Transport and communications in the United Kingdom

2.5 The British Broadcasting Corporation

It is invariably known as the BBC (and also informally known as the Beeb or Auntie) is the largest broadcasting corporation in the world, employing 26,000 staff in the UK alone and with a budget of Ј4 billion. Founded in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company Ltd, it was subsequently incorporated and made a state-owned but independent corporation in 1927. The corporation produces programs and information services, broadcasting on television, radio, and the Internet. The stated mission of the BBC is "to inform, educate and entertain", and the motto of the BBC is Nation Shall Speak Peace Unto Nation. The BBC is a quasi-autonomous Public Corporation operating as a public service broadcaster. The Corporation is currently run by a board of governors appointed by the Queen on the advice of government ministers; however, the BBC is, per its charter, to be "free from both political and commercial influence and answers only to its viewers and listeners". Its domestic programming and broadcasts are primarily funded by levying television license fees (under the Wireless & Telegraphy Act 1947), although there is also money raised through commercial activities such as sale of merchandise and programming. The BBC World Service, however, is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In order to justify the license fee the BBC is expected to produce a number of high-rating shows in addition to programs that commercial broadcasters would not normally broadcast. Quite often domestic audiences have affectionately referred to the BBC as the Beeb, (coined by Kenny Everett) or as Auntie; the latter said to originate in the somewhat old fashioned Auntie knows best attitude dating back to the early days when John Reith was in charge. Occasionally the terms are used together as Auntie Beeb. The original British Broadcasting Company was founded in 1922 by a group of telecommunications companies (including subsidiaries of General Electric and AT&T) to broadcast experimental radio services. The first transmission was on 14 November of that year, from station 2LO, located at Marconi House, London. The Company, with John Reith as general manager, became the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1927 when it was granted a Royal Charter of incorporation and ceased to be privately owned. It started experimental television broadcasting in 1932 using an entirely mechanical 30 line system developed by John Logie Baird. It becoming a regular service (known as the BBC Television Service) in 1936 alternating between a Baird mechanical 240 line system and the all electronic 405 line EMI system. The superiority of the electronic system saw the mechanical system dropped later that year. Television broadcasting was suspended from 1 September 1939 to 7 June 1946 during the Second World War. A widely reported urban myth is that, upon resumption of service, announcer Leslie Mitchell started by saying, "As I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted..." In fact, the first person to appear when transmission resumed was Jasmine Bligh and the words said were "Good afternoon, everybody. How are you? Do you remember me, Jasmine Bligh...?" Competition to the BBC was introduced in 1955 with the commercially and independently operated ITV. As a result of the Pilkington Committee report of 1962, in which the BBC was lauded and ITV was very heavily criticised for not providing enough quality programming, the BBC were awarded a second TV channel, BBC 2, in 1964, renaming the existing channel BBC 1. BBC2 used the higher resolution 625 line standard which had been standardized across Europe. BBC 2 was broadcast in color from 1 July 1967, and was joined by BBC 1 and ITV on 15 November 1969. The 405 line transmissions were continued for compatibility with older television receivers for some years. In 1974 the BBC's teletext service, CEEFAX, was introduced but was not finally transmitted in-vision as such until April 1980. In 1978 the BBC went on strike just before the Christmas of that year, thus blocking out the transmission of both channels and amalgamating all four radio stations into one. Since the deregulation of the UK television and radio market in the 1980s, the BBC has faced increased competition from the commercial sector (and from the advertiser-funded public service broadcaster Channel 4), especially on satellite television, cable television, and digital television services. The BBC Research Department has played a major part in the development of broadcasting and recording techniques. In the early days it carried out essential research into acoustics and program level and noise measurement. The 2004 Hutton Inquiry, and the subsequent report raised questions about the BBC journalistic standards and its impartiality. This lead to resignations of senior management members at the time. The BBC is a quasi-autonomous Public Corporation operating as a public service broadcaster incorporated under a Royal Charter reviewed on a 10 yearly basis. The Corporation is currently run by a board of governors appointed by The Queen or King on the advice of the government for a term of four years, though this is soon to be replaced with a BBC Trust. The BBC is required by its charter to be free from both political and commercial influence and to answer only to its viewers and listeners. The BBC is a nominally autonomous corporation, independent from direct government intervention. It is currently run by an appointed Board of Governors, with this being replaced by the BBC Trust from January 2007. General management of the organization is in the hands of a Director-General appointed by the governors. Historically, the BBC has been subject to continuing criticism for various policies or perceived biases since its inception^[ and more recently over its coverage of events in the Middle East and the controversy over what it described as the "sexing up" of the case for war in Iraq by the government, for which the BBC was heavily criticized by the Hutton Inquiry, although the latter charge was much disputed by the British press.

