The regulation system for independent television could provide a model for resolving the tension between public services and commercial disciplines, according to Melvyn Bragg, novelist and broadcaster.
ITV was a commercial company which produced more religious, regional and children's programmes and documentaries than the BBC because the Independent Television Commission had "a clear idea" of what a public service company should be, said Lord Bragg.
It was unhelpful, he believed, to look at other models of organisation, like the Army or big business. Tesco produced 15 million cans of beans for everyone whereas social services had to provide 15 million individually tailored packages, he added.
During question time he was asked why television bosses had ignored pleas for someone to produce a programme along the lines of BBC's Casualty but focusing on social workers rather than hospital staff.
He replied: " If you want someone to do a television drama about social services you need to invite a group of writers to your authority and show them what you do. They are the ones that have to want to write it."
Details of government consultations
25 July 2008
Personalisation 'tsar' Jeff Jerome discusses his role
15 July 2008
News round up: Minister says college wrong not to admit teenager
04 July 2008
Minister criticises college that refused to admit convicted teenager
04 July 2008
Jersey: Simon Bellwood 'unfairly sacked' inquiry finds
Councils failing to implement government guidance issued in 2002, study says
Threat of action called off until September in bid to end dispute
Lone parents, disabled and drug users face tougher benefits regime
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
Details of government consultations
25 July 2008
