Ofcom Launches BBC Three Competition Probe

The UK regulator Ofcom has launched a full competition assessment into BBC’s proposal to launch BBC Three as a TV channel.

Ofcom stated that it is required by the Charter and Agreement to ensure that any change 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 concluded by stating that 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.

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