New media superpower could replace Oftel and oversee entire media industry

The future of all electronic media looks likely to be shaken up with the arrival of a super-regulator to be dubbed "Ofcom" which will have powers to investigate all broadcasting and telecommunications companies.

The communications white paper due to be published Tuesday will chart the "third broadcasting revolution" in which all electronic media, from email to television, will fall under the jurisdiction of a single multimedia regulator.

It is hoped the new regulator will dissolve the current "alphabet soup" of watchdogs such as the Independent Television Commission and the Broadcasting Standards Council.

Full story to follow.

Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the ZDNet News forum.

Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read what others have said.

Copyright © 1995-2008 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved
ZDNET is a registered service mark of CNET Networks, Inc. ZDNET Logo is a service mark of CNET Networks, Inc.