OfCom research/presentation task

I'd like two groups to organise themselves and research either arguments FOR or AGAINST the statement that 'OfCom is an example of an effective regulator'.

You have several key resources for this:

1. Use the Word docs embedded in the post at http://mediareg.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/ofcomitc-key-docs.html;
2. OfCom's own website;
3. Links lists on this blog (for speed, I've copied/pasted these below: just click on 'read more');
4. OfComWatch website;
5. Guardian's OfCom page (you can see latest 5 stories on the news gadget on this blog)
6. Daily Mail (you could google 'daily mail' and 'ofcom');

I'd like each group to ensure that any one article is being read + annotated by ONE person only. You'll have this lesson and the 1st 10mins of tomorrow to piece this together into a digestible form, and prepare for a debate. Discuss your findings and identify each distinct argument, attaching appropriate evidence/sources. Both sides of the argument will be presented tomorrow, with some time for debate/to challenge the other side's points.
What kind of points might you address?

•  comparisons to the PCC...
• ...and ITA/IBA/ITC (its predecessors)
• (in)dependence from government
• any major cases/rulings/controversies that illustrate the above
• does it do anything more than react to complaints?
• has this changed since the Tory-led coalition took over in 2010?
• why were/are the Tories so hostile towards OfCom?
• look at the 2003 Communications Act that launched it - was this strangely favourable to any media conglomerates?
• is OfCom a super-regulator? does it oversee too much/is it too powerful?
• you may find googling 'new zealand media super regulator' (or australia) useful: are other countries seeking to bring media regulation under a single body?
• what powers does it have, and what examples are there of it using these - look for examples that might back your case!
• does it have too much/little regulatory oversight over the BBC?
• what are its operating costs (the PCC make much of this), who pays for the running of OfCom, and how has its budget changed since Jeremy Hunt became Culture Secretary?
• do the press think it does a good job?
• how has it performed over Hackgate and the scandal over Murdoch's power? has it independently launched any inquiries of its own?
• has OfCom coped with the challenges of convergence, one of the reasons for its creation?

The Links Lists:

OfCom - still a super-regulator?

• BBC: OfCom report on govt's links to Murdoch
• Media Guardian resources
• OfCom homepage
• OfCom outlines spending cuts [Jan 2011, MediaWeek report]
• Petition to save OfCom [GoPetition.com]
• The Battle over OfCom's Future - Roy Greenslade reports [ThisIsLondon]
• The biggest broadcasting fines: how does the penalty for Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand stack up? [compares past+present TV regulators]]

OfCom: 3 sample arguments for/against [from OfComWatch blog] + additional resources

