Media / Talk of the Trade: Space limits

THERE is great sensitivity over whether the BBC can legally diversify (or 'participate', as the Broadcasting Act puts it), into satellite television. It appears that BBC Enterprises can, but only as a minority shareholder: hence Enterprises' proposed 20 per cent shareholding in UK Gold, a popular repeats channel. The BBC is also demanding, in the confidential talks now taking place with BSkyB over a joint operation with Sky News, that it should have complete editorial control. Sky insiders say this is arrogant.