Ofcom Publishes Consultation On Proposed Measurement Framework For Media Plurality

Successive governments have taken the view that the media is key to a healthy, well-informed democracy and that control of the media should not be concentrated in too few hands. Legislation has therefore been implemented to ensure a range of media 'voices', giving consumers access to a range of diverse views.

The current regulatory framework for safeguarding media plurality is set out in the Communications Act 2003 and the Enterprise Act 2002.

For example, under the Communications Act, Ofcom has to maintain a sufficient plurality of TV and radio services providers. Furthermore, no one can own more than 20% of a Channel 3 licence and national newspapers with more than 20% market share. The same restriction applies to anyone who is more than 20% owned by someone who has more than 20% of the national newspaper market, known as the '20/20' rule.