Digital Britain Blowout!
Folks, I thought the MediaGuardian was going to bust an artery today. Wall to wall coverage of Digital Britain. They even had a live blog covering developments. A live blog! It’s official: Digital media policy is the new climate change. We rock.
More later when I’ve had time to read the entire report. But here are some initial thoughts:
– Reviewing the comments on the MediaGuardian, Telegraph, etc., it seems that the report’s recommendations are not sitting well with the public, for a variety of reasons. The new tax doesn’t help. I saw one commenter write something to the effect of: ‘I cannot believe the government are going to charge me to watch ITV!’. Something like that. Let’s face it, ITV is unwatchable. Requiring the public to pay to watch ITV is a crime against humanity.
– Emily Bell was underwhelmed. Dan Sabbagh noted the failure of Lord Carter to reach the required deals to reach the more ambitious goals. The Register soundly mocked the report. Jeremy Hunt MP — and he nailed this one — said that the report mostly spawns more consultations and reviews. I really thought Hunt delivered the most strategic critique of the report.
– My latest interest is the local news subsidy. That is addressed in Chapter 5 of the report. I read it earlier today. The report’s assertion that the market will particularly fail to provide a plurality of news content (para. 25) is weak. It’s certainly not evidence based and does not take into account the massive amount of government regulation of advertising since 2003. It also misses the obvious U.S. comparison. Jeremy Hunt MP further explores the U.S. example and claims:
In America even much smaller cities have not one but a whole clutch of local news channels, greatly enhancing both a sense of community and vibrant local democracy. None have access to a licence fee. So instead of putting yet more burden on taxpayers why is the government not embracing a digital-era version of syndicated local TV, something that could also prove to be a lifeline for our local newspaper industry?
(more on the U.S. local news comparison here).
Exciting times… stay tuned, folks…
Richards and Carter ride again!
Hi,
My name is Patrick and I am a volunteer for the Open Rights Group, a campaign group, interested in net freedoms.
We are actively campaigning against the plans for disconnection or bandwidth throttling, as proposed in Digital Britain/Digital Economy Bill, powers of which would be vested in OFCOM.
We have today released this YouGov survey – press release below.
If you would like to have a chat with Jim Killock, Exec Director of Open Rights Group, please get in touch.
We have also got an EDM launched last week which already has 26 MPs signed up.
Thanks for taking the time to look,
Patrick
YouGov poll shows Mandelson’s internet disconnection plans is a clear vote loser- Nearly half of respondents would be less likely to vote for a party supporting disconnection
A new YouGov poll for the Open Rights Group shows that nearly a third (31%) of UK citizens would be much less likely to vote for a party that supported internet disconnection for online copyright infringement. A further 13% would be a ‘little less likely’: in total, 44% would be less likely to vote for a party that supported such a policy.
Nearly three quarters (73%) said if they were disconnected, they would find their ability to use vital commercial services, such as shopping and banking, completely disrupted or fairly harmed.
When asked to choose, respondents also supported the right to a trial before punishments are imposed. 68% said that, if the Government’s proposals go ahead, a court should consider the evidence before restrictions are imposed, while only 16% were in favour of automatic procedures based on accusations, as is currently proposed.
Jim Killock, Executive Director of the Open Rights Group said:“This poll shows people rely on the internet, and an overwhelming majority think that access should only ever be withdrawn as the result of court action. Nearly a third would be much less likely to vote for a party that supports disconnection proposals.
“Only a tiny number – 16% – think the government has got this right.“Clearly Mandelson is out of step with public opinion and should think again.
“MPs should take note, and sign the cross-party Early Day Motion opposing these extreme proposals.”
Notes to editors
1) Jim Killock is available for interview.
2) EDM is EDM 1997 – illicit file sharing. 26 MPs have signed since last week.
3) All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1967 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th – 15th October 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).