Sunday 25 April 2010

Saturday 17 April 2010

ELECTION LEADERS’ DEBATES - SNP POISED FOR MEETING WITH BBC CHIEFS









ELECTION LEADERS’ DEBATES - SNP POISED FOR MEETING WITH BBC CHIEFS

PARTY READY FOR HEARING WITH CORPORATION'S RULING TRUST

The SNP is preparing to meet members of the BBC Trust, the Corporation's
governing body, after the Trust indicated it is considering granting an
unprecedented oral hearing to consider the Party's appeal against the
BBC's handling of the election leaders' debate issue, including its
rejection of the offer of a fourth debate focused on issues more relevant
to the devolved nations.

The BBC's election leaders' debate is scheduled to take place on April
29th, in Birmingham, hosted by David Dimbleby.

However, in a letter to SNP leader Alex Salmond and Plaid Cymru leader
Ieuan Wyn Jones, the BBC Trust, the Corporation's governing body, which is
independent from the Corporation's management, has now asked both parties
to prepare for a possible oral hearing which could be held at any time
from April 22-27th.

The BBC Trust is currently corresponding with the Corporation's Executive,
which is chaired by Director-General Mark Thompson, over the basis of the
SNP and Plaid Cymru's appeal.

An ad hoc committee of the Trust involving five Trustees - the Trustee for
Scotland, the Trustee for Wales and three members of its editorial
standards committee - will consider the appeal and whether there should be
an oral hearing.

The Trust has prepared a briefing note for committee members in advance of
the BBC Executive submitting its formal response to the SNP appeal. It is
understood senior BBC management returned from Manchester on Friday to
work on the Executive's response over the weekend.


SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell said:

"We are ready to meet the BBC Trust at any time to discuss our appeal. The
exclusion of the SNP, the party of Government in Scotland, from the
election leaders' debates is fundamentally undemocratic. We also believe
it is a clear breach of the BBC's obligation of impartiality.

"We also believe that the BBC Executive has failed in its duties by
excluding the SNP and Plaid Cymru from the negotiations which were held
with the other parties over what was clearly a prolonged period.

"Those discussions effectively allowed the UK parties to dictate the
format of the leaders' debates to the broadcasters. As a result of the
debate format agreed by the BBC Executive, there is a clear danger of
misinforming and misleading voters in Scotland.

"We know we have an extremely strong case, and now look forward to making
that case directly to the BBC Trust."

Thursday 1 April 2010

FREESAT WORLD CUP COVERAGE


FREESAT WORLD CUP COVERAGE


GET READY FOR A SUMMER OF FOOTBALL AS FREESAT LAUNCHES ONLINE WORLD CUP GUIDE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGER, PUNDIT LEE DIXON

Football news, views and a comprehensive match planner– helping to get UK viewers prepared for the first ever HD World Cup

Freesat, the free-to-air satellite TV service, will become home to the first ever HD World Cup with matches being shared by BBC HD and ITV1 HD this summer. For a one-off payment of just £68 viewers can upgrade their World Cup viewing to high definition and enjoy it all completely subscription free with Freesat. The new online guide – at www.freesat.co.uk/worldcup - will feature a range of football content to help people get ready for the tournament, including exclusive news blogs from Match of the Day’s Lee Dixon.

‘Freesat is offering everything World Cup followers need this summer’ says Lee Dixon. ‘Not only will they be showing games in HD but their online guide will feature a host of information to ensure everyone is set for the beautiful game – from comprehensive match planners to brilliant world cup facts to impress your mates. Plus, on my personal blog you’ll find my views and analysis on stories as they emerge from the England camp, predictions for the group stages and my view on who could be this year’s champions’.

With Freesat everyone can watch this festival of football in HD from as little as £68, wherever they live in the UK. With no contract, no monthly bills to pay, just a one-off payment, Freesat makes substituting your standard TV for High definition hassle-free. HD really brings football on TV to life, making viewers at home feel like part of the action. From high speed tackles to that breathtaking golden goal - you won’t miss a thing watching in pin sharp clarity.

With the World Cup now only 72 days away, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be watching the summer’s premiere sporting event and where to get the best deal to get the most out of your HD ready TV this summer.

HD Providers Comparison Chart

Full UK coverage for HD

Monthly cost/minimum subscription period

Set up cost

Total cost/year

Digital channels

Catch-up services?

Type of service

Freesat

YES

FREE

FREE (£80 if satellite dish is needed)

£67 one-off payment

150+

YES

Satellite

Freeview

No – up to 50% by the World Cup

FREE

FREE (£150 if aerial upgrade is needed)

£140 one-off payment

53

NO

Aerial

Virgin Media

NO

· £5.50/month (plus a virgin phone line for £11.99)

· 12 months minimum contract

£49.00

£209.88

65

YES

Cable

SKY

YES

· £28/month

· 12 months minimum contract

£30.00

£366

200

YES

Satellite

All pricing information taken 01.04.10 from service provider websites.

Freesat is available from Argos, Currys, Comet, John Lewis, Maplin and many independent retailers.

For more information on Freesat, please go to www.freesat.co.uk

Follow Freesat on Twitter @freesat_tv

Official press release 1st April 2010