26/11/2008

Protect Local Broadcasting, Says Assembly

The Stormont Assembly has this week called for the protection of public service broadcasting and for UTV to suspend its restructuring and redundancy programme.

Sinn Féin MLA and Chair of the Culture Arts and Leisure Committee, Barry McElduff welcomed the Assembly passing - with all party support - the Sinn Féin motion calling on the regulator to "protect diverse, quality broadcasting through the promotion of local news and programming; extend Ofcom's Public Service Broadcasting Review consultation period for a further three months and call on UTV to suspend its restructuring and redundancy programme pending the outcome of this consultation process.

Mr McElduff said afterwards: "I will be asking the First and Deputy First Minister to investigate this in conjunction with the Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Gregory Campbell."

(BMcC)

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