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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

My Lords, as was discussed at an earlier stage, it is important that any new arrangements for independent news in the nations and regions proceed in a spirit of partnership and agreement between the Government, the regulator and the Channel 3 licensees. As currently drafted, Clause 28 does not fully capture that intent, as it would in effect entitle Ofcom to select an appointed independent news provider and impose that provider on an existing Channel 3 licensee. These news programmes will appear on the Channel 3 network, and it is essential that they are compatible with the high-powered style of the channel and that the Channel 3 brand is not compromised. The purpose of our amendment is therefore to provide greater confidence on the part of the Channel 3 licensees that their views will be taken fully into account when and if the rollout of IFNCs proceeds in 2012. It would place a requirement on Ofcom to notify Channel 3 licence holders that it will invite applications for appointment, and it would place a further requirement on Ofcom to have regard to representations received from those Channel 3 licence holders. The definition of "representations" is already covered in relevant sections of the Communications Act. Our amendment is designed to ensure that Ofcom has proper regard to what the Channel 3 licence holders say, and this includes objections to a proposal going forward in a particular nation or region. Given that the licensed broadcasters continue to carry all the statutory obligations and the necessary compliance risk for the continuing provision of the new service, this seems entirely right and fair. I would welcome further assurance from the Minister that if this amendment is accepted, the Government will ensure that the long-term implementation of IFNCs is carried forward with the full involvement and consent of the licensed broadcasters. I beg to move.