BBC forced to 'teach' pupils if schools remain closed
Date published: 28 July 2009
Schools in Rochdale may not reopen after the summer holidays due to the increasing prevalence of swine flu in the community.
The number of swine flu cases continues to increase and as reported on Rochdale Online last week, Councillor Zulf Ali said: "Rochdale Council is working closely with other agencies and will take a decision before the new term starts on whether schools will reopen.
The Government was reportedly considering teaching children via the internet in the event that schools do not reopen after the summer holidays, however, in a controversial development, the Government is now talking of using the BBC to teach pupils as TV has a wider reach in homes than broadband internet services.
Government ministers are said to be ready to invoke a clause in the corporation's agreement that states that in case of an emergency and Government minister has the power to force the BBC to "broadcast or otherwise distribute any announcement or other programme."
The BBC has denounced the plan as "akin to a government takeover."
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