Ofcom has completed its public interest investigation into British Sky Broadcasting Group's (BSkyB) acquisition of a 17.9% shareholding in ITV plc.
As requested by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Ofcom is today submitting to him advice on whether the transaction raises public interest concerns about the number of different owners of media enterprises. This advice will assist the Secretary of State in deciding whether to refer the merger to the CC under section 42 of the Enterprise Act 2002. Ofcom's advice is that there are public interest issues, in relation to sufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television news in the UK.
The Secretary of State will now consider Ofcom's advice which will inform his decision on making a reference to the Competition Commission. The Secretary of State will announce his decision by 26 May 2007. Ofcom’s report will be published no later than this date.