Regulating media plurality and media power in the 21st century

The Leveson Inquiry should recommend use of a broad range of policy instruments to regulate media power and pluralism: not just press self-regulation but also those that deal with the root cause of media capture of politicians: media ownership and concentration There is no infallible policy prescription but the approach should be holistic; looking at both internal and external plurality of the media, and ensuring maximum transparency of ownership for citizens and consumers. To protect citizens and enhance certainty for industry, fixed ownership limits should be (re)-established for media mergers and a regular review of the market carried out by an independent media regulator to assess media plurality and concentration of media power and influence. Politicians should play no role in deciding individual cases involving media competition or plurality issues.