The UK Government is thinking about bringing in an 'Ipod tax' to pay for unprofitable programmes on ITV and Channel 4.

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said that a tax on digital music players, Sky satellite dishes, Freeview boxes and Internet subscriptions would fund public service commercial television shows such as Channel 4 News, Dispatches, children's programmes, arts shows and regional news.

There also could be new taxes on computers, blank CDs and DVDs under the proposals put forward by Ofcom.

The move is to counter falling advertising on the UK's commercial television stations. There are fears that commercial broadcasters are becoming more and more reluctant to make public service programmes that make little or no money.

Ofcom said that by 2012, more than £145 million and £235 million of public funding would be needed to ensure ITV, Channel 4 and Five could continue producing their current level of public service programmes. ITV has already announced plans to cut back production of regional news programmes.

Ofcom has its ideas open to consultation and this closes on December 4 when it will publish its final recommendations. X

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The Telegraph