Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Local MP takes fight to save local TV programmes to OFCOM
Lewes MP Norman Baker has written to broadcast regulator OFCOM and to local broadcaster Meridian TV, expressing his concerns about OFCOM’s proposals to allow local broadcasters to reduce the output of regional programming. If the recommendations are adopted; Norman’s constituents would find themselves with access to a meagre 1 ½ hours a week of non-news regional programmes – that’s 14 hours a week less than the original commitment Meridian made when it was awarded the franchise 10 years ago.
In his letter to OFCOM Director of Business Strategy Development, Norman states that such cutbacks “would…have a profound effect on coverage of regional matters. As an essential and highly successful service to communities across Sussex, local viewers are entitled to a comprehensive, frequent and high quality level of regional programmes. The cuts will also have an immediate impact on employment, particularly in the wake of the re-location of the Meridian Maidstone studio to a base outside the region, in Southampton. “
Commenting on his letter, Norman says:
“It is very important that Meridian continues to provide an acceptable level of regional programming to people in the South East. For many, including my own constituents, they provide an essential link with the local community.
“This service has already been subjected to cutbacks, including the relocation of Meridian’s Maidstone studio, out of the Kent / Sussex area. Further cuts are simply unacceptable.
“I have written to Meridian seeking their assurance that local viewers will not suffer as a result of any further reduction in local programming, and asking for a guarantee that they will continue to abide by their obligations under its charter commitments as a public service broadcaster.”