News Release

8 January 2009

NS WELCOMES REPORTS OF CROSS-MEDIA OWNERSHIP RELAXATION

The NS has welcomed reports that the government may recommend a relaxation of cross-media ownership rules, while calling for further reform of newspaper merger controls.

Media Guardian reported this week that a report compiled by Lord Carter, Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting, will recommend that rules restricting cross-media ownership be relaxed.

Santha Rasaiah, NS director of the NS’ political, editorial and regulatory affairs department, said: “The NS successfully campaigned for the relaxation of the cross media rules under the Communications Act 2003, which allowed local newspapers to own broadcasting outlets in their core circulation areas for the first time.

“Further reform would be welcome. However this should not be limited to the cross media regime. The NS also advocates further reform of newspaper merger controls and a more realistic approach to assessment of competition in local media markets by the competition authorities.”

The interim report Digital Britain is expected to be published later this month.

For further information please contact Santha Rasaiah or e-mail santha_rasaiah@newspapersoc.org.uk.

The NS, the voice of Britain’s local media, represents 1300 newspapers, 1200 websites, 450 magazines, 250 ultra local titles, 45 radio stations and two TV stations.