On December 29, 2003, a new regulatory body
– Ofcom assumed responsibility of five “legacy” organisations, viz:
·
Oftel – Office of Telecommunications;
·
Broadcasting Standards Commission;
·
ITC – Independent Television Commission;
·
Radio Authority;
·
Radiocommunications Agency.
The new authority will have wide-ranging
responsibility covering all areas of telecommunications (terrestrial, radio and
satellite), Television and Broadcasting standards, and their remit (as taken
from their web site) is as follows:
·
Balance the promotion of choice and competition
with the duty to foster plurality, informed citizenship, protect viewers,
listeners and customers and promote cultural diversity;
·
Serve the interests of the citizen-consumer as
the communications industry enters the digital age;
·
Support the need for innovators, creators and
investors to flourish within markets driven by full and fair competition
between all providers;
·
Encourage the evolution of electronic media and
communications networks to the greater benefit of all who live in the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit the Ofcom web
site at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk
