Consultation on updating the media mergers regime
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
Having taken the consultation responses into consideration, we have chosen to move forward with the policy and drafting of the definitions as outlined in the original consultation. We consider that our proposed changes balance the need to protect the public interest in a digital age with our responsibility to support a competitive and sustainable media environment.
Original consultation
Consultation description
This consultation has been extended to 13 January 2025 to give interested parties additional time to respond. If you鈥檝e already responded, you鈥檙e welcome to submit another response or to email:聽media-mergers@dcms.gov.uk.
The UK鈥檚 communications regulator, Ofcom, has a duty under section 3 of the Communications Act 2003 to secure and maintain a sufficient plurality of providers of different TV and radio services. It also has a duty under section 391 of the Act to review the operation of the media ownership rules listed in that section every three years.聽
In its most recent review of these rules, Ofcom set out three recommendations for government:
- retain the Cross-Media Ownership and Appointed News Provider rules relating to Channel 3
- remove restrictions on certain entities holding broadcasting licences
- broaden the scope of the existing Media Public Interest Test framework beyond print newspapers and broadcasters by applying existing public interest considerations in section 58 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to a broader range of 鈥渘ews creators鈥�
This technical consultation will focus on the final recommendation and is seeking views on proposed government amendments to the EA 2002 that will implement these changes.
Respond to this consultation by completing the online form.
Documents
Updates to this page
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Government response added.
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Consultation extended to 13 January 2025.
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First published.