Ranjit Sondhi welcomed Bernie Steed to the meeting in his capacity as the new Chair of the South West RAC, and Eve Turner, HRLP South. Matters Arising from the March Forum Meeting and Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record with no amendments. Matters arising had been dealt with in reports circulated prior to the meeting. No other matters were reported. Feedback from the ENF Presentation to the BBCs Board of Governors, April 2003
Christine Larson said she, Colin Smith and Richard Mais had reported to the Governors on how far the English Regions objectives for 2002/3 had been met. Later that day they had participated in an online workshop. She felt the most useful part of the session had been the Q&A with the Governors that followed their presentation. She suggested more time be given to this in future years.
They had been impressed with the Governors willingness to listen and their commitment to the English Regions accountability structure. It had been good to hear Andy Griffee recognised for his real commitment to improving regional and local services. Colin Smith said they had raised the issue of the coverage of local government matters and quangos; he was delighted to hear about a special project which was to review the BBCs coverage in these areas. RAC Programme Reviews The 6 - 7 News Hour
Members discussed a number of aspects related to the new Six OClock News format. These included the set, graphics, reporting styles, presenters, on-screen diversity, and weather reports. Debate on the 11 regional news programmes included business and arts coverage, the treatment of rural stories and the balance between urban and rural stories in programmes, sub-opts, and the service given to viewers living on the edges of the regional editorial areas. Andy Griffee reported on the findings of a survey conducted in to peoples routine habits between 6.00 - 7.00pm and the impact that had on viewing figures. There was a further discussion on how members could be helped to focus on the key elements to be reviewed in programmes. Voices
The series attracted widespread praise from councils across the English Regions. Groups and individuals from often misunderstood and under-reported communities had been given a voice, and listeners had been touched by what they had heard and seen. There was a sense that Voices was the essence of what local radio should be about, at all times. Members went on to discuss the marketing of the series, and whether it was preferable to have Voices as a strand in a larger programme, or as a stand alone special. They were pleased to learn about the legacy plans built into the initiatives. Andy Griffee said a detailed evaluation of the series was being undertaken and funds ring-fenced to allow local radio to do something similar next year. BBC Coverage of the Iraqi War
Members discussed the BBCs coverage of the war in Iraq. Issues included balance, the amount of coverage on news networks, local radio coverage, the merits and otherwise of embedding reporters with troops, correspondents, and differences in BBC coverage compared to that on Al Jazeera television. Any Other Business
Andy Griffee reported on the agreement the BBC had reached with Sky about the EPG listings for regional news services. He went on to announce that Coventry and Warwickshire was to get its own local radio station once more. A city centre building had been earmarked and it was hoped to have a brand new station launched in 18 - 24 months. | 
