ITC Calls For Single Broadcasting Regulator

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has added its voice to those calling for a single regulatory board for the whole of broadcasting and the internet. As the countdown to the Government’s White Paper on communications reform begins, the commission has published its own submission paper.

It supports the creation of a single Office of Communications, dubbed Ofcom, whose powers will include television, both commercial and publicly-owned, telecommunications and the internet. Like many within the media industry, including the Broadcasting Standards Commission (see Lighter Regulation Must Mean More Accountable Broadcasters, Says BSC), the ITC believes regulation should be given a lighter touch.

“Reform of the regulatory system must reflect the changing and convergent environment, to provide a framework system within which a dynamic market is fostered and supported, and the public interest objectives are fully met,” the report said.

However it is not in agreement with the Government over the time period for new regulation. The Government plans to cover 10 years with the next batch of reform are described as “over ambitious” in the ITC report, and the commission calls for legislation lasting 5 or 6 years instead to take into account both the speed of technological development and the time it take for viewers to adapt to the changes.

“We face an indeterminate period of transition,” the report said. “Many people will take up the expanding consumer choices becoming available to them, quickly and eagerly. Many others will take longer, or be more selective in their choices. Many more will wish to maintain the status quo…The ITC urges the Government to ensure that its proposals take full account of the exceptionally wide and divergent spectrum of consumer interests, which will be a key characteristic of this sector for the foreseeable future.”

ITC: 020 7306 7743