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24|06|08

Ofcom begins assessment of the BBC's proposed local video service

Ofcom today published the Terms of Reference for its Market Impact Assessment (MIA) of the BBC’s proposed Local Video service. Ofcom has also invited stakeholders to respond to a list of questions published today to inform its MIA.

The Local Video service would expand upon existing BBC Local websites on bbc.co.uk and focus on 60 areas, typically a county or conurbation, across the UK. It would create bespoke local video news, sport and weather to complement the BBC’s existing online provision. In Wales, the BBC proposes to offer the service in both the Welsh and English languages.

The MIA of the proposed BBC Local Video service will examine the likely impact of the service proposed by the BBC on similar and related products and services, examining in particular the extent to which the service might affect innovation and investment in the commercial sector. In particular, Ofcom will consider the impact upon:

• local newspapers and associated online services;
• local radio stations and associated online services;
• local and regional TV services and associated online services;
• mobile TV services; and
• other online services.

The results of the MIA will be published alongside the BBC Trust’s Public Value Assessment on 18 November 2008.

The published Terms of Reference and Stakeholder Questions can be found on the Ofcom website at:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/tv/bbcmias/localvideo/

Ends.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The BBC Royal Charter and Agreement, which came into effect on 1 January 2007, requires the BBC Trust to undertake a Public Value Test (PVT) to assess the public value and market impact of any significant proposal for change to the BBC’s public services. This comprises a Public Value Assessment – to be carried out by the Trust – and a separate MIA conducted by Ofcom. This is the Ofcom’s third MIA of a proposed BBC service.

2. The BBC Trust has today also issued a news release on the MIA; it can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/news/press_releases/2008/local_video_pvt.html

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