Communications Bill

The Communications Bill introduces major reforms into the regulation of the broadcasting and telecommunications industries and has been a focus for lobbying by BECTU and other media unions. It has been preceded by a lengthy process of debate including a Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by Lord Puttnam (to which BECTU gave written and verbal evidence) and a Draft Bill (on which BECTU made a submission).

The Bill sets out the role of the new regulator OFCOM, covering both broadcasting and telecomms within its remit. More particularly, the Bill sets out a new regime of public service broadcasting regulation, including a measure of self-regulation by broadcasters. It gives OFCOM some regulatory functions in relation to the BBC, while preserving the Corporation's ultimate accountability to Parliament.

Among the many specific issues raised in the Bill, BECTU's focus has been on Regional ITV, together with media ownership and the independent production quota. This reflects union policy and the priorities determined by discussion within the union, including BECTU's recent Conferences.

On Regional ITV, BECTU's aim has been to strengthen the basic regulations governing regional production and programming and to seek to avoid the possibility of the regulator relaxing these requirements under pressure from the broadcasters.

On ownership, the union has opposed the lifting of the ban on non-EU ownership, which leaves the way open for US ownership of British broadcasters; and has also looked at cross-ownership issues.

On independent production, the union's concern has been to prevent measures leading to any further roll-back of in-house production, while preserving the current level of the independent production quota.

BECTU's lobbying activity has included: circulation of briefings on our key issues throughout both Houses of Parliament; a meeting with a DCMS policy adviser; support for an Early Day Motion in the name of John Grogan MP attracting signatures from over 100 MPs from a range of parties; coordinated campaigning with fellow FEU and telecoms unions and the TUC; a House of Commons meeting for MPs; hosting a Parliamentary Dinner attended by key MPs and peers, including Lord Puttnam; participation in a TUC delegation to meet broadcasting Minister Tessa Jowell; and a House of Lords meeting of peers.

Amendments drafted by the union on Regional ITV were moved at the Committee stage in both the House of Commons and House of Lords, with helpful contributions from Labour backbenchers, Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru. The union's campaign is continuing through all further stages of debate in both Commons and Lords.

During the campaigning on the Bill, the union has been encouraged by Lord Puttnam and other peers to write to Richard Freudenstein, Chief Operating Officer, at Sky with a view to reopening a discussion on the relationship between the company and the union. We have duly written to Mr Freudenstein seeking a more constructive relationship. No response has as yet been received. BECTU are disappointed by this and will be taking the matter up with the politicians in the near future.