Broadcasters committed to Liverpool level coverage

Doubts have been raised about the actual concrete benefits achievable through Londonderry’s City of Culture victory.

Critics point to the absence of Government funding towards the City of Culture year whilst others question the commitment of Conservative Culture Minister Ed Vaizey to an initiative kick-started by current Labour leadership candidate Andy Burnham in 2009.

But during an introductory meeting of the UK City of Culture Independent Advisory Panel (IAP) last December Chairman Phil Redmond outlined the benefits telling fellow panelists broadcasters were committed to providing major coverage of the winning city.

Mr Redmond was creative director behind Liverpool’s successful European Capital of Culture stint two years ago and is expertly placed to comment on the benefits of media coverage as creator of such popular television programmes as Brookside, Grange Hill and Hollyoaks.

Following Liverpool’s success he approached then Culture Minister Andy Burnham about the prospect of holding a UK City of Culture contest to allow cities the “fantastic opportunity to bring about a step-change for their area, and to (re)discover the identity of the area.”

He stated: “Major broadcasters played a vital role in ensuring that Liverpool’s year was experienced across the country and internationally. (Liverpool08’s research estimates the press value at 220m).

“Major broadcasters have committed to matching their level of coverage for the UK City of Culture host city in 2013.”