Television Broadcasts: Audibility

Debate between Lord Ashton of Hyde and Lord Fellowes of West Stafford

Tuesday 4th April 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

All the channels have a responsibility to provide impartial news and are regulated by Ofcom, including, very soon, the BBC.

[Lord Fellowes of West Stafford (Con)]

Will the Minister agree that the fashion for mumbling dialogue in search of greater truth—because that is what it is all about—is simply that, a fashion, and not a new one? We had a lot of trouble with it in the 1950s and 1960s. When it comes to an unfortunate fashion, the Government have no proper role other than to hope it will soon pass.

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

My Lords, it is all about editorial policy, and the director is in charge. One person’s mumbling is another person’s atmosphere.