IPA Calls For One TV Regulatory Body

The IPA has joined the ITV companies in calling for one body to control all UK TV channels for the “purposes of economic regulation”.

In a submission to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the IPA wants this body to have responsibility for terrestrial commercial and non-commercial channels, all satellite channels and digital television services with authority over other broadcast/visual services such as cable, the internet, video kiosks, and electronic data services delivered to the TV screen.

It should also be responsible for defining the overall broadcast structure and remit of specific services, both commercial and non-commercial, and for allocating franchises and licences.

The IPA proposes that the enlarged body should operate on the basis that the sale of advertising must continue to offer open competition and ensure that anti-competitive practices are not introduced either across broadcast media in total or within any specific sector.

Jim Marshall, chairman of the IPA Future of Television Working Party, said: “We believe that it is only by making a single regulator responsible that a thorough and co-ordinated review can take place of the whole television medium.”

IPA: 0171 235 7020