Ofcom: Public Service Broadcasting

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Wednesday 12th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

We should all celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday. In the arts and culture debate tomorrow, I might mention something about our most famous poet. I want to emphasise that Ofcom has now been in existence for 10 years and it is appropriate, given the huge technological advances in this sector, that we should look at how we could do things better.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock]

Will the Minister take on special responsibility for drawing to the attention of Ofcom and all broadcasting organisations the importance of balance in their output in the run-up to the referendum on Scottish independence?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I hope the noble Lord knows my own preferences on the matter of the referendum. Of course, impartiality must be absolutely key to anything we do, whether it is a referendum or general elections. It is part of the essence of public service broadcasting.