The NUJ has taken the unprecedented step of polling the public for its views on the Government’s proposal that ITV should be allowed to be bought by a foreign media company.
Results of the poll showed just over half the British public – 52 per cent – are against the proposal, which is part of the communications bill passing through Parliament. Only 23 per cent of respondents said yes to a sell-off, while 24 per cent “don’t know”.
However, most young people polled (aged between 16 and 24) were in favour of a foreign sale, with 42 per cent for and 36 per cent against.
“If a company like Disney, AOL Time Warner or Microsoft was able to get hold of ITV, it would lead to greater Americanisation of our culture,” said an NUJ spokesman. “The poll shows how far things have gone, with the least resistance among the young. Young people are thoroughly inured to American programmes and culture.”
The poll coincided with the NUJ’s lobby of Parliament on Tuesday, as part of its campaign against the bill.
By Wale Azeez
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