A Press TV viewer in Britain is continuing his fight to have the British media regulator OFCOM to overturn its decision to withdraw a license for Press TV. He believes the move is unlawful, and that it violates his rights as a viewer. He hopes the courts will give him a full hearing against Ofcom. Our London correspondent, Hassan Alkatib, has more on the story. In April this year, William Spring, an ordinary Press TV viewer, lodged a complaint to the High Court in London against British media regulator Ofcom. He was outraged that Ofcom banned Press TV from the British satellite platform and called for the justice system to overturn the ban. In August, a High Court judge backed Ofcom believing the case had no merit. Mr Spring then submitted an appeal to have the case against Ofcom heard in court. And just a few months later, Mr. Spring finds himself at the Royal Courts of Justice seeking permission to proceed for a judicial review and to be granted a full case against Ofcom. 'In my view, that the decision to chuck Press TV off the Sky platform was entirely illegal. It didn't fit with any of the requirements of EU law. They are pursuing their own private vendettas at the expense of the viewer, disregarding advice from media professionals and they are seeking to introduce censorship into this country.' Press TV aired on the UK's sky platform for around three years offering an alternative viewpoint to British viewers who can only access the mainstream media. However, government officials and right-wing and pro-Israeli groups hated its output especially its coverage of Britain's destructive Middle East wars and what some would say its oppressive and exploitative domestic policies. 'Experts say Political motivation seems to be the real factor in the banning of Press TV. A wikileaks document showed how the British government actively sought to remove the channel. One could well describe this media censorship as part of Britain's campaign to divert criticism of their foreign policy.' Ofcom says Press TV did not comply with their rules and regulations, and was therefore taken off air. But Mr Spring is not satisfied with their response and he believes Ofcom are being used for political reasons. 'Ofcom clearly working to a CIA agenda. We have proof of that in the Foreign Office minutes that we have in our possession which are public knowledge thanks to Julian Assange, who has combated the disinformation put out by Ofcom. Ofcom are the media arm of NATO. Their job is simply to obtain full spectrum dominance on the media, to prepare the way for war.' Eventually the courts turned down William Spring's case. The judges said that although Mr. Spring has a right to watch Press TV under Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, he cannot, however, exercise that right. Mr. Spring is now planning to appeal against the decision. Hassan Alkatib, Press TV, London.

• published: 05 Dec 2012
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