BBC GOVERNORS TO LOSE REGULATORY POWERS

WITH THE impending reformation to the Communications White Paper it is expected that the BBC governors will lose their regulatory powers after their decision to move the news against the advice of Culture Secretary Chris Smith.
A spokesperson for the Department of Culture Media and Sport said: “The situation as it stands at the moment is that the Communications White Paper finalisations will take place towards the end of the year. It will include widespread discussions, the issue regarding the BBC will feature in the White Paper as it covers a vast array of areas which concern the BBC. However, there have not been any final decisions made at this point.”
Under the current system the BBC regulate their governors and the Independent Television Commission regulates commercial broadcasters.
However the Communications White Paper may see the BBC operating on a level similar to a Board of Directors, their responsibilities reduced to oversee internal performance, to make top appointments and ensure the Corporation fulfils its remit. External regulation will be handled by a separate authority responsible for the entire broadcasting industry.
Although this matter has been on the agenda for the Communications White Paper reforms, the BBC governors' recent decision to disregard the government’s requests and advice on moving the 9pm News to 10pm could have given the Government the final push towards removing their regulatory powers.
Culture Secretary Chris Smith made public his views regarding the move last week, stressing the move would put the UK’s biggest broadcasters ‘head to head’ and thereby reduce the choice for viewers.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “We know that it is something which will be considered in the White Paper but as of yet there have not been any final decisions. These will take place towards the end of the year. The White Paper will include media regulation and therefore this matter will be a part of that.”
For further details on the White Paper visit www.communicationswhitepaper.gov.uk