The UK regulator Ofcom has launched a full competition assessment into the BBC’s proposal to launch BBC Three as a TV channel.
Ofcom says that it is required by the Charter and Agreement is to ensure that any change the BBC wishes to make to its publicly funded TV, radio and online services does not give it an unfair advantage over rival broadcasters.
It adds that its initial assessment of the proposed BBC Three TVchannel has concluded that its relaunch would constitute a material change to the BBC’s UK public service activities. Given the change also raises a number of potential competition issues, impacting several parties, it considers a full BBC Competition Assessment (BCA) is necessary to allow further scrutiny of its plans.
Ofcom concludes by saying it must complete its competition assessment within six months. During this period, it will conduct a detailed analysis of the BBC’s proposal and consult on a provisional decision as to whether the BBC may proceed with the relaunch.
