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The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has - after long-running pressure - ruled to allow the use of masthead programming on UK terrestrial television channels. Presently, masthead programmes (programmes that feature the brand and editorial style of an existing publication) are only permitted on cable and satellite. The ITC announced also that it is to strengthen its rules to ensure that the further expansion of masthead programmes does not blur the distinction between editorial content and advertising. The changes to the Code of Programme Sponsorship (see IRIS 1997-4: 11) specify that programmes...

The Department for Trade and Industry has announced that it will be lifting the restriction which has stopped British Telecom and other public telecoms operators (PTOs) from offering broadcast entertainment services. Margaret Beckett, president of the Board of Trade, issued at the end of April the Government's conclusions on the restrictions in "Broadband Britain: A Fresh Look at the Broadcast Entertainment Restrictions". The main points are that: (i) PTOs along with all other operators should immediately have the option to compete in the provision of broadcast entertainment to the 17% of UK homes...

A new plan aimed to facilitate economic commerce was launched on 27 April 1998. The long-awaited is meant to deal with issues related to encrypted information on the Internet and has been introduced after extensive industry consultation. According to the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, Barbara Roche, the Bill's intention is to launch a voluntary scheme which would envisage a group of licensing bodies providing encryption services and ensuring that minimum standards of service and quality are met. In order to tackle the issue of electronic commerce security the UK government intends...

For the first time ever, press advertisements will invite applications for Governorships for the British Broadcasting Corporation. This reflects the Secretary of State's desire to widen the pool from which potential Governors can be chosen. The first adverts, to appear from 1 March 1998, will relate to the positions of Vice-Chairman and two Governors (one of whom will chair the English National Forum). The appointments are for four-year terms.

An order is now in effect in the UK to reduce the payment made by the UK Channel 4 to the Independent Television Commission from its excess revenues from 50% to 33%. The payment is a remnant of the 'safety net' introduced to protect Channel 4 because of its special obligations to meet minority tastes by providing financial support if its advertising revenues fell below a specified figure. However, the Channel's commercial success has resulted in the reverse occurring with the Channel having to make payments rather than receiving support. The order is a partial step in remedying this.