TV Regulation Overhaul Set To Pave The Way For Digital Developments

New measures to undertake a complete overhaul of the regulations surrounding broadcasting and telecoms will be unveiled later this year, culture secretary Chris Smith announced yesterday. A white paper will propose reforms to take account of convergence within the communications industries and allow British media groups to compete more fully in the global market.

Broadcasters have been calling for reform for a number of years particularly since the emergence of digital and the inevitable increase in competition it has brought. Rules on programme content, the remit of public service broadcasting, and the ownership of media companies will be covered by the white paper.

The issue of ITV consolidation will also be addressed in the light of recent merger proposals between United News & Media and Carlton Communications (see Media Merger May Hit Regulatory Obstacles). Smith said that his consultations with broadcasting, regulatory and viewers’ interest groups over the future of the ITV network would run parallel to the investigations of the Office of Fair Trading.

Stephen Byers, secretary of state for trade and industry said: “As we move into the twenty-first century and the digital age, we need to ensure that regulations covering the converging broadcasting telecommunications and information technology industries are flexible and effective, foster competitive markets and ensure the UK remains a world leader in providing communications services.”

Department of Culture, Media and Sport: 020 7211 6272