Media watchdog Ofcom has confirmed it is pressing forward with plans which could allow regional newspapers to own TV and radio stations.

As reported on HTFP in July, Ofcom wants to relax rules on cross-media ownership to allow regional print publishers to branch out into broadcast media.

It has now confirmed it is recommending the change to ministers, but there will still be a restriction on publishers with a local market share of 50pc or more.

Any local newspaper group with more than 50pc market share will be able to own a radio station or hold a Channel 3 licence – but not both.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said it was for MPs to decide whether to go ahead with its recommendations, which would require secondary legislation.

“These proposals would allow local media companies more flexibility to respond to the challenges that they are facing while at the same time protecting plurality for listeners and viewers. It is for government and parliament to take any decisions in this area,” he said.