Include Online in Plurality
Online publication should be included in any market assessment for consideration of plurality.
- Ofcom's annual Media Nations reports track online news consumption alongside traditional media, including metrics on digital news reach and engagement across platforms (Ofcom, Media Nations reports).
- The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduced new competition powers for digital markets which have implications for online media plurality, though the Act focuses on competition rather than plurality specifically (Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, legislation.gov.uk).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government accepted recommendations on media plurality. Ofcom developed a measurement framework for media plurality in 2015, publishes regular Media Nations reports, and has a full menu of remedies available for plurality concerns. The Enterprise Act 2002 and Communications Act 2003 provide the legislative basis for intervention on media mergers. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/david-cameron-statement-in-response-to-the-leveson-inquiry-report
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Online publication is included in Ofcom's media plurality assessments. The Online Safety Act 2023 and Ofcom's expanded remit further integrate online content into regulatory frameworks.
View detailed findings
Online publication included in plurality assessments, as recommended.