Periodic Plurality Reviews
The Government should consider whether periodic plurality reviews or an extension to the public interest test within the markets regime in competition law is most likely to provide a timely warning of, and response to, plurality concerns that develop as the result of organic growth, recognising that the proposal for a regular plurality review is more closely focussed on plurality issues.
- No published evidence that a formal periodic plurality review mechanism, separate from merger-triggered reviews, has been established in legislation as recommended, has been identified to March 2026.
- The Enterprise Act 2002, section 58, provides for media plurality as a public interest consideration only in the context of specific merger proposals, not as a basis for periodic review of organic market developments (Enterprise Act 2002, Section 58, 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.
No formal periodic plurality review mechanism has been established as separate legislation. Plurality is assessed through the existing media merger public interest test. Ofcom publishes regular Media Nations reports but these are research publications rather than formal regulatory reviews with intervention powers.
View detailed findings
Plurality is monitored through Ofcom research but no formal periodic review with intervention powers has been legislated.