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THE GUARDIAN
Tuesday, 2 October 1990
New rules unworkable, say broadcasters
Georgina Henry
Media Editor
NEW rules governing 'impartiality' in television and radio programmes published yesterday were described as unworkable and shocking by leading broadcasters.
Liz Forgan, director of programmes at Channel 4, said an amendment to the Broadcasting Bill which lists points to be covered by a new code to be drawn up by the Independent Television Commission contains two "impossible clauses".
One says that there must be impartiality on "individual issues" which Channel 4 lawyers have said means that a programme like Harold Pinter's Opinions on American policy in Nicaragua would have to be balanced by a programme putting the rightwing view.
This, Ms Forgan predicted, would lead to "constructive censorship" by broadcasters being forced to make several programmes on the same issue as an insurance policy against being sued. The other is over the question of the prominence that must be given to balancing programmes, which she said would lead to a stop-watch approach.
"We will be the laughing stock of the world," she said.
Michael Grade, chief executive of Channel 4, said he was shocked that the Government could bring forward such an amendment which he said was worse than the broadcasters had feared.
"The minister [David Mellor, the minister responsible for broadcasting] has made soothing words. But this shows that broadcasters are a long way from 'having nothing to worry about', which is the line we have had for the last few weeks."
John Birt, deputy director general of the BBC which is not legally bound by the amendment said: "Interpretations of editorial policy should be left to the Broadcasting Authorities."
The amendment has been brought forward by the Government after pressure in the House of Lords from Lord Wyatt and Lord Orr-Ewing, fierce critics of what they allege is leftwing bias in broadcasting. The broadcasters will be meeting the IBA today to discuss their next move.
- A clash over the future of religious broadcasting between a conservative and evangelical alliance and the religious advisory committee chaired by the Rt. Rev David Sheppard, the Bishop of Liverpool, is expected when the House of Lords begins the report stage of the Broadcasting Bill this month.
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