27th Apr 2007 14:32
Office of Communications27 April 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ofcom completes investigation into BSkyB's shareholding in ITV plc 27 April 2007 Ofcom has completed its public interest investigation into British SkyBroadcasting Group's (BSkyB) acquisition of a 17.9% shareholding in ITV plc. As requested by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ofcom is todaysubmitting to him advice on whether the transaction raises public interestconcerns about the number of different owners of media enterprises. Ofcom's advice is that there are public interest issues, in relation tosufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television newsin the UK. The Secretary of State will now consider Ofcom's advice which will inform hisdecision on making a reference to the Competition Commission. The Secretary ofState will announce his decision by 26 May 2007. Ofcom's report will bepublished no later than this date. Ends. NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs 1. The OFT is today also reporting to the Secretary of State on competition issues. 2. Ofcom's separate work to consider whether, following BSkyB's share acquisition, there has been change of control is ongoing. Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is required to consider whether there has been a change of control such that there should be a review of certain ITV plc programming obligations. 3. Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. For further details please visit www.ofcom.org.uk. CONTACT Ofcom Media [email protected](+44) (0)20 7981 3033 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
ITVSky