BBC criticised over regional video on demand plans

Northcliffe Media says there's "no justification"

6 August 2008 11:24 GMT / By Katie Scott

One of the UK's biggest publishers has hit out at the BBC's plan to create regional video on demand services.

Northcliffe Media, which is incidentally the country's third-biggest regional publisher, says that there is "no justification or public value case" for the BBC to spend up to £23m annually on a national network of local video-on-demand services.

The group publishes titles including the Nottingham Post and the Daily Mail.

It aired its views in response to a BBC Trust and Ofcom consultation into the BBC's plans to roll out on-demand news services in 60 regions of the country.

Northcliffe Media managing director Michael Pelosi wrote: "The BBC has huge advantages over commercial operators".

"It has used its massive public funding and resources, brand potency, unrivalled distribution network and cross-promotional opportunities to become the most powerful media brand in the world and the lead UK player in television, radio and on the internet."

"Now it is seeking to extend that market leadership into the provision of local news and information."

The BBC Trust is expected to publish interim recommendations in November.