asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if a feasibility study of the concept of public service community television/ radio stations will be instituted by his Department.
Written Answers. - Community TV and Broadcasting.
246.
I expect that the Broadcasting Review Committee will deal with the question of local broadcasting in their final report and there should, therefore, be no need for a specific feasibility study. I would be favourably disposed towards permitting the experimental distribution of local programmes through cable television systems. I hope to make provision for controlled experimentation in this area under statutory regulations which are now being framed. At a later stage, and in the light both of experience and of the Broadcasting Review Committee's recommendations, more extensive provision can be made for community broadcasting in the new broadcasting legislation.