OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications White Paper, published in December 2000, set out the Government's vision for the future regulation of communications, including regulation of the radio spectrum, to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Under the proposals contained in the White Paper, the five existing regulators will merge to form a new Office of Communications (Ofcom), which is anticipated to be up and running by the end of 2003. The White Paper sets out the three main objectives for the proposed new arrangements:

• to make the UK home to the most dynamic and competitive communications and media market in the world;
• to ensure universal access to a choice of diverse services of the highest quality; and
• to ensure that the interests of citizens and consumers are safeguarded.

The five organisations which will merge to form Ofcom (www.ofcom.gov.uk) are:

The Broadcasting Standards Commission (www.bsc.org.uk) is responsible for standards and fairness in all UK broadcasting - radio and television, terrestrial and satellite

The Independent Television Commission (www.itc.org.uk) licenses commercial television companies and regulates their performance in terms of programme content, advertising, sponsorship and technical performance

The Office of Telecommunications (www.oftel.gov.uk) regulates the UK telecommunications industry, ensuring the public receives the best quality, choice and value for money in telephone services

The Radio Authority (www.radioauthority.org.uk) licenses and regulates all commercial radio services on both analogue and digital platforms. It takes an active role in the development of policies which affect the commercial radio industry and its listeners, in accordance with its statutory remit to ensure the provision of high quality services offering a wide listening choice

The Radiocommunications Agency (www.radio.go.uk) manages the civil radio spectrum in the UK and represents UK interests in international discussions