We produced our first comprehensive report on media ownership in the UK back in 2015 when we argued concentrated ownership was a significant problem for any modern democracy. Four years later, we have produced an updated version that suggests that, not only does concentrated ownership persist but that the problem may be getting worse. This report shows that just three … [Read more...]
BBC consultation on Over-75s licences: Government should fund its own welfare policy
The Media Reform Coalition has published its submission to the ongoing consultation on who should fund free licences for the over-75s. The BBC is set to assume full responsibility for the £750 million cost from 2020. We have no desire to see this "concession" disappear but believe that the government should fully fund it seeing as it was included as a central platform of their … [Read more...]
MRC submission to Cairncross Review
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport established the Cairncross Review to examinine the sustainability of high-quality journalism in the UK. The Review is particularly concerned with the Press and says that it will give equal weight to the needs of consumers and industry. But many fear its real intention is to justify subsidising corporate news organisations … [Read more...]
Fox/Sky takeover: archive of civil society submissions
MRC is happy to host an archive of some of the submissions and reports that have been prepared in relation to the proposed takeover of Sky by 21st Century Fox. Avaaz, Submission to the CMA consultation on its provisional findings regarding proposed acquisition of Sky by 21CF, February 2018 Media Reform Coalition, Response to notice of possible remedies, February … [Read more...]
Live from Greece: The media and austerity
by Lee Salter What is happening in Greece right now is a microcosm of the relationship between neoliberalism and democracy. A government has been elected whose main platform was to put people before profit and, despite the fact that it had enormous popular support, international financiers have ensured that its platform cannot be realised. Whilst the relation between … [Read more...]
Poll shows strong support for action on media ownership
Figures in a new poll reveal that there is overwhelming public support for action to confront the unaccountable power of media proprietors in the UK. 74 per cent believe that, in order to own a UK newspaper, radio station or TV channel, companies should be based in the UK and pay full UK tax while 61 per cent are in favour of compulsory rules (such as independent editorial … [Read more...]
A Manifesto for Media Reform
The Media Reform Coalition, together with the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom, have just published their 'Manifesto for Media Reform' ahead of May's General Election. Launched at a meeting in Parliament on 18 March with MPs, trade unionists and campaigners, the manifesto aims to put a range of issues - from media ownership to public service broadcasting and from … [Read more...]