STV plan will destroy creative potential

As a company director I, like almost all of my fellow independent television producers, strongly oppose the UK government's proposal to reclassify STV as an independent producer (Letters, 3 February). The UK, at this time like no other, needs to cultivate the grassroots energy and creativity of entrepreneurs and producers. Our world-class TV industry generates big revenues from global sales and has its roots in initial UK broadcast commissions.

As an indie producer, I find this proposal incredible. STV is doing well enough. The proposal is against all needs of the country and individual production companies, particularly in Scotland. Even STV says the move would increase earnings by only 400,000. So who needs this proposal? It needs to be stopped before it swamps the genuine "indie" businesses that are outputting nationally and worldwide, and which we are all working to grow.

The government seems to be encouraging entrepreneurs through Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, while the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is promoting plans to free up a major broadcaster with contradictory consequences.

As a producer with many hours of national television to my credit and major series in the pitching, I know It is vital for the "level" playing field to be preserved. Competition in this industry is fierce enough; making it destructive serves no useful purpose. If you care about the quality and breadth of what you see on TV please write to your MP to complain.

MARTIN FISHER

Visible Ink Television

Nine Mile Burn

Penicuik, Midlothian