• "Ofcom and the politics of regulation"
• "Self Regulation of UK broadcasting? Yes, says Daily Mail man"
• "Tambini: DCMS Ofcom reforms a threat to freedom"
• BBC regulation flawed, says Ofcom [2005 Gdn art; shows regulators naturally attempt to expand? ...tho compare with digitalSpy art]
• BSkyB: Impossible undertakings The advice from Ofcom was pretty clear – that Hunt should refer the bid to the Competition Commission [Gdn editorial Jan 2011]
• Facebook group (only 49 members!) - 'Scrap OfCom'
• How OfCom outsourced ad regulation to self-regulator
• Jerry Springer: the Opera [MedaiWatch's take]
• Let's Scrap Ofcom Balance Rules [right-winger Iain Dale's high-profile blog; lot of comments on the article too]
• Lets ALL call OFCOM! [digitalSpy thread on Gamu/X Factor]
• Ofcom clashes with MPs over NAO report Regulator hits out at Margaret Hodge's claim that its lack of transparency on spending is 'worrying' and 'disappointing' [VALUE FOR MONEY? debate: Gdn Nov 2010]
• Ofcom revokes licence of four adult channels [Gdn Jan 2010]
• OfCom.org.uk - 'about' OfCom section
• OfCom.org.uk - Policies and Guidelines
• OfCom.org.uk - Statutory Duties and Regulatory Principles
• Ofcom: 'Relax cross-media regulations' [digitalSpy]
• Ofcom: PSBs need concessions to deliver local TV Regulator warns that broadcasters may need to cut quotas for programmes made outside London if government's plan is to work [Gdn Dec 2010]
• Overview of media regulation, including critiques [37-slide Ppt by CEMP - Centre for Excellence in Media Practice]
• Pluralism and the bid for BSkyB [Roy Greenslade, Feb 2011]
• ScrapOfCom blog (companion to Facebook page)
• Sky's aggression with Ofcom will win few friends Sky may not be happy with a plurality review of the mooted News Corp takeover, but its aggressive legalism obscures the simple point at the root of the debate. [Gdn Nov 2010]
• Time to control the volume on the multimedia barons -If newspaper owners are accustomed to behaving imperiously, they'll push the boundaries when it comes to their TV stations [Gdn Feb 2011; v useful on press/TV links]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Does Ofcom deserve it? Ofcom has been targeted first in the 'bonfire of the quangos' – after upsetting two of broadcasting's major players' [Steve Hewlett]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Don't scrap Ofcom:Christians urge government' [from church site]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Government curbs Ofcom's powers. DCMS to decide when to review public service broadcasting and media ownership rules, as well as set S4C budget' [Gdn Oct 2010]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Ofcom cuts are grave assault on freedom Jeremy Hunt is reaching for a huge sword of Damocles that he can wield over broadcasters' [Gdn Oct 2010]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Ofcom hits back at David Cameron Media regulator 'surprised' to be singled out in Tory leader's attack on quangos, insisting it provides value for money' [Gdn July 2009]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Ofcom hits back at David Cameron'
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Ofcom reforms end years of hyperactivity Shift in power spells demise of Stephen Carter model [Gdn Oct 2010]'
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Ofcom’s plans for 2011/12 see significantly reduced remit [computing.co.uk]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Steve Penk: Dear David Cameron, scrap DAB and abolish Ofcom' [focus on radio regulation]
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Tories would cut Ofcom powers, says David Cameron'
• Tories 2009 Proposal to Scrap OfCom: 'Why I have sympathy for David Cameron's views on Ofcom's policy role' [Maggie Brown column]
• UK viewers' attitudes towards potential changes to television ad regulation [OfCom research doc, 2008]

BBC Governance (regulation)

• -----MediaWatch: CLOSE GAP IN TV REGULATION
• ----2010 OfCom rule against BBC: BBC breached code over flashing images warning failure
• ----OpenDemocracy.co.uk (2011)- v detailed
• 2000: BBC speaks on digital regulation
• 2001: Conservative peers press again for BBC regulation
• 2001: Oftel chief calls for external BBC regulation
• 2001: Super-strict regulation for BBC expansion
• 2002: new plans
• 2003: BBC self regulation shortcomings highlighted by inquiry [on coverage of Iraw War]
• 2004: public mystified by BBc regulation
• 2005: BBC self-regulation works, says Grade
• 2005: OfCom attack BBC regulation
• 2005: Ofcom chief focuses on BBC regulation
• 2007: BBC Paper on Future of the Licence Fee and its Regulation
• 2009: End BBC rule, says James Murdoch
• 2011: Andrew Neill: OfCom will get BBC regulation powers
• 2011: Mark Thompson: BBC's regulation is not overbearing
• 2011: Select Committee on Communications has decided to conduct an inquiry into the governance and regulation of the BBC
• anti-BBC blog

ITC [OfCom predecessor as TV regulator]

• 1 - Wiki on ITC - brief but useful
• 2 - Guardian on 2001 Brass Eye controversy and gov't response (called for tighter regulation)
• 3 - BBC guide to the 2001 Brass Eye controversy - includes link to ITC report
• 4 - Gdn - War news not biased, says ITC [ruling on "due impartiality" in favour of notorious Murdoch US news station]
• 5 - Gdn - The biggest broadcasting fines: how does the penalty for Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand stack up? [useful comparison of TV regulators]]
• Gdn - ITC backs independent producers
• Gdn - ITC chairman slams ITV
• Gdn - ITC clears Millionaire question
• Gdn - ITC in European TV sponsorship row
• Gdn - ITC pushes for BBC fines
• Gdn - ITC to investigate paranormal shows
• Gdn - Moyles hit by ITC rap
• Gdn - Shipman drama cleared by ITC
• Gdn - Shop America falls foul of ITC
• Gdn - Trisha falls foul of ITC
• ITC - all Codes
• ITC guide to Complaint Handling
• ITC Programming Code