Governments Ownership Proposals – ITC Reaction

The ITC welcomes the Government’s media ownership proposals. The ITC regards it as important that the Commission will have to apply a public interest test when considering future merger proposals between television and newspaper companies. The Government’s commitment to clarify the definition of control is highly desirable, the press release goes on to say.

The ITC supports the Government’s decision to maintain the 20% maximum single shareholding in ITN, as the nominated news provider for channel 3. The Commission expects those licensees not currently in conformity with the 20% limit to sell down to this limit as soon as possible before the 31 December 1995 deadline.