Attempted Takeover Of ITV By Sky

EDM number 309 in 2006-07, proposed by John Grogan on 27/11/2006.

That this House notes with concern Sky's sudden raid to buy 17.9 per cent. of ITV, becoming the largest shareholder in the company; further notes that this move will deter other investors; calls on the Government to bring forward the review of Public Service Broadcasting; is particularly concerned that this raid may give Sky the inside track on the ITV news contract in 2008; further calls upon Ofcom and the OFT to examine carefully whether the raid gives Sky the ability materially to influence ITV; believes that a prima facie case exists for the Secretary of State to intervene subsequently and instruct Ofcom to undertake a public interest inquiry; further believes that this episode demonstrates the increasing influence of BSKYB, which accounted for 40 per cent. of total television revenue in 2005, nearly twice that of the BBC at 23 per cent.; further notes Sky's opposition to Government plans for digital switchover and that its ability to influence the strategy of ITV makes the future of Freeview uncertain and the prospects for a PSB-led Freesat service less likely; further believes that these developments underline the importance of strong independent public service broadcasters producing British programming to balance the predominantly American and sports programming of Sky; and consequently calls on the Government to secure the future of Channel 4 and provide an adequate licence fee settlement for the BBC to allow it to increase quality programming, properly to equip the country for digital switchover and to initiate a substantial transfer of production to the North of England.

This motion has been signed by a total of 94 MPs, 2 of these signatures have been withdrawn.