Ofcom Discussion

Quote:UK Government proposes changes to Ofcom remit

In a move that it claims is all about the taxpayer, the UK Government is promising to change the areas of responsibility of the broadcast regulator Ofcom.

Many in the ruling Conservative party have always regarded the organisation - the current chief executive of which was previously a senior policy advisor to Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair - with some suspicion, and its new consultation published today proposes making seven changes to Ofcom’s statutory duties and functions that it claims will cut red tape and “will save money and increase efficiency for both the regulator and industry.”

The UK Government says that is committed to removing unnecessary burdens on business so broadcasters will no longer produce annual statements of programme policy under these proposals. It adds that these statements are weak regulatory levers, and the relevant information is collected through other means. The proposed changes include removing the obligation for Ofcom to review the public service broadcasting landscape every five years and instead allow the UK Culture Secretary to request a review when it is needed. It is also designed to allow Ofcom to assess how the various Channel 3 licensees work together when necessary, rather than annually. The regulator would no longer have to review a change of control of a Channel 3 or Channel 5 licence and instead do it if warranted.

The consultation also suggests Ofcom should have more flexibility to change its governance structures, enabling it to adapt as circumstances change, with the Secretary of State’s approval, and be as efficient as possible. Interestingly, the proposed changes would allow Ofcom to charge for filing applications for satellite orbits with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Commenting on the proposals, Ed Vaizey, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, said: “We must ensure that every penny of taxpayers’ money is spent properly. Ofcom and broadcasters are currently legally obliged to spend money and time doing work that isn’t necessarily required.”