Queen’s Speech – New Broadcasting Bill

The government has confirmed that it is to introduce a new Broadcasting Bill which will “extend choice and competition” in the UK media industry. The restrictions on cross-media ownership will be relaxed, and the digital television should be introduced within the next two years.

The Broadcasting Bill is likely to be tabled at the end of the month or in early December; the urgency comes from a desire to launch digital terrestrial television, with its ability for many more channels, as soon as possible. The Bill will be based in part on the two white papers issued this year, on Cross-Media Ownership and Digital Television.