A busy day for the BBC Trust

The BBC Trust gave the go-ahead for a BBC HD service, no doubt in response to the NUJ's compelling arguments. Although they could cut back on many things, the BBC needs to be in the HD game. Set manufacturers and retailers have colluded in mis-selling this technology to the public and the public now expects to have this service and to have it for free. Meanwhile, the Trust has launched a review of impartiality of coverage by BBC news of the nations. The move represents further evidence of this regulators expansionist tendencies. a bit like Ofcom in its infancy, who also sought to have an undue influence over the BBC. This latest development is no doubt a political response to the debate in Scotland, where SNP have set up a broadcasting commission. There are also issues for Wales and Northern Ireland which need to be addressed. Scotland, in particular can expect to be given a larger share of the BBC's broadcasting pie and being Scottish who am I to disagree? The BBC approach, up to now, has pointed in two directions at the same time. When they talk about more work going to Independents, they say they commission the best ideas, no matter where they come from; By giving the Nations a guaranteed quota of Network production, they ensure that they have one hand on the scales as they balance things out. The NUJ will discuss broadcasting policy issues for the Nations later this week.