TV
Stephen Byers, Trade Secretary, has given the go-ahead to a merger between Carlton Communications and United News and Media, at the same time as consenting to Granada's proposal to bid for one of the two.
The approval may just be the first step towards a single ITV company controlling all regions. However, Byers' announcement will reduce the number of main players from three down to two.
He said: "The UK media scene has changed radically since the early 1990s. It is important that we allow ITV to develop in a way which allows it to compete effectively in an increasingly diverse market. My decisions today should ensure that there is effective competition in the ITV sector, protecting the interests of viewers, advertisers and programme makers."
United and Carlton said in a joint statement: "We welcome the prospect of a relaxation of regulatory restrictions. Carlton and United will be considering carefully the implications of today's announcement on their merger plans and a further announcement will be made in due course."
The approval may just be the first step towards a single ITV company controlling all regions. However, Byers' announcement will reduce the number of main players from three down to two.
He said: "The UK media scene has changed radically since the early 1990s. It is important that we allow ITV to develop in a way which allows it to compete effectively in an increasingly diverse market. My decisions today should ensure that there is effective competition in the ITV sector, protecting the interests of viewers, advertisers and programme makers."
United and Carlton said in a joint statement: "We welcome the prospect of a relaxation of regulatory restrictions. Carlton and United will be considering carefully the implications of today's announcement on their merger plans and a further announcement will be made in due course."
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