Letter: Britain's digital TV victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Sir: Polly Toynbee asks "Who really won the battle?" for the future of digital broadcasting (25 June). The answer is that Britain won.
Of course she is right to show concern at the possible increased powers of BSkyB, but that is best answered by protecting the BBC and is, in this argument, a side-show. The awarding of the franchise to British Digital Broadcasting will bring about investment by British companies and will create British jobs. Most estimates say that pounds 300m will be invested creating up to 125,000 jobs.
Broadcasting is one of our major industrial sectors and is one area at least where we "lead the world". Indeed a major concern is that our universities and colleges will not be able to provide sufficient qualified people and a potential skill shortage now needs to be addressed.
It is worth noting in all the hullabaloo that if this had been an American franchise, the British bid would have been disallowed. As it is, the Americans had a fair crack of the whip, and lost.
PHIL WOOLAS MP
Oldham East and Saddleworth (Lab)
House of Commons
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments