Letter: Viewers ignored

Sir: Those of us who are unhappy about the Independent Television Commission's decision to allow ITV to abolish News at Ten are not arguing for a "paternalist vision of `guided democracy' " (leader, 20 November). Rather we are asking why the opinions of viewers were so contemptuously dismissed by the ITC.

The ITC launched a major public consultation about the proposal to move News at Ten and even commissioned an opinion poll to canvass views. In the end, however, the ITC apparently gave more weight to the wishes of the ITV companies and their advertisers.

As one of those who took part in the public consultation exercise, I now feel I participated in a meaningless charade. I would question whether a determinedly non-interventionist ITC has any role to play in the future regulation of television.

TREVOR J RHODES

Wallasey,

Merseyside