BBC Arts Consultation

The BBC Audience Council seeks views on BBC arts coverage

The BBC is inviting listeners and viewers with an interest in the arts to attend a consultation event in Broadcasting House, Belfast, on Tuesday June 24 and have their say on the quality and quantity of BBC arts programming.

The event will be hosted by the chair of the Audience Council, Rotha Johnston.

Johnston will be joined by members of the council, Peter Johnston, controller of BBC NI, Ailsa Orr, Head of Programmes, Susan Lovell, Head of BBC Radio Ulster, Andrew Colman, Head of News and Current Affairs and Mark Adair, Head of Public Policy, Corporate and Community Affairs.

The discussion will be chaired by presenter William Crawley. It is anticipated that the event will begin at 6pm and finish at 8pm.

Rotha Johnston explains:

'The Audience Council is here to listen to the views of the local audience. What we have heard very clearly over the last few months is that while most people are very content with BBC programmes generally, there are some areas which perhaps need a closer look.

'Coverage of the arts is one of those areas and we are keen to hear the audience’s views on whether the BBC is getting it right across all of its platforms - television, radio and online, locally and on the network.

'The debate to date has been very exciting and stimulating and I am sure this final event will help us to sharpen our focus.'

This public event is the third and final in a series over the last four months and will reflect on some of the insights gained, and seek to deepen the council’s understanding of the views of the audience on the coverage of the arts at a local and network level.

The audience council has undertaken engagement on this issue already with meetings in Londonderry and Armagh and will publish the key points from all the sessions on its website in the autumn.

The Audience Council for Northern Ireland represents the specific interests and views of BBC audiences in Northern Ireland to the BBC Trust, the governing body of the BBC. Its engagement with audiences helps to inform the work of the BBC Trust.

Places for the event are limited. Contact the BBC Trust Unit to reserve a place, or for further information about this meeting or the Audience Council, including how to submit a question or point for discussion in advance.

To reserve a place contact Jhoanna on 028 9033 8856 (textphone 028 9033 8100) or email Jhoanna.sto.domingo@bbc.co.uk.