§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were their reasons for refusing to approve the BBC3 television service for 16 to 34 year-olds; and what deadline they have given to the BBC for the re-submission of their proposals. [HL1844]
§ Baroness BlackstoneThe Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced her decision on the BBC's proposed new digital services on 13 September. She did not approve BBC3 because it was not clear that the proposals were truly distinctive in an already crowded market. The BBC was invited to put forward fresh proposals; no deadline was given, but the BBC submitted a new proposal on 4 December.