The Financial Times has published an open letter to the newly returned Prime Minister, urging him to push ahead with the communications bill, now that the need to keep the media on-side is diminished following the election.
The letter, by media reporter Andrew Ward, hints at the media’s displeasure at Chris Smith’s removal (see Smith Replaced By Jowell Following Labour Landslide): “You no doubt had reasons…but he was a minister in command of his brief”, and says his replacement, Tessa Jowell must quickly get up to speed.
Ward expresses the opinion that the bill must be included in the Queen’s Speech, so that it can be pushed through before a euro referendum means press support must be sought again. As to content, Ward says, “At the least, the industry expects you to reduce the limits on radio ownership and pave the way for Granada and Carlton Communications to merge into a single ITV.” In fact, judging by the reaction to the communications white paper last year (see Industry Gives Cautious Welcome To White Paper) most within the industry would welcome more detailed measures still.
Another area where movement is needed is the digital switch-over, previously given a deadline by Smith of 2006-2010. With only 26% of the population having taken up digital services so far, Ward warns, “If the government remains committed to this target, it must invest more in encouraging take-up.” He goes on to point out that the Office of Fair Trading investigation into whether BSkyB is suffocating the competition in the digital TV world is “potentially explosive”. Rupert Murdoch’s reaction obviously cannot be ignored if the backing of the fourth estate is needed in future.
The letter goes on to discuss regulation, in particular with reference to the BBC. “If you want to appear tough on the BBC there are plenty of opportunities coming up to fire a shot across the corporation’s bows.” Ward urges, before listing some of them, including the renewal of the BBC charter in 2006.
The full letter can be viewed on the FT’s website, www.ft.com.
DCMS: 020 7211 6200 www.culture.gov.uk FT.com: 020 7643 2266 www.ft.com
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