ISBA Accepts BBC3 Approval As Inevitable

ISBA has announced that it is “unsurprised” by the Government’s decision to give BBC3 the go-ahead, but has welcomed the stringent conditions imposed on the new digital youth channel.

ISBA, which has previously argued against the channel, said the stringent conditions laid down by the Government will ensure that it does not stifle the commercial marketplace (see Government Finally Gives BBC3 The Go Ahead). It has also signalled that it will be pressuring the Government to ensure that BBC3 adheres to the conditions laid out.

The group will ask the Government whether Ofcom, the proposed single communications regulator, will now be given full authority to regulate BBC3. It has also made it clear that it expects the Government to consult with it regarding any further development of the channel.

In a separate move, ISBA has announced it’s support for ITV and Channel 4’s bid to prevent the BBC cutting the number of commercial channels they will be able to show on the corporation’s new digital terrestrial platform, due to launch this autumn (see ISBA Backs Commercial Broadcasters In Freeview Struggle).

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk

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