21/11/2002

Yesterday the UK government finally published the eagerly awaited Communications Bill that will set the blueprint for the future of the national media industry.
As expected, the ban on non-EU companies being allowed to buy prime UK media TV and radio assets has been lifted, but the new independent regulatory watchdog, OFCOM,(Office of Communications) will guarantee that any future mergers respect fair and full competition in the media sector.
“With the publication of the Communications Bill, we hope to create a market that thrives on competition to provide the best in information and entertainment to the UK,” said culture minister Tessa Jowell.
The Bill is good news for the UK’s state broadcaster, the BBC, since it will continue to self-regulate without interference from OFCOM. The Bill also means that the UK’s biggest ITV (Independent Television) companies, Carlton and Granada will now be allowed to merge.
However for the first time OFCOM will be able to impose financial penalties of up to £250,000 (Euros 375,000) on broadcasters who are found to have breached the taste and decency rules.
The Bill is expected to become law by autumn next year.