A new GBC - fresh, rebranded and given a more level playing field - could emerge at 6am one morning this year if the Government and former Sky presenter Allan King have their way.

Government have already made Mr King their front-runner for the post of CEO.

 

And they have concluded that:

“Given the nature and extent of the issues affecting GBC, and the radical degree of change necessary, it is unrealistic to expect that the introduction of changes can be led from within by any of GBC’s existing staff.”

In the report, which despite unrevealed Government editing is highly focused and realistic, the Government blue-print sets out a radical strategy for reform of the local broadcast monopoly that would considerably change how we see ‘the box’ at home if implemented.

CABLE GUY

Slipped into the plan is that “consideration” is being given to allowing GBC to also operate as a cable TV service provider of imported TV channels using modern fibre optic cable/telephone technology. A signal that the ‘no questions asked’ super cheap service, enjoyed by most of the Rock except MoD establishments where it is banned, could disappear.

And BFBS will have frequencies stripped to allow a fresh two strand GBC radio service that can appeal respectively to the community and young people.

The report, supported by Government, also declares an end to unrealistic parity that is being enjoyed and promises a work practices enema backed by redundancies and management discipline.

The Government published its position paper on the future of GBC, entitled “The Way Forward”, after 14 months consideration of the Allan King Report, the main findings and recommendations of which are set out in ‘The Way Forward’ paper.

The report is being placed on the Government’s website, and initiates a six week consultation process. Anyone wishing to comment on the paper should write to the Minister for Broadcasting, Joe Holliday, at 771 Europort, or e-mail info.medt@gibraltar.gov.gi

Mr Holliday said yesterday that “the Government view, which I believe is widely shared, is that GBC is valuable to and valued by the community, but that it needs to change in order to continue to serve the community’s needs in a changing world. I look forward to working with the Board and staff of GBC to transform and re-launch it for the next 50 years.”

The report will undoubtedly have a mixed reception at the station but sets out to revitalise attitudes and pride in their work.

“Despite its importance to Gibraltar, GBC has (for a variety of reasons) not developed, reformed and modernised to maximise and reflect its continuing relevance and value to Gibraltar in a changing mediatic world and in a changed Gibraltar. Nor has it maintained the required degree of operating efficiency, creative output, motivation, an effective management structure, or the most appropriate programme mix and output,” said Mr King in his report.

The Government’s view is that GBC is valuable to and valued by the community, but that it needs to change in order to survive and prosper in the future, and to retain and maximise its relevance to the Community, and serve its needs.

The Audience Survey carried out as part of the King Report shows that, while there is overwhelming support for GBC’s continued existence, less than 30% believe it provides good value.

TALENT

“There is an exceptional level of talent at GBC. It is important that creative and technical people are nurtured, properly trained, and that they realise that their abilities and contributions are valued. Sufficient core talent and enthusiasm exist to make the necessary changes,” he says.

But Mr King also states that there is a job for life mentality “something that has no place in broadcasting”.

In a damning section of the analysis he points out that “a small number of employees go to work to earn a living, with no interest in what they are producing. They are not held to account for their failures and shortcomings. There is undoubtedly some ‘dead wood’ amongst the staff, just marking time until retirement and this needs to be eliminated.”

NOT BBC

“Roles do not directly relate to BBC Regional Stations so there is no exact template on which parity could be based, even if it were desirable. GBC employees should be appropriately but not excessively remunerated,” he says.

“A process fair to both staff and GBC should be undertaken to establish remuneration, but pay scales should take account of pay scales operating in Gibraltar, UK rates cannot simply be transposed.”

The station will be moved into town – John Mackintosh Hall area has been mooted in the past but the paper does not say where – and the report recognises there is a need for more programmes directly relating to Gibraltar: more local events coverage, sports, heritage, culture, music, history, social etc.

BOARD RESTRUCTURE

The existing ‘GBC’ Board/General Manager arrangement will be replaced by a two-tier Board/CEO arrangement. At the top level there will be a Government appointed Board of Governors and beneath it there will be a Board of Management and a Chief Executive Officer.