Regulatory Bodies To Join Forces In Preparation For Ofcom

The five communications regulators have announced an agreement to work together in preparation for the introduction of Ofcom. A new Memorandum of Understanding between the Broadcasting Standards Commission, Independent Television Commission, Office of Telecommunications, Radio Authority and Radiocommunications Agency, sets out the arrangements for working closely together on a wide range of issues.

A steering group made up of chief executives from the regulatory bodies has been formed to oversee this work and the new approach will involve sharing information, meeting and networking between the bodies, and where there are common interests, policy issues will be developed together. Equally, wherever possible, common positions will be developed in briefings for representation at international meetings dealing with spectrum, the European Directives and content issues.

Chris Smith, secretary of state for culture, media and sport said: “I welcome this initiative taken by the regulators to meet the challenges set out in the Government’s White Paper. We are aiming for joined-up regulation for a new world of communication. Getting the regulatory bodies themselves to identify some of the ways ahead, and work together to achieve it, will be a valuable contribution to a more flexible, but effective, regime.”

Ways will be sought to facilitate collaboration on matters of common concern to the bodies, including areas such as digital switch-over, competition in relevant markets, the development of the internet and e-commerce, audience research, elaboration of content codes, complaint handling and Human Rights Act issues.

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