Shackled

The history of broadcasting regulation demonstrates that many contemporary criticisms are not unique results of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), but pan of a long-standing pattern of political interference. To varying degrees, broadcasting regulation has involved the retention of discretionary powers by Ministers as well as a willingness to tinker with the rules when they produce the 'wrong' results for particular interests. As in years gone by, broadcasting regulation today is not so different in terms of its responsiveness to commercial interests. It does differ, though, in terms of the present lack of transparency and accountability. With technological and corporate convergence, today's regulators are facing new challenges, regulatory gaps and conflicting objectives. A solution is often sought by political interference in the process, whether by means of directing an investigation into a particular matter, or by moving the goal posts. Faced with such challenges, it may be that the trend to concentrate regulatory power is precisely what the times require.