Lib Dems May Scupper Communications Bill Compromise

The Government’s last minute agreement with Lord Puttnam may not be enough to secure the smooth passage of the Communications Bill through the Lords, after Liberal Democrat peer Lord McNally called for a specific ban on Rupert Murdoch buying Channel Five.

Liberal Democrat peers are hoping to force an amendment to the Bill which would prevent a national newspaper with a market share of 20% or greater from acquiring a terrestrial TV channel.

The move comes in spite of the Government’s introduction of a “plurality test”, a compromise measure designed to avert defeat in the Lords (see

Government Ends Media Ownership Deadlock

Government Ends Media Ownership Deadlock

If the amendment is successful, it will be a blow to the Government and Lord Puttnam, who negotiated the compromise measure. Puttnam has also expressed concern that the House of Commons may try to push back the concessions won in the House Of Lords.

The Communications Bill receives its third and final reading in the Lords today and the Government is hoping to receive the royal assent by 17 July.

DCMS: 020 7211 6200 www.dcms.gov.uk

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