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The BBC’s controversial plans to launch a £68m web-based local video service hit the buffers on Friday, as the corporation’s governing body, the BBC Trust, rejected the proposals.
The broadcaster had intended to roll out the service over four years, at the cost of £68m, basing the news channels on the BBC’s network of local radio websites. It was said that this could create 300 jobs for journalists. However, the plans faced stiff opposition from various press groups, who railed against the prospect of having their already struggling regional outfits squeezed even tighter by a publicly–funded local operation.The BBC Trust, it appears, agreed. Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons said in a statement on Friday: “It is clear from the evidence that, although licence fee-payers want better regional and local services from the BBC, this proposal is unlikely to achieve what they want. “We also recognise the negative impact that the local video proposition could have on commercial media services which are valued by the public and are already under pressure.” He continued: "We believe the BBC’s priority should be improving the quality of existing services. The public wants better quality regional television news programmes and more programmes of all kinds produced in and reflecting their areas. “Our decision today to refuse permission for local video means that local newspapers and other commercial media can invest in their online services in the knowledge that the BBC does not intend to make this new intervention in the market.” The ruling by the Trust is now open for public consultation and a final decision will then be published in February. Industry commentators had speculated prior to the Trust’s decision that the plans were destined to fail, despite arousing considerable excitement in the corporation itself. This excitement had been especially palpable in our own region, it has been suggested to How-Do, as the North West would have been a key area for the facilitation of the proposals.  Too much bad PR? It stated: “By now many of you will have seen the news about the decision from the Trust about BBC Local video. “It's a disappointing outcome and has repercussions for us all. “I'll be holding a team briefing at 11am in Radio Manchester for all those able to attend where I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have.” Away from the region, it has also been claimed that the fall-out from the Sachsgate scandal did not help matters, with the corporation keen to avoid further conflict with the press. In the words of a commentator that contacted How-Do: “the Brand/Ross thing combined with this is just too much bad PR in one go. “It would have resulted in the papers giving them an even bigger kicking on every single thing if they were to pursue it.” www.bbc.co.uk Something to add? Then leave a comment below or email us now.
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