Ofcom considers further relaxing media ownership rules

Posted by Leah McBride Mensching on August 9, 2010 at 1:52 PM

UK communications regulator Ofcom has recommended relaxing cross-media ownership rules so that the only restriction left would be that one body cannot own local newspapers with more than a 50 percent market share, the ITV licence for the area and a local radio station. Now, however, Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Secretary Jeremy Hunt is asking the regulator to consider further liberalising that rule as well, The Press Association reported today.

Because local media is facing "significant economic pressure," Ofcom has said it will review the rules.

However, the regulator did point out its concern that combined ownership could give a company or one person too much control over local news.

"Limited plurality of news and opinion in a local area could restrict local debate and accountability," Ofcom said today, according to MediaGuardian. "This remains a serious consideration which needs to be weighed against the arguments for further relaxation."

Factors that would ensure plurality remain, however, MediaGuardian reported. These include: the government's plans to develop a network of local TV stations, the presence of the BBC across the United Kingdom and the power of competition authorities to step in when mergers present possible risks to plurality.