Post by Lenny Clark on Aug 15, 2008 2:48:50 GMT
Found this letter in the Times Archive from 22 March 1971. Thought it might be of interest to those here. An attempt by a parliamentarian to get the BBC to have an archive policy, and to open them up to the public.
Television transcripts
From Sir Clive Bossom, Conservative M.P. for Leominster
Sir, I agree with the logic of John Bruce Lockhart's argument (March 17) that the time has come for television programmes to be put on the same footing as the national press.
The general public should be able to have access to a central bank containing tape recordings of news and of the serious discussions on radio and television transmissions - at a reasonable charge. I maintain that on the grounds of equity alone, all purveyors of news and opinion should be treated alike.
In December 1970 I proposed legislation that anyone broadcasting by sound or vision should have a videotape of the transmission, not only of the actual words used but, just as important, the accompaning intonation, nuances and gestures as well. I pointed out that only by means could we have a permanent public record that would ensure a sense of accountability and responsibility.
The B.B.C. resisted because of the problems of broadcasting rights and the cost of making and storing the tapes. But it is already being done with historical events, boxing, football matches and horse races.
Yours faithfully
CLIVE BOSSOM
House of Commons
Television transcripts
From Sir Clive Bossom, Conservative M.P. for Leominster
Sir, I agree with the logic of John Bruce Lockhart's argument (March 17) that the time has come for television programmes to be put on the same footing as the national press.
The general public should be able to have access to a central bank containing tape recordings of news and of the serious discussions on radio and television transmissions - at a reasonable charge. I maintain that on the grounds of equity alone, all purveyors of news and opinion should be treated alike.
In December 1970 I proposed legislation that anyone broadcasting by sound or vision should have a videotape of the transmission, not only of the actual words used but, just as important, the accompaning intonation, nuances and gestures as well. I pointed out that only by means could we have a permanent public record that would ensure a sense of accountability and responsibility.
The B.B.C. resisted because of the problems of broadcasting rights and the cost of making and storing the tapes. But it is already being done with historical events, boxing, football matches and horse races.
Yours faithfully
CLIVE BOSSOM
House of Commons
