Interview with Lord Hill

Interview with Lord Hill; ***TX'd 01.08.1963*** ENGLAND: London: Brompton Road: ITA (Independent Television Authority): INT CU Charles Hill, Baron Hill of Luton (Chairman, ITA): (Lead in Q - Will ITV two pay at the outset?0 "Clearly its success depending on its income upon the number of viewers and so the advertising income. Clearly it's success depends on the number of viewers. Therefore there is bound to be a relationship between its success and the rate at which the sets are acquired. So I can't give you a precise figure, but it will be some years perhaps ten years before there is complete coverage of that part of country, which can take a double service". (But you don't think it likely to be economical?) "It won't be profitable on the outset. The outset will be a difficult time, difficult indeed impossible to be precise in one's judgement, but in the early days the number of viewers and so the income will be less then in the subsequent years when it is more fully established". (Will existing programmes contractors be able to tendor for the new service?) "Yes, existing programme contractors, new groups forming themselves with the view of becoming programme contractors, in other words programme contractors present and potential will be free to put in their applications". (The Authority will take a stronger line, can you tell us in what direction that line will lie?) "The Authority will operate the will of Parliament as contained in the TV Act. It does strengthen the Authorities responsibility and power as for example in relation to programme content. The Authority will faithfully carry out the duties and obligations imposed by Parliament and that means a stronger Authority in a number of directions". (And what effect will that have on the programme content?) "That will be seen on the screen in due course". Neg 16mm ITN (Howard) 2.11 mins 82 ft 1.8.63 / 9pm