Newspaper Society ‘Wary’ Of Ofcom’s Power

The Newspaper Society has called for an amendment to the Communications Bill to protect the regional press from the public interest provisions that will govern mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

Tim Bowdler, chief executive of Johnston Press and president of the Newspaper Society, claimed that the new regulation surrounding newspaper acquisitions, as laid out in the Communications Bill places, an “unnecessary regulatory burden” on the regional press.

The Newspaper Society is requesting a minor amendment to the Bill, that would exempt local newspapers from the regulations governing newspaper transfers and mergers.

The Society has also expressed concern over the introduction of the new super-regulator, Ofcom, into the regulatory framework and the focus it will have on editorial issues in the newspaper sector.

The regional newspaper industry believes that Ofcom’s role in newspaper transfers is too extensive and may result in a regime which constrains rather than supports editorial diversity and development.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Stephen Carter, ex-managing director of cable company NTL, was to take up the challenging role of chief executive at Ofcom (see Carter Set For Chief Executive Role at Ofcom).

Newspaper Society: 020 7636 7014 www.newspapersoc.org.uk

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