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25|04|06

Ofcom Announces New CRR Adjudicator

Ofcom today announced the appointment of Robert Ditcham as the independent Adjudicator for the Contracts Rights Renewal (CRR) remedy. He will be responsible for ruling on disputes between the advertising community and ITV plc. Robert succeeds David Connolly who will be leaving after more than two years in the role.

With extensive media agency experience, Robert Ditcham, 45, is currently a consultant to Chris Still & Partners, the mergers and acquisition specialists. He was previously Commercial Director of Initiative Media, managing a team of buyers across television, print, radio and online.

Between 1995 and 2001, Robert was the co-owner and founding Director of the satellite and cable youth channel, Rapture Television. He was European Broadcast Director of Initiative Media between 1990 and 1994. He has experience as broadcast director, television buyer and sales executive with numerous companies, including HTV and Haymarket Publishing.

The CRR Adjudicator role is mandated under the undertakings given by Carlton and Granada to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 2003 prior to their merger, and is intended to protect the interests of the advertising community in dealing with ITV.

The CRR Adjudicator is based at Ofcom’s headquarters but is entirely independent of both the regulator and all parties with an interest in the TV advertising sales market. Ofcom pays for the costs of the Adjudicator in the first instance and is reimbursed by ITV plc.

In examining a dispute, the CRR Adjudicator has access to any information that he requires of ITV plc relevant to the sale of advertising airtime on ITV1. His decisions are final and binding on ITV plc. Advertisers and media buyers have a right of appeal to Ofcom under defined circumstances and thereafter to the courts if required.

Robert Ditcham said: “I am pleased to be taking on the role of the Adjudicator and  continuing the work that David Connolly has established in ensuring that the CRR remedy provides advertisers with a comprehensive range of protections as necessary." 

The appointment is effective from 1 May.

Ofcom Chief Executive Stephen Carter said: “Robert Ditcham brings considerable experience and knowledge of the advertising industry to the role of the independent Adjudicator. His work will continue to be an important element in the current market structure."

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