BBC Charter Review to consult nation’s youth

Children and young people throughout the UK are to be asked their views on the BBC as part of a major review of its future, Media Secretary Tessa Jowell has announced.

She spelt out how the public consultation on the BBC, launched as part of Charter Review last month, will be extended to include the views of under 18s.

The centrepiece is a young person-friendly version of the core consultation document, which has been drawn up in co-operation with the ‘Uwhat?’ campaign of the Children's Rights Alliance for England. It outlines the key points of the Charter Review consultation in accessible, easy-to-understand language.

The document out a variation on the key questions which shape the Charter Review consultation, such as: What do you like or dislike about the BBC?; If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, do you like the way the BBC tells you about where you live?; Do you have any advice on how the BBC can make the best use of new technology?; Should the BBC continue to sell things (like DVDs, magazines,

toys)?; And How do we make sure the BBC listens to the views of young people?

Children and young people will be invited to give their views by email, post or telephone.

The document, aimed at eight to 17-year-olds, will be publicised in the DfES publication, Spectrum, which is distributed to schools, to encourage teachers to use it to get children and young people to contribute to the review.

In addition, the DCMS will be publicising the document to around 150 organisations that have an interest in increasing the participation of young people in decision-making.

Young people will also be encouraged to attend town hall meetings in the regions, where the public will get the chance to put their views directly to Ministers.

Tessa Jowell said: "Children's programming has changed beyond recognition since the days of Muffin the Mule and Listen with Mother. And its audience has changed with it.

"Broadcasters are more eager than ever to attract young viewers. This is reflected in the wealth of channels and services aimed at them.

"The BBC has been at the vanguard of extending choice, with dedicated channels such as CBBC, Cbeebies and BBC3, not to mention that now old stalwart Radio One and also BBCi.

"This proliferation of channels empowers children and young people as consumers as never before. They have greater influence than ever before.

"The Charter Review consultation is a perfect opportunity for them to make that influence count, by letting us know what they want from the BBC."

(GB)