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'Broadband tax' could fund TV news bulletins Neil Midgley Internet service providers could face a new tax to help pay for unprofitable programmes shown on ITV and Channel 4, which may in turn lead to higher broadband charges for consumers. The levy could be imposed by the Government on the service providers and websites within the next few years, under proposals published yesterday about the future funding of "public service" programmes which make little or no money for commercial broadcasters. The proposals were made by Ofcom, the telecoms watchdog, which insisted that any new charges would fall on the companies providing the goods and services - although the firms could pass on these extra costs to their customers.
A broadband tax is one option being considered by Ofcom to secure the future of the commercial broadcasters' public service programmes, such as ITV1's regional news and Channel 4's current affairs strand Dispatches. The regulator is also concerned about the future of children's programmes and science, arts and history shows on commercial channels.
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