rhodri Glyn Thomas said, "While broadcasting is not a devolved matter, it is important that the Welsh Assembly Government has an input in determining the future shape of public service broadcasting in Wales.
"There are huge changes happening to the sector at the moment and the impact on viewers and listeners in Wales is of a particular interest to me, and especially the effect on democracy and citizenship.
It's important that we contribute to this wider debate.
"In the spring, the Assembly Government will be responding to the forthcoming Ofcom review of Public Service Broadcasting, and contribute to the debate on how to develop public service broadcasting in Wales.
"I am anxious that wherever possible broadcasting from or about Wales should be strengthened.
"ITV Wales plays an important role in broadcasting from and about Wales, and I hope this will continue in the years to come."
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