Competition and the exercise of market power in broadcasting: a review of recent UK experience

Abstract

Purpose

To analyse the application of competition law and regulation in the value chain for television broadcasting in the UK, and to evaluate the need for intervention through the financing of public service broadcasting.

Design/methodology/approach

Arguments relating to public service broadcasting are deployed and UK competition laws and regulatory interventions are analysed.

Findings

In the digital age, the need for public intervention in broadcasting is weakened, but further development of competition law is required to prevent abuse of the market power.

Originality/value

A broad debate about the role of public intervention in the broadcasting market place is now taking place, and the paper proposes that such interventions be largely confined to competition policy and regulation directed to the goal of competitive markets.

Citation

Cave, M. (2005), "Competition and the exercise of market power in broadcasting: a review of recent UK experience", info, Vol. 7 No. 5, pp. 20-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690510618257