Virgin Media has said it is to appeal against the Competition Commission’s conclusions on BSkyB’s holding in commercial broadcaster ITV. The cablenet is disputing the Commission’s findings that a reduction of Sky’s stake in ITV is adequate to address a lessening of competition within the UK TV market. It also disagrees with the Commission’s view that the acquisition has not materially affected the sufficiency of plurality in the UK’s media, highlighting media plurality provisions within the Enterprise Act 2003.
Virgin is linking its position to Ofcom’s ongoing investigation into the pay-TV market and what it describes as a “commitment to fight for a more dynamic and competitive media landscape in the UK”.
Sky has already launched its own appeal against the Competition Commission ruling that it should reduce its 17.9% stake in ITV.
