Government 'funding TV programmes on policy'
Sunday, 03 Aug 2008 10:24
The government spent £2 million on funding eight television shows
The government has spent close to £2 million on funding television programmes linked to the impact of recent policy decisions, it has been claimed.
The Sunday Telegraph reports that eight shows such as Beat: Life on the Street have received funding from government departments. Other shows providing advice to small business and army expeditions have also been supported.
Speaking to the paper, a spokesman for the Home Office said: "Documentaries of this nature play an important role in informing the public, openly and transparently, about the work of the police and UK border agency.
"The Home Office does not influence the content of these programmes after they are commissioned and they adhere to Ofcom’s strict guidelines on this kind of programme," he added.
The paper reports that media watchdog Ofcom has opened an inquiry into ITV's Beat: Life on the Street into whether a breach of its broadcasting code had taken place.
Commenting on the content of the series, an ITV spokesman told the Telegraph: "As with all advertiser-funded programmes, Beat: Life On The Street is subject to a strict process to ensure it meets all the regulatory requirements set out under the Ofcom code on sponsorship, to ensure transparency and editorial independence by the broadcaster."
Shadow police minister David Ruffley said: "People want the government to put police on our streets, not propaganda on our television sets."