News
News
CMA signs AI competition statement
As artificial intelligence continues to develop at speed , the European
Commission , the UK Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ), the US Federal Trade Commission and US Department of Justice have signed a joint statement setting out shared principles to protect competition and consumers .
The statement affirms their shared view that AI , particularly powerful foundation models , has the potential to spur innovation and growth , and to bring about transformational positive change for the way we live and work . The statement also recognises that these technologies may pose some risks to competition and consumers which , if they materialise , will require action before they become entrenched or irreversible harms .
The agencies have set out fair dealing , interoperability , and choice as key principles to support competition , protect consumers
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and help businesses to innovate and thrive . Recognising the global nature of these markets , they have also agreed to share an understanding of the issues arising in these markets . Agencies will use their respective powers to address potential risks to competition posed by AI foundation models |
– such as concentrating control of key inputs needed to develop the technology and the potential for firms to entrench or extend their market power in AI related markets .
Sarah Cardell , CMA Chief Executive , said : “ AI is a borderless technology which has the potential to drive innovation and growth , delivering transformative benefits for people , businesses , and economies around the world . That ’ s why we ’ ve come together with our EU and US partners to set out our commitment to help ensure fair , open and effective competition in AI drives growth and positive change for our societies .”
The statement marks the latest step in the CMA ’ s work on AI foundation models . In April 2024 , the CMA published an update which set out six principles to support competition and consumer protection as AI foundation models continue to be developed and deployed .
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Sky ’ s Bennett for BBC Studios
BBC Studios has named Zai Bennett as new CEO and Chief Creative Officer for BBC Studios Productions . Bennett ’ s remit - which will span the company ’ s UK and international production units , owned labels and invested indies across its Global Entertainment , Factual , Scripted , Kids & Family and Audio genres - will see him bring a creative-first approach to driving the production business forward . He will be tasked with building high value , distributable IP , maintaining BBC returning series and key brands , securing new commissions - and expanding BBC Studios ’ international format pipeline through development capabilities in existing markets as well as expansion into new territories . Retaining the producer ’ s position as a provider of scale original streamer series , whilst also continuing to be the biggest supplier of content to the BBC , will also play a crucial part in his new role .
He joins from Sky where he is currently managing director of content . BBC Studios
“ I ’ m incredibly excited to be joining the powerhouse that is BBC Studios Productions this autumn ”
Productions has been responsible for seven of the top 10 performing shows in the UK across
2023 , including events such as Eurovision and the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla - plus water-cooler drama such as Happy Valley 3 .
As well as 12 production bases in the UK , BBC Studios also has bases in the Nordics , India , Australia , Spain , South Africa , Germany , France and the USA .
At Sky , Bennett was responsible for Sky ’ s portfolio of entertainment services such as Sky Atlantic and Sky Max , Sky ’ s premium brands , Sky Cinema and Sky Kids as well as Sky ’ s FTA services like Sky Arts . He has ordered awardwinning dramas such as Chernobyl , Gangs of London , Patrick Melrose , This England , Bulletproof and Discovery of Witches .
Bennett took over Sky Arts FTA in 2020 helping make the arts more accessible for all and launched Sky ’ s factual services such as Sky Documentaries . In cinema , he has overseen Sky ’ s Original films and in Kids , he oversaw the launch of Sky Kids linear service in 2023 . Bennett also oversees all acquisitions as well as negotiating major film deals with the Hollywood studios for Sky Cinema .
One of Bennett ’ s first roles in TV was at Channel 5 where he scheduled the channel ’ s launch night , before joining ITV as part of the core team that launched ITV2 , ITV3 and ITV4 , becoming Director of the digital channels .
In 2011 , Bennett moved to the BBC to become BBC Three ’ s fourth controller , where he set about commissioning a series of comedy hits . He takes up his new position in November and will report into CEO Tom Fussell , joining BBC Studio ’ s Executive Committee .
“ Zai ’ s risk-taking creative hit-rate speaks
for itself ,” commented Fussell . “ He has impact and gravitas and can propel BBC Studios Productions even faster forward without losing the deeply engrained BBC ethos all who work here share . His deep genre experience in scripted comedy and drama through to factual entertainment , documentaries , film and kids , coupled with the relationships he ’ s cultivated with the very best creative talent , will complement our production business growth plans and take us to the next level domestically and globally . I can ’ t wait for him to start .”
“ I ’ m incredibly excited to be joining the powerhouse that is BBC Studios Productions this autumn ,” added Bennett . “ BBC Studios Productions has a special place in the production ecosystem , upholding the BBC ’ s unique purpose and values in everything they do , while marrying this with creative commerciality to help export the BBC ’ s brand around the world as a champion for the highest quality programming in every genre . I couldn ’ t be more thrilled to join Tom ’ s team , his ambition and plans for BBC Studios are clear , exhilarating and infectious . I can ’ t wait to work with him and the world-class creative teams across all the genres and divisions to help keep driving BBC Studios Productions ’ growth and stature around the world .”
6 EUROMEDIA