BECTU supports BBC's broadband channels

BECTU has written to culture secretary James Purnell in support of three new BBC broadband services.

In October, BBC director general Mark Thompson unveiled plans to rebuild the BBC's website, part of which would include greater provision of localised and personalised services: MyBBCRadio, MyNewsNow, and MyLocalNow. The broadband services will require approval by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and supersede plans to offer 60 local TV channels on satellite.

BECTU general secretary Gerry Morrissey said: "At a time when regional provision is being cut back by companies such as ITV, we are openly supporting this initiative and optimistic it will provide job opportunities as well."

In his letter to Purnell, Morrissey commented: "We see these services as responding to proven audience demand – as indicated by the results of the BBC’s broadband trials of local news in Hull and the West Midlands. This is especially important when regional news provision in ITV is under threat (a threat we strongly oppose). We also see these services as future-proofing BBC output for an audience (especially in younger age groups) which increasingly requires access to on-demand services at a time of their choosing and which looks to online/mobile sources for content as well as just to television and radio."