Media
Ofcom examines impact of Sky's ITV stake
Published Tuesday, Nov 21 2006, 13:50 GMT | By James Welsh
Media regulator Ofcom is considering whether Sky's shareholding in ITV represents a change in control of one or more of the Channel 3 broadcasting licences held by ITV plc.
The regulator is inviting comment from both Sky and ITV before making a decision.
"If Ofcom were to conclude that a change of control had taken place, Ofcom would then need to review the effects - or likely effects - of such a change of control on ITV's licensed services; for example, original productions, news and current affairs programmes and regional programming," the regulator said in a statement today.
Ofcom expects to make a decision, taking into account various factors including the
level of shareholding acquired, voting rights, ITV's constitution and
management controls, and funding arrangements, within six weeks.
The regulator is inviting comment from both Sky and ITV before making a decision.
"If Ofcom were to conclude that a change of control had taken place, Ofcom would then need to review the effects - or likely effects - of such a change of control on ITV's licensed services; for example, original productions, news and current affairs programmes and regional programming," the regulator said in a statement today.
Ofcom expects to make a decision, taking into account various factors including the
level of shareholding acquired, voting rights, ITV's constitution and
management controls, and funding arrangements, within six weeks.
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