Communications Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 9:30 pm on 1 July 2003.

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Photo of Lord Crickhowell Lord Crickhowell Conservative 9:30, 1 July 2003

moved Amendment No. 147:

After Clause 282, insert the following new clause—

"VARIATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE OBLIGATIONS OF CHANNEL 5

(1) In the event that the share of audience or share of revenue of Channel 5 for any twelve month period is in excess of 15 per cent, as measured by OFCOM in their review under section 351, the Secretary of State shall by order, require OFCOM to review the conditions placed upon Channel 5 under sections 274 and 281.

(2) Following such a review, OFCOM shall be required to increase the proportions of original and regional programmes required to be produced by Channel 5 to meet or exceed those most recently required of Channel 3.

(3) In the event that Channel 3, in the same period, had a share of audience or share of revenue below 15 per cent, the proportions of original and regional programmes required to be produced by Channel 5 should be no less than those levels produced by Channel 3 when its share of audience was last at or above 15 per cent."