|
Ìý
Ranjit Sondhi welcomed Bernie Steed to the meeting in his
capacity as the new Chair of the South West RAC, and Eve Turner,
HRLP South. Matters Arising from the March Forum Meeting and Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record
with no amendments.
Matters arising had been dealt with in reports circulated
prior to the meeting. No other matters were reported.
Feedback from the ENF Presentation to the Â鶹ԼÅÄÂ’s
Board of Governors, April 2003
Christine Larson said she, Colin Smith and Richard Mais had reported
to the Governors on how far the English Regions objectives for 2002/3
had been met. Later that day they had participated in an online
workshop.
She felt the most useful part of the session had been the
Q&A with the Governors that followed their presentation. She
suggested more time be given to this in future years.
They had been impressed with the GovernorsÂ’ willingness to
listen and their commitment to the English Regions accountability
structure. It had been good to hear Andy Griffee recognised for
his real commitment to improving regional and local services.
Colin Smith said they had raised the issue of the coverage
of local government matters and quangos; he was delighted to hear
about a special project which was to review the Â鶹ԼÅÄÂ’s coverage
in these areas.
RAC Programme Reviews
The 6 - 7 News Hour
Members discussed a number of aspects related to the new Six OÂ’Clock
News format. These included the set, graphics, reporting styles,
presenters, on-screen diversity, and weather reports.
Debate on the 11 regional news programmes included business
and arts coverage, the treatment of rural stories and the balance
between urban and rural stories in programmes, sub-opts, and the
service given to viewers living on the edges of the regional editorial
areas.
Andy Griffee reported on the findings of a survey conducted
in to peopleÂ’s routine habits between 6.00 - 7.00pm and the
impact that had on viewing figures.
There was a further discussion on how members could be helped
to focus on the key elements to be reviewed in programmes.
Voices
The series attracted widespread praise from councils across the
English Regions. Groups and individuals from often misunderstood
and under-reported communities had been given a voice, and listeners
had been touched by what they had heard and seen. There was a sense
that Voices was the essence of what local radio should be about,
at all times.
Members went on to discuss the marketing of the series,
and whether it was preferable to have Voices as a strand in a larger
programme, or as a stand alone special. They were pleased to learn
about the legacy plans built into the initiatives.
Andy Griffee said a detailed evaluation of the series was
being undertaken and funds ring-fenced to allow local radio to do
something similar next year.
Â鶹ԼÅÄ Coverage of the Iraqi War
Members discussed the Â鶹ԼÅÄÂ’s coverage of the war in Iraq. Issues
included balance, the amount of coverage on news networks, local
radio coverage, the merits and otherwise of embedding reporters
with troops, correspondents, and differences in Â鶹ԼÅÄ coverage compared
to that on Al Jazeera television.
Any Other Business
Andy Griffee reported on the agreement the Â鶹ԼÅÄ had reached with
Sky about the EPG listings for regional news services.
He went on to announce that Coventry and Warwickshire was
to get its own local radio station once more. A city centre building
had been earmarked and it was hoped to have a brand new station
launched in 18 - 24 months.
|
