- 2.
as
Few reports of
of
similar nature have aroused
The
such debate and diversity of opinion and public interest
the Report
Board. the Broadcasting Review government has received over 800 submissions; it has been discussed by almost all the District Boards; and it has been the subject of intense attention in the press.
in
A
report is now being written summarising and analysing all the views received during the period of public consultation, and this report will be made public shortly.
Members have rightly pointed out that licence to broadcast is different from other kinds of commercial licence and enterprise: it is subject not only to normal commercial imperatives but places on the licensees, the operators, a heavy public responsibility. They have been entrusted with a precious resource which has great influence over the minds of men,
the minds of men, women and children; they
are franchised to use a public asset which, although invisible, reaches into every house; they have a solemn duty to exercise this responsibility in the public interest. And, because it is a public trust, because of its all pervading nature, the government of any place has with justification to apply to the broadcasting industry sensible restraints and a greater degree of regulation and supervision than would be applicable to other enterprises operating in an entirely free market.
commercial