Media Brief

I'm the BBC's media correspondent and this is my brief selection of what's going on.

The BBC Trust has said it may allow the National Audit Office to examine the BBC's accounts on a regular basis to demonstrate greater financial transparency according to the Guardian.

Alexander Lebedev moved a step closer towards buying the Independent newspapers today after the OFT ruled that the deal would raise no competition issues the Guardian reports.

Plaid Cymru is to give the BBC detailed plans as to how it could be included in prime ministerial television debates in the general election campaign. It has accused the Corporation of breaching its duty of impartiality, reports the BBC.

The pioneering local TV station, Channel M in Greater Manchester, is to close down its news shows - reducing its staff from 33 to just four employees. It was recently sold by Guardian Media Group reports the BBC.

The newspapers are divided over the day's main story the BBC's newspaper review reflects.

Links in full

Owen Bowcott | Guardian | BBC 'open to regular NAO reviews'
Mark Sweney | Guