14/11/2002

In the Queen’s traditional address at the state opening of Parliament yesterday, the monarch confirmed that the new communications bill is scheduled to become law by this time next year. “Legislation will be brought forward to reform the broadcasting and telecommunications industry by promoting competition and investment and giving powers to the Office of Communications”, said the Queen.
The most controversial element in the new bill is the removal of the ban on non-EU companies owning UK TV or radio broadcast licences, which would enable media predators such as Rupert Murdoch’s News International or Summer Redstone’s US group Viacom to get control of British commercial TV networks ITV or Channel 5. As recently as last week, both men were in London.
Although Murdoch denied his intention to expand his ownership on UK broadcasters at his satellite TV BSkyB’s annual general meeting, Summer Redstone for his part openly said that “buying ITV would be a great opportunity”. Following a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, he also said he was “impressed with the opportunity” that was about to open in the UK”.
Today, the UK Cultural Secretary Tessa Jowell is expected to make a speech at a Westminster Media Forum to outline the content of the Communications Bill and the timetable for its introduction into law.

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