[cma-l] "Improving efficiency and transparency: DCMS cuts quangos"

[CMA-L]

Source: http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/media_releases/7485.aspx

Ofcom: We have identified several Ofcom duties which should be amended
or removed to return the policy-setting role to the Secretary of
State, reduce unnecessary expense and to avoid duplication. The
proposed changes are:

Amend the duty for Ofcom to review public service broadcasting every
five years (part 3, section 264 of the Communications Act 2003) so
that a review will only be conducted at the discretion of the
Secretary of State.  The Secretary of State will also determine the
scope of the review.

Allow Ofcom flexibility to implement changes to its governance
structures (part 1 section 12-21 of the Communications Act 2003).  Any
revised structure will require the approval of the Secretary of State.

Remove the duty on Ofcom to promote development opportunities for
training and equality of opportunity (part 1 section 27 of the
Communications Act 2003);

Change the regional Channel 3 networking arrangement review from an
annual review to a reserve power for Ofcom to assess as required
(section 290-294 and Schedule 11 of the Communications Act 2003);

Amend the duty for Ofcom to review the media ownership rules every
three years (section 391 of the Communications Act 2003) so that a
review will be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State.

Remove the requirement for public service broadcasters to provide
annual statements of programme policy (266 and 270 of the
Communications Act 2003); and

Amend the duty on Ofcom to review a “change of control” to a Channel 3
licensee or Channel 5 (section 351 and 353 of the Communications Act
2003) so that one isn’t automatically required.  However, the
Secretary of State will retain the power to request one. The fit and
proper persons regime on new owners of channel 3 and 5 licences will
remain.

Enable Ofcom to charge fees for satellite filings made to the
International Telecommunications Union (section 28 of the
Communications Act 2003)

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