| HONG
KONG: Do any industry players love their regulators? The answer, probably, is
a big NO. And, in return, a regulator should not expect love, but should have
a relationship with a regulatee that is based on transparency and integrity, amongst
other things. Ditto for a vice versa relationship.
This was the message that Kip Meek, senior partner for competition
and content at Ofcom in the UK and chairman of the European
Regulators’ Group said here today at the ongoing annual
convention of Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of
Asia (Casbaa).
Speaking at
session, aptly titled `How to love your regulator’, Meek also said that the
Ofcom model of regulation is difficult to transport to other places; especially
Asia. Reason? Ground realities may differ from market to market.
“Is the Ofcom model exportable (to Asia)?” Meek
posed a question and answered in the negative.
Detailed regulation should follow on-ground realities,
he explained, adding that content regulation in all countries cannot be the same.
For instance, he said, Ofcom is quite liberal in comparison
to some other regulators in developed countries as far as content
goes.
On cue, a majority of over 70 per cent in the audience voted
against common regulatory standards in Asian countries, when
asked to after Meek had finished speaking.
According to Meek, the phrase 'light touch of regulation’
may also sound an absurdity though Ofcom in the UK regulates
on three principles, which include unbiased and least intrusive
regulation.
Meek
also opined that a converged regulator is better placed to regulate in the present
environment, provided it’s “truly independent and truly unbiased.”
“A fully converged regulatory model does work…
but don’t go for harsh measures,” he said.
However, Meek felt there is a possibility of a converged
regulator being considered too powerful.
Moral of Meekspeak: a regulator-regulate
is not the usual run of the mill tale. | 
