ITC Publishes Consultation Paper On Airtime Sales Arrangements And Share Deals

The ITC has published a consultation paper which suggests changes to the current Statement on Airtime Sales Arrangements. It is seeking comments on new, simplified rules, with the main changes suggested in the document being to:

• Allow joint selling arrangements for national airtime.
• Abolish the regulatory limit on Net Advertising Revenue share.
• Abolish the requirements for prior written consent for joint sales arrangements involving regional Channel 3 licences.
• Maintain a prohibition of joint selling arrangements between Carlton Communications and Granada Media.

The last of the above points, referring to Carlton and Granada, or any arrangements which would have a similar effect, would be regarded by the ITC as having immediate effect. However, new arrangements arising from the consultation would be expected to be in place by the summer of next year.

Copies of the consultation paper and the current Statement on Sales Arrangements are available from the ITC website or the ITC Information Office. Responses to the consultation should be returned by the end of Friday 26 January 2001.

ITC: 020 7255 3000

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