2.6 The Internet

It is a very huge, world-wide, very fast, lots of information - more than in TV, you can find there everything if you know how to find it. It became widely spread in our times due to the computers. One of the most dramatic advances in communication potential is found in the field of computer technology. Since the first development of the modern electronic digital computers in the 1940s, computerization has infiltrated almost every area of society in nations with advanced technology. Computers are available in many formats for use in industries, schools, and individual homes, and computer networks and auxiliary devices provide a means for the rapid transmission of a wide range of data. Computer systems can tap in on a variety of information databanks, and home owners of personal computers can gain access to this information using telephone lines; it can be displayed on computer screens or properly modified television sets . Due to the rapid progress, the means of communicating have grown with the power of people to shape their physical world, and with peoples' increasing interdependence.

3. Transport and communications problems in modern United Kingdom

Changes in transport and communications benefit some people, but they sometimes disadvantage others. A bypass is likely to benefit householders in the town because traffic congestion will be reduced - but it may damage shopkeepers and hoteliers who rely on casual trade. A new airport runway, designed to increase the number of flights, will benefit people who want the extra services, but it may blight homes situated under the flight path.

Usually the improvements only benefit a small proportion of the taxpayers who are ultimately paying for them, while sometimes people who were never intended to be beneficiaries at all make a huge profit. To give one example, the extension of the Jubilee Line of the London Underground to Canary Wharf was funded out of general taxation. People who never visit that part of London derived no benefit at all, yet lucky nearby landowners benefited by nearly Ј3,000 millions - though many of them never use the Jubilee Line at all.

All these changes are reflected in the value of relevant sites. People say that the prices of "houses", "shops" or "factories" are altered. That is an over-simplification. The price of the materials of which these structures are built is hardly affected at all. What alters is not the value of the bricks and timber and other equipment, but the value of the site on which the building stands.

No proper mechanism exists today either for compensating people who lose by such changes or for collecting revenue from those who make windfall gains which they have played little or no part in creating. True, people whose whole property has been taken away (e.g., for a road widening scheme) do receive compensation. On the other hand, somebody whose business is damaged by construction of a bypass, or whose once quiet home is disturbed by a new motorway a few yards distant, usually receives nothing. This is clearly unjust.

Changes in transport and communications often produce a very long-term effect indeed. In 1841, a rail link was established between London and Brighton. At the time, a good many people at both ends of the line benefited, while a good many other people suffered from the effects of dirty, noisy trains. Those gains and losses largely continue to this day. Land values at both ends of the line, and all along its length, are still affected by something that happened more than a century and a half ago.

By the same token, closure of railway lines or bus routes also affects land values. When railways were shut down in the 1960s under the Beeching schemes, shopkeepers and hoteliers foundered in the regions which lost their rail services, While shopkeepers and hoteliers profited in places which kept their rail links.

Public attitudes have changed dramatically since Beeching's time. Most people now regard it as desirable that more use should be made of public transport to road congestion and environmental pollution from private cars, yet the road and rail companies argue that they cannot substantially improve services because the extra revenue would not meet the cost. Sometimes the dilemma is met by subsidizing transport out of public funds. The old question arises: who benefits, and who pays?

