Programme looking at issues around television, with items on the Edinburgh TV festival, the popularity of quiz shows and the prospect of a fourth channel.

This edition of LWT's monthly programme, presented by Andrew Neil, begins with a report from the 1978 Edinburgh television festival, where there had been discussion about the rise in concern at violence in TV drama. Such criticisms had led to instances of censorship and editorial intervention by the BBC.

Writer Kennith Trodd cites the example of Barry Keeffe's Gotcha, which the BBC director general had banned. Also mentioned is Caryl Churchill's The Legion Hall Bombing, which had been re-written by BBC executives against the wishes of Churchill and the director Roland Joffe. Writer Howard Schuman argues that expectations of the 'accountability' of broadcasters too often means them falling into line with a narrow, petit-bourgeois sensibility.

Another item explores the growing popularity of quiz shows on television. Nicholas Parsons argues that while a vocal minority of viewers and critics might criticise them, such shows are popular with a silent majority.

The third item sees a viewer criticise ITV's Spearhead series for what he felt were its unrealistic portrayals of the British army.

The final item considers arguments for a proposed fourth channel, and what kind of programming it should offer.

Andrew Neil reports on the Edinburgh television festival.