iPlayer decision welcome - Foster

10.52.42pm GMT Wed 31st Jan 2007

Commenting on the news that the BBC Trust has approved the corporation's iPlayer on-demand service, but with significant changes, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP said:

"While hardly a shot across the bows of BBC management, the trust's willingness to limit the BBC's impact on commercial services is welcome.

"By accepting all of Ofcom's recommendations, the BBC Trust has shown it is keen to demonstrate its independence from Mark Thompson's executive team.

"While an external, independent regulator would have been preferable, there are likely to be sterner tests for the BBC Trust ahead."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.