All the various changes in transport and communications affect one measurable item: land values. Sometimes they increase the value of people's land, sometimes they decrease it. This point to a way of ensuring that people who benefit from changing land values pay for the benefit they receive, while those who lose are compensated for the loss. At the same time, the burden which falls on the general taxpayer for making the changes will be greatly reduced and perhaps removed entirely. The way of doing this is called Land Value Taxation, or LVT. Under LVT, the site value of every piece of property would first be assessed. This assessment would not include the value of any building or other development on the land. A tax would then be levied in proportion to that valuation. At the same time, existing taxes such as income tax or VAT would be reduced. There is every reason for thinking that improvements in transport and communications will result in far more increases than decreases in land values. When these increases are creamed off by LVT, this will usually suffice to pay for the development and eventually yield a profit. Thus the ordinary taxpayer will be repaid for the investment in improvement. There will be no question - as there is today - of people paying money to provide transport improvements from which they derive only marginal benefits, or none at all - or even from which they actually lose. 'Improving access to jobs and services, particularly for those most in need, in ways that are sustainable: improved public transport - reduced problems of congestion and reduced problems of congestion, pollution and safety.' At a regional level, the Department encourages the close integration between regional transport, housing, economic development strategies and spending decisions. We do this to ensure that transport can best support the delivery of wider Government objectives on the economy, the environment and social inclusiveness, and we work with partners to ensure that strategies are well evidenced and supported in their delivery. At a local level, the Department encourages modernization of local transport as part of our strategy for a sustainable and integrated transport system, improving accessibility and reducing congestion. We oversee local transport planning and expenditure, helping local authorities and transport operators improve local roads, bus, taxi and light rail services, and walking and cycling facilities.

3.1 Advantages and disadvantages of British transport and communication

The advantages of using public transport are generally synonymous but wider than the advantages of using pooled transport (where people get together to undertake the same journey together, in the same vehicle). There are benefits for the greater good, such as environmental protection; and for personal gain such as increased safety. Reduced damage to the environment. One bus emits far fewer fumes than twenty cars (especially if it uses LPG fuel). Train emissions of CO2 "per passenger/Km are, on average, approximately half that of travel by car.” Reduced use of fuel. "In 1999 UK road transport consumed 80 times as much energy as rail, while the distance travelled by road passengers and freight was only 15 times as much.” Buses and trains are safer than cars. You are 9 times more likely to die travelling by car than by rail. Reduced time spent on maintenance of personal vehicles. No need to find parking spaces at your destination.

Some people hold that public transport acts to "provide a social service for the poor passengers are in fact overwhelmingly middle-class". This is probably due to the massive benefits of making daily commutes in pooled transport, therefore meaning many businessmen and workers use it. “Britain's railways have prospered over the past 10 years. Passenger numbers have risen by 40%, and trains now carry more people than they have in 50 years.”

Passenger travel aside, there are also benefits for increasing the rail network in general. Train tracks use up less space than roads, are more easily concealable so cause less visual disruption, and with increased rail coverage comes increased freight. "Carrying freight by rail results in an 80% cut in CO2 emissions per Kilogram carried compared to road haulage" and can replace 50 lorry movements1. This is a massive environmental and commercial saving. The cost to the environment is something that affects everyone. Economic concerns dictate that for future prosperity we must invest now, in a greener future. An initial cost will prevent massive costs later. Combining that with the freight savings of rail, it makes sense for governments and citizens to support the rail system. There are additional advantages to saving on fuel usage, aside from the benefits to the environment. Politics and oil supplies are often uneasy bedfellows: by reducing fuel usage, we are making our country more independent of the major oil-supplying countries which sometimes disrupt our lives by restricting oil. If oil consumption dropped, then it will be less effective to use oil supply as a political weapon. And, of course, there will be disadvantages of using the public transport.

Open transport does not afford the same level of personal space or protection as a private care (especially psychologically). Public transport is organized around fixed timetables, meaning that it is not always the practical way to travel due to conflicting arrangements. Hardy-bodied people may be able to carry luggage over public transport, but on many occasions private transport is easier.

Convenience

Through email, cell phones, social networking, chat rooms, web cams and Internet voice calls, the world seems much smaller. Instead of sending a letter and waiting days, or even months, for a response, emails provide instant answers. Software such as Skype enables you to make Internet calls for a fraction of the cost of a traditional land line. Chat rooms and text messaging allow you to communicate through real-time typing. Communication technologies are also quite convenient in emergency situations, such as when your car breaks down.

