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Dear Adam Baxter<BR>
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I write with considerable concern about the options you are considering for ATVOD charges. <BR>
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It will not be fair and proportionate if Ofcom consents to impose a £2500 charge on the UK’s smallest VOD service providers. This fee could destroy small scale services seeking to enhance democratic participation and civil society. It is surely not in the interests of citizens or consumers for Ofcom to damage small scale services by imposing punitive fees they can ill afford. We urge Ofcom to devise a fair fee structure for VOD regulation which does not damage small scale operators or stifle experimental services and innovation. These proposals as they stand are certain to cause widespread confusion and distress to voluntary and community groups across the UK. They fly in the face of the Government’s express intention to build the Big Society and will do untold damage to media literacy, social cohesion and community voice. <BR>
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Please assure me that these charges will be dropped or significantly reduced for not for profit and voluntary organisations as well as for the smaller bodies delivering at a local level. <BR>
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Yours sincerely <BR>
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Phil Shepherd <BR>
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Chair of Council <BR>
<B>Community Media Association</B> <BR>
15 Paternoster Row<BR>
Sheffield<BR>
S1 2BX<BR>
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