NEGOTIATIONS ONGOING OVER PROMOTIONAL VIDEO OF OMAGH AREA
Negotiations ongoing over promotional video of Omagh area
NEGOTIATIONS are currently ongoing between Omagh District Council and Carlton Television with regard to the production of a promotional video of the area.
The company was forced to broadcast a public apology shortly before Christmas, following widespread outrage at a programme it ran in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb, featuring relatives of some of those who had died.
The 'Thursday Night Live' slot, which included a phone poll on the peace process, was slammed as being insensitive, and, following an inquiry by the Independent Television Commission, Carlton issued an apology.
District councillor, Mr. Oliver Gibson, had called on Carlton to ask it to produce a promotional video of the Omagh area, and the company had indicated it would consider such a gesture.
At the council's monthly meeting, the chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, told members he had opened negotiations with Carlton in respect of the proposed video.
He said he would keep councillors informed of developments as the negotiations progressed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gibson said the council should also approach the local broadcasting companies, UTV and BBC Northern Ireland to encourage them to use the Omagh area as a location for some of their programmes.
He pointed out that, in other parts of the UK, certain programmes and soap operas boosted the tourism of the areas in which they were filmed.
"We have two of the most important tourism features in Northern Ireland - the Ulster History Park and the Folk Park - and some of the most dramatic scenery," he said.
He added that Carlton Television could also be encouraged to film in the area in the future, as well as producing a video.
Mr. Paddy McGowan pointed out that the recent 'Awash with Colour' series had shown parts of the Omagh district, and had been a particularly successful programme. But he agreed that a lot more could be done.
NEGOTIATIONS are currently ongoing between Omagh District Council and Carlton Television with regard to the production of a promotional video of the area.
The company was forced to broadcast a public apology shortly before Christmas, following widespread outrage at a programme it ran in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb, featuring relatives of some of those who had died.
The 'Thursday Night Live' slot, which included a phone poll on the peace process, was slammed as being insensitive, and, following an inquiry by the Independent Television Commission, Carlton issued an apology.
District councillor, Mr. Oliver Gibson, had called on Carlton to ask it to produce a promotional video of the Omagh area, and the company had indicated it would consider such a gesture.
At the council's monthly meeting, the chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, told members he had opened negotiations with Carlton in respect of the proposed video.
He said he would keep councillors informed of developments as the negotiations progressed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gibson said the council should also approach the local broadcasting companies, UTV and BBC Northern Ireland to encourage them to use the Omagh area as a location for some of their programmes.
He pointed out that, in other parts of the UK, certain programmes and soap operas boosted the tourism of the areas in which they were filmed.
"We have two of the most important tourism features in Northern Ireland - the Ulster History Park and the Folk Park - and some of the most dramatic scenery," he said.
He added that Carlton Television could also be encouraged to film in the area in the future, as well as producing a video.
Mr. Paddy McGowan pointed out that the recent 'Awash with Colour' series had shown parts of the Omagh district, and had been a particularly successful programme. But he agreed that a lot more could be done.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0597
Published Date: 14-Jan-99
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