Queen to honour broadcasters

A reception will be held at Buckingham Palace

The Queen has announced that she is having a special "theme day" in honour of the British broadcasting industry.

The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, will entertain the nation's broadcasters, celebrating the contribution of radio and television.

She will spend 28 November visiting various broadcasting studios, before inviting some 650 broadcasting luminaries and staff back to Buckingham Palace for a reception.

The newest Royal theme day is in recognition of the broadcasting industry's contribution to the UK economy.

The UK broadcasting industry grossed £6.7bn and employed more than 100,000 people in 1999, mostly in London and the South East.

The average UK inhabitant watches some 25 hours of TV a week.

Jubilee

Huge crowds celebrated the Silver Jubilee in 1977

The announcement follows closely on the heels of the recent unveiling of 2002's Golden Jubilee plans.

It will be a three month celebration of the Queen's 50 years on the throne, with Tuesday 4 June 2002 being the main day of celebrations.

Local communities planning street parties - as in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee - are being encouraged to have them on that day, which has been made an extra bank holiday.

The Queen will attend a National Thanksgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London on 4 June, followed by a Golden Jubilee lunch at Guildhall, in the City of London.