Competitive Television
SIR,—Mr. Gilbert Longden's reference to the advertising profession's code of ethics for users of competitive television, particularly stringent where children's programmes are concerned, is timely. Too many people believe (a) that the majority of American commercial pro- grammes are in bad taste and (b) that what happens in that country will surely happen here.
Both are misconceptions. Of course there are bad programmes in America, but by 'and large the standard is far higher than some 111-intentioned people here would believe. British competitive stations Intend evolving their own partienlar approach that may borrow from American technique but will never depend upon it, in the same way as the best types of British film reflect strictly our own way of life.
The safeguards enumerated in the code will ensure that either stations present material in the best of taste or lose their licences. It is to correct the many, many false beliefs current in the country, of which the above are but two, that this Association has been formed under the presidency of the Earl of Derby. We would be glad to hear from those sympathetic to our cause or who would like to know
more about our case.—Yours'faithfully, RONALD SIMMS, Secretary, Popular Television Association. 78 Buckingham Gate, S.W.1.
Previous page
