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OFCOM Watch
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OFCOM does not emerge from the shadows until the end of December 2003, but it is already busy recruiting and developing policy. A recent advert in the Executive Focus section of The Economist (15/11/3) wanted staff to work in the area of Policy Opportunities and candidates must ‘be sensitive to commercial and market issues and how they shape the regulatory environment’. Other posts are for Economic and Modelling Advisors. Of course, at this level it is too demeaning to talk about the salaries that go with these posts. It would be nice to know though.One of OFCOM’s first major projects is a review of public service broadcasting and this will play a significant role in setting the policy debate in the run-up to BBC Charter renewal. It will be a priority area of CPBF work. Details of the way the review is to be conducted are on www.ofcom.org.uk
The other intriguing job which may end up on OFCOM’s in-tray is the fate of Conrad Black’s titles. Contenders include Richard Desmond, Lord Rothermere, and Gannett, the US publishing group and owner of the UK regional newspaper group, Newsquest. Any takeovers by these groups will be subject to a Competition Commission inquiry. If the deal happens after 29 December OFCOM would be asked to test the plurality or public interest of any new ownership.
The CPBF are planning a public launch of OFCOM Watch in the New Year. Meanwhile we appeal to our readers to let us have any information they come across on OFCOM.
Last modified: Monday, December 15, 2003
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World Press Freedom Day on Friday May 3, 2013 is being marked in Britain by a rally to highlight the dangers facing journalists in Turkey and in this podcast, Nicholas Jones speaks to Barry White, Organiser at the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom, and Sam Bamford, the TUC's policy officer for Eastern Europe and Africa about the importance of a campaign to highlight international press freedom.
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NUJ HQ, 308/312 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1.
Leveson, media ownership, CPBF future work.
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