Saving Money and Time

Communication technology has changed the way companies do business. It has shortened response times and reduced the costs of paper and phone bills. Costumer service has also changed. In many cases, you no longer have to wait for hours on a telephone; you can chat on-line with representatives to solve problems faster. Businesses now market their products and services through emails and texts. Businesses can even hold visual meetings on-line, from opposite parts of the world, something that was impossible only a few years ago.

Knowledge

Communication technology puts the world at your fingertips. Being able to communicate faster and cheaper with other countries makes people more knowledgeable about world affairs. You can now enroll in an online university or college, and talk with your professor through the internet. People are able to instantly pass on important information during emergencies and disasters.

Nonverbal Communication

In face to face communication, nonverbal cues such as the tone of voice and hand gestures, help to reinforce the message you are communicating. These reinforcements are lost with computer technology, leaving your message more vulnerable to being misunderstood.

Written Communication

Written computer mediated communication, like instant messages and micro-blogging, is a contributing factor to poor writing skills. Poor grammar, misspellings, and inappropriate use of abbreviations can become developing problems as a result of written computer-mediated communication.

Laziness

Communication technology can lead to laziness. For example, instead of walking over to someone in the same room as you to strike up a conversation you would send an instant message.

Stalking

Communication technology, like social networking websites, can leave you prone to stalking by somebody mentally unstable. Being mindful of the information you post on the Internet lowers your risk of becoming a stalking victim.

Addiction

Like alcohol and drugs, the Internet can be addictive. Signs of Internet addiction include lying about Internet use and becoming oblivious to events occurring in your personal life.

Conclusions

Transport and communications play a vitally important role in people's life. Because of it's key role in supporting regional and local prosperity, economic growth and enhancing quality of life. There is much public concern about the adequacy of Britain's transport systems and the lack of an integrated infrastructure of roads, railways and airlines. Improvements and expansion involve considerable expense, and Britain invests less in transport than any other European country. Government initiatives and investment are ideally needed to remedy the existing problems, not only domestically but also in terms of European trade and competition. Otherwise Britain could lose its important transport role, particularly in the air. But the Conservatives are reluctant to spend public money on transport, and are considering more private ownership and charges for road usage in order to cut costs.

That is why, the British are very enthusiastic about mobility. They regard the opportunity to travel far and frequently as a right. Some commuters spend up to two or three hours each day getting to work in London or some other big city and back home to their suburban or country homes in the evening. Most people do not spend quite so long each day traveling, but it is taken for granted that few people live near enough to their work or secondary school to get there on foot.

As everywhere in Europe, transport in modern Britain is dominated by the motor car and there are the attendant problems of traffic congestion and pollution. These problems are, in fact, more acute than they are in many other countries both because Britain is densely populated and also because a very high proportion of goods are transported by road. There is an additional reason for congestion in Britain. While the British want the freedom to move around easily, they do not like living near big roads or railways. Any proposed new road or rail project leads to 'housing blight'. The value of houses along or near the proposed route goes down. Every such project is attended by an energetic campaign to stop construction. Partly for this reason, Britain has, in proportion to its population, fewer kilometers of main road and railway than any other country in northern Europe.

Transport policy is a matter of continual debate. During the 1980s the government's attitude was that public transport should pay for itself (and should not be given subsidies) and road building was given priority. However, the opposite point of view, which argues in favor of public transport, has become stronger during the 1990s, partly as a result of pressure from environmental groups. It is now generally accepted that transport policy should attempt to more than merely accommodate the predicted doubling in the number of cars in the next thirty years, but should consider wider issues.

Our world is very huge and sending a message from America to Asia a hundred years ago was nearly impossible or it took a lot of time. Nowadays you can send the message in a few seconds and it is very simple. The media makes the world much smaller - particularly the TV and the Internet. When you turn on the TV or a computer you can see whole world like it would be in the next village. You can learn the culture and habits of other nationalities, you can see what they are doing right now. The world is also called `the global community village'. There are not only good things about media. Firstly there are always some information that are not true. We have to be careful about it but when you listen to media for a long time you can find some companies which are nearly always true. Secondly there is a danger of being influenced in the bad way (lot of pornography on the Internet, lot of action films in TV. Thirdly - if you are a famous person the media very often take very big piece of your privacy.

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