Unit 67
Unit 67
The BBC tends to lean a little more to the left than ITV, Channel
4 could be seen as left-of-centre politically, although in reality it
criticises all politicians equally. Channel 5 is neutral, but focuses
on minority interests. However, it must be remembered that the
impartiality of the stations means that at election time, equal
time is given to all parties. There is no advertising on BBC. The
British pay a fee of about 145 pounds a year to finance the
corporation. This means that the population own the channel- a
fact that the BBC is very much aware of.
Radio is divided between the BBC and independent channels.
The BBC runs five main channels nationally and a series of
local ones. The national channels are:
Radio One which offers Pop music and humour and is aimed at
the young.
Radio Two offering light Entertainment.
Radio Three Classical Music and the Arts
Radio Four News, discussion and drama
Radio Five Sports
Of the independent channels, classical Gold is dedicated to
music from 60s and 70s, whilst Virgin is aimed at a young,
educated market. Each city also has one or two of its own radio
stations.
Although British television and radio might be praised for high
standards and impartiality, the same cannot always be said of the
written press. It is this area that we will begin looking at now.
Internet use has caused a drop in sales of physical newspapers,
which has arguably led to a corresponding reduction in their
quality, and has resulted in the gradual disappearance of the
paper boy or girl; a part-time job that has been a source of
pocket money for young people since at least the 1830s.
British newspapers are responsible for providing background
information and details to the major stories that are reported on
the television or radio. It is a fact that there are about 10 national