Ofcom: The superfluous super-regulator?

Since media and entertainment and the means of delivering them began to converge, the need to bring together the broadcast and communications regulators has been obvious.

This week, the government agreed to that need and published a white paper on Ofcom, laying out the barest bones of how the new watchdog will be constructed. You might expect that news to be wholeheartedly embraced by the industry, but it seems that even at such an early stage, the government may have shot itself in the foot.

The salient points to be taken from the initial document are that Ofcom will be operational by 2003, and it will be governed by a board of executives - a move that is in stark contrast to Oftel's current pyramid structure with one person sitting at the very top.

According to David Harrington, director general of the telecoms lobby group CMA, this structure is a disaster waiting to happen. Speaking exclusively to silicon.com, Harrington claimed management by committee will slow the decision making process down to the point where it seriously damages Ofcom's ability to do its job.

Another potential pitfall is that it spreads accountability, rather than having one single person who can be held responsible for the organisation's successes, or more importantly, failures.

But are we being too quick to judge? Governing by committee at least sends the signal that Ofcom will not be starved of resources. If the Chancellor's purse is going to open enough to afford an entire group of senior executives, that most likely means this is not going to be a watchdog with so few staff it is unable to cope. On top of that, Ofcom will be expected to cast a very wide net, and top level expertise will be needed from every sector.

It should also be remembered that 2003 is a long way off, and the government has declared it wants to discuss the approach, scope and scale of Ofcom with representatives from every relevant industry sector. That has got to be a good thing.

But let's not get carried away. Agreeing to consult is a major step forward, but being structured in dealing with the discussion is key - as is actually listening to what is said.