A NEW ACCOUNTABLE FUTURE FOR COMMUNICATIONS?

IN a converging regulatory world where broadcasters will be more accountable for their output, it is important to protect the needs of citizens and consumers argues the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC).
Responding to the Communications White Paper, the BSC see it as essential that any new complaints mechanism set up by Ofcom is seen to be independent and fair in order to command the confidence both of complainants and broadcasters.
The BSC’s own experience of handling complaints and listening to the views of complainants suggests that citizens value and support a complaint process which is seen to be transparent and independent of the editorial process. The process needs to offer efficient, judicious and timely redress to people who feel they have been wronged by a broadcaster.
Lord Dubs, Chairman of the Commission, said: “The Commission’s research shows that people overwhelmingly value an independent complaints process. They want sensible content regulation to continue even in the new digital age of plural provision and platforms into which we are moving. They are particularly concerned to protect children and vulnerable groups.”
While the BSC welcomed that the White Paper recognised the value of research and media literacy, they warned that in order to establish what it described as ‘acceptable community standards’ and encompass the differing expectations regarding the various delivery platforms, Ofcom’s research programme would need to be both continuous and widespread.
With regard to the structure of Ofcom, the BSC believes that as a new body they should start from first principles rather than simply seek to bolt together the existing bodies. (CD)