Media
Ofcom: Sky's ITV stake has 'public interest issues'
Published Friday, Apr 27 2007, 14:55 BST | By Joanne Oatts
Ofcom has completed its public interest investigation into Sky's acquisition of 17.9% of ITV shares last year.
The regulator believes there are public interest issues, in relation to "sufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television news in the UK."
Ofcom will now submit its advice to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, which will inform his decision on making a reference to the Competition Commission.
Darling will announce a decision by May 26, with a report from Ofcom to be published before that.
Ofcom is continuing its review of whether, following Sky's share acquisition, there has been "change of control" at ITV. Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is required to "consider whether there has been a change of control such that there should be a review of certain ITV plc programming obligations."
The Office of Fair Trading is also reporting today to the Secretary of State on competition issues.
The regulator believes there are public interest issues, in relation to "sufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television news in the UK."
Ofcom will now submit its advice to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, which will inform his decision on making a reference to the Competition Commission.
Darling will announce a decision by May 26, with a report from Ofcom to be published before that.
Ofcom is continuing its review of whether, following Sky's share acquisition, there has been "change of control" at ITV. Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is required to "consider whether there has been a change of control such that there should be a review of certain ITV plc programming obligations."
The Office of Fair Trading is also reporting today to the Secretary of State on competition issues.
More: Media, Broadcasting
More Media News
Satellite TV News
Sky marks Jubilee with Union Jack remoteSky and One For All create universal remote celebrating the landmark UK summer.
Cable News
Pirate Bay blockade begins with VirginBT, Sky, others to follow suit, but rights groups warn it won't tackle piracy.
Freeview News
Freeview+ made easier for blind peopleRNIB develops software to make it easier for blind people to use Freeview+.
Video on Demand
'World first' social VOD service launchesThe studio behind Plan B's iLL Manors offers VOD users rewards for sharing.
