ITV Merger Row: No Room For Two Tigers - Bruce

12.15.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 21st Oct 2003

Malcolm Bruce MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, commenting on the ITV merger row over who will Chair the new ITV group, said: "This row is a result of the Government's policies on broadcasting and competition. They have abandoned regionalism for a monolithic ITV."

"We have a situation where there is not enough room for 2 tigers in the media jungle. The trouble is that the way is open for displaced high rollers to team up with a foreign mogul and bid to take over ITV."

"This episode also raises questions as to the adequacy of non-executive directors representing shareholders effectively. The regulator OFCOM has been reduced to the role of standing by and watching."