Row breaks over late TV licence application
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE INDEPENDENT Television Commission is at the centre of controversy following its decision to accept an application for a broadcasting licence that arrived several minutes after its 12 noon deadline.
The late application came from Skytext, part of Rupert Murdoch's 50 per cent owned BSkyB satellite television network. The only other applicant was SimpleActive, a joint venture with Guardian Media Group, owner of the Guardian and Manchester Evening News.
The licence awards the 10-year right to broadcast information such as share prices in text form on spare capacity on Channel 4's signal. Justin Cadbury and Peter Mason, of SimpleActive, thought they had the licence in the bag as they sat in the ITC's offices watching the clock tick towards noon.
With two seconds to go, according to Mr Cadbury, the phone rang. Skytext was on the line begging for an extension because the courier delivering its application had been held up in traffic.
Mr Cadbury said the deadline had passed before the request for an extension could be made. 'This sets a dangerous precedent. If the ITC is not going to stick to the deadline, the whole process becomes a charade,' he said.
James Conway, of the ITC, said the invitation to apply for a licence stated that the commission would be sympathetic to late entries if a good excuse was produced. The excuse of heavy traffic on a rail strike day was acceptable.
Mr Cadbury claims traffic in London was particularly light on 3 August, the day in question.
The decision to allow Skytext's application is all the more upsetting for SimpleActive because Skytext bid pounds 355,000 to SimpleActive's pounds 78,000.
Provided both applicants can satisfy the ITC that they will be able to maintain the service for 10 years, the licence will be awarded to the highest bidder.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments