View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
November 17, 2009updated 18 Nov 2009 9:58am

Ofcom calls for easing of local press ownership rules

By PA Mediapoint

Regional media ownership rules should be relaxed to ensure the survival of local press, radio and television news, the Government was told today.

Communications regulator Ofcom joined the growing chorus for liberalisation to boost regional outlets battling a slump in advertising.

It said in its report to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport:

“We have found that even though consumers are increasingly using the internet as an alternative source of news, there is still strong reliance on television, newspapers and radio. However, these industries are facing significant economic changes.

“These are most acute in local media. Some relaxation of the local ownership rules will benefit citizens and consumers by helping to ensure that local content continues to be commercially provided.”

Ofcom recommended liberalising local cross-media ownership rules so that the only restrictions were in owning all three of: local newspapers with more than a 50 per cent market share, a local radio station and the ITV licence for the area.

It also called for the removal of the rules governing ownership of local radio services and digital audio broadcasting (DAB) multiplexes.

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: “These proposals would allow local media companies more flexibility to respond to the challenges that they are facing while at the same time protecting plurality for listeners and viewers; it is for Government and Parliament to take any decisions in this area.”

The Ofcom report said its recommendations could help “maintain local content, by increasing flexibility for media companies”.

It added: “They would reduce the regulatory burden on the local media sector and the radio industry in particular. Consumers still rely on television, radio and press for news, so complete removal of the local cross media ownership rules could reduce protection for plurality.”

Ofcom’s report was released after the Tories revealed plans for a “big bang” deregulation of local media ownership to revive regional newspapers and television.

Ofcom’s recommendations were based on its analyses of the local media sector published in September.

Ofcom reviews media ownership rules to report to the Government every three years. Its last report was in November 2006.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network