Advertisment

News Release

21 November 2008

BBC TRUST RESPONDS LOCAL MEDIA CONCERNS
AND REJECTS LOCAL VIDEO PLANSdotted divide v2

“We are pleased that the BBC Trust and Ofcom have responded to the industry’s concerns and rejected the BBC Local Video plans for the time being. This is a proposal which the BBC should never have made and would have severely reduced consumers’ media choice and the rich tapestry of local news and information provision in the UK,” said Newspaper Society director David Newell.
 
“We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss the future roles of the BBC, BBC Trust and Ofcom and the current challenges facing regional and local media. We must be on our guard to ensure that the BBC is not allowed to expand its local services by alternative means.”
 
BBC Trust announcement:
 
BBC Trust rejects local video proposals
The BBC Trust has refused permission for local video because it would not improve services for the public enough to justify either the investment of licence fee funds or the negative impact on commercial media.http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/news/press_releases/2008/local_video_prov.html
 
Ofcom announcement:
 
BBC Local Video services would have negative market impact
BBC proposals to launch a local online video service would have a significant negative impact on commercial providers, an independent Ofcom Market Impact Assessment (MIA) concludes today.
 

dotted divide v2

 
For further information please contact Lynne Anderson on 020 7632 7421 or e-mail lynne_anderson@newspapersoc.org.uk.
 
The NS, the voice of Britain’s local media, represents 1300 newspapers, 1100 websites, 750 magazines, 36 radio stations and two TV stations.