19 June 2012: Ofcom has today published its report on measuring media plurality.
The report is for the Secretary of State, who in October 2011 asked Ofcom to consider how to measure media plurality and to report back by June 2012. An executive summary of the report is available here.
Media plurality helps to support a democratic society by ensuring citizens are informed by a diverse range of views and by preventing too much influence over political processes by one media owner or outlet. Ofcom considers that the scope of any plurality review should be limited to news and current affairs.
Ofcom has concluded that an effective framework for measuring media plurality is likely to be based, to a significant extent, on data and analysis. However, there are also areas where an important degree of judgement is required. The appropriate approach to exercising such judgement is ultimately a matter for Parliament.
Full story here.