Northcliffe slams the BBC over local VoD service

The group, which is part of the Daily Mail & General Trust and publishes titles including the Nottingham Post, was responding 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 made the submission to the BBC Trust and Ofcom, urging rejection of the plans, claiming they would duplicate existing commercial services and that there was a lack of demand for them.

Northcliffe also argues that the BBC would unfairly benefit from cross-promoting the planned service with its other brands.

Pelosi said: "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, with the final conclusions due in February 2008.