One of the things that keeps me awake at night my dreams is that Ofcom destroys our humble blog by simply creating a blog of its own — engaging with the public in a casual, Comment-Ain’t-Free style that’s not binding on anyone, but serves as a listening-talking-thinking forum for the regulator. Such a move can only be encouraged: A regulator that takes advantage of cheap and easily-accessible technology to maximise its learning opportunities is undoubtedly a smart regulator.

Ofcom announced something along these lines today in its Taking Account of Consumer and Citizen Interests (16-page, .pdf) document. One of Ofcom’s ideas contained therein: “Online Forum — A ‘Blog’ for consumer stakeholders to discuss specific policy issues typically ahead of formal consultation.”

But the trip-up: the word ’stakeholders’. Stakeholders usually means something less than the full public. Stakeholders, I assume in this context, means consumer groups like Which? or civil society organisations. These entities offer valuable contributions to the debates before Ofcom, but let’s face it — their claims to representation of the public are often quite weak. Some of these entities — frankly — continue banging on year-after-year with the same tired perspective.

So, it appears that Ofcom is planning some sort of private blog. And I suppose one could have at least two views on it:

View 1: Good. If Ofcom engage more with consumer stakeholders, it’s a good thing. The questions raised for consultation will invariably be sharper and Ofcom can spot trouble points before they occur. Also, the private nature of the forum will encourage frank discussions on tough issues. Finally, who wants Ofcom to waste its time dealing with blog-style issues of whether Celebrity Big Brother breached the Broadcast Code?

View 2: Bad. No matter how noble its intentions, less transparency in Ofcom’s dealings should not be encouraged. Why should some groups have a privileged position to influence Ofcom in policy matters in a private manner, ahead of a consultation? If their views on these matters are truly public-spirited, then having them posted on an open blog where the public can view and comment on them is better than having them viewed only amongst themselves and Ofcom.

I still haven’t made up my mind, I suppose I want to learn more about what Ofcom is planning, but at least OfcomWatch looks safe for now…