By: Luke
Puttnam Plays His Hand
Puttnam Plays His Hand
The Times reports that Lord Puttnam is looking to compromise over his eleventh hour amendments to the Communications Bill.
Apparently he describes his proposed ‘public interest’ test - to be implemented by Ofcom in the event of a buyout of Five - as, “[ensuring] a plurality of media owners committed to a balanced and impartial presentation of news and to a balanced presentation of comment.” A little more trust in the market and the public would go a long way here.
Puttnam goes on to say, “If we can get a plurality test we can make peace on everything else.” Good news then for those starting to get nervous at Ofcom. There is a feeling there that the Lords may, ‘pull out foundation stones‘ at the last minute without due consideration of the longer term implications. But it seems it’s just politicking afterall.
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