Plurality Thresholds Lower Than Competition
The levels of influence that would give rise to concerns in relation to plurality must be lower, and probably considerably lower, than the levels of concentration that would give rise to competition concerns.
- The Enterprise Act 2002, section 58, provides for media public interest considerations in merger decisions separate from competition thresholds, allowing the Secretary of State to intervene on plurality grounds even where competition thresholds are not met (Enterprise Act 2002, Section 58, legislation.gov.uk).
- No published evidence that a specific quantitative threshold for plurality concerns, set at a level "considerably lower" than competition thresholds as recommended, has been formally adopted has been identified to March 2026.
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.
The principle that plurality concerns arise at lower concentration levels than competition concerns is established in regulatory practice and Ofcom's approach to media plurality.
View detailed findings
Lower thresholds for plurality vs competition concerns are established in regulatory practice.