Non-market oriented objectives require specific regulatory frameworks to ensure at least the prospect of achievement. We therefore believe that the Government's approach to the role of regulation in the context of convergence should involve the explicit rejection of any assumption that market forces represent a natural 'default position', against which any regulatory intervention has to be justified as a special case. It follows, in our view, that regulation to limit the degree of concentration in media and cross-media ownership will continue to be necessary, as will positive measures to encourage pluralism. We look to further progress in this area from the long-standing European Commission initiative on pluralism and concentration in the media. By programme origin we refer to those other key aspects of television programming which concern economic structure rather than content, i.e. requirements for original programme production, for a minimum independent quota and for European-originated production.
Broadcasting is currently far from being a free market.
There are specific regulations covering these three areas of concern. These regulations are structural rather than content-related but we believe it will be equally important for future broadcasting regulators to retain responsibility in such areas. Furthermore, a PSB system is of value not only in itself but as a quality threshold or benchmark for other programme providers. Public service broadcasting cannot be seen as merely filling in gaps. Its positive role will be more important than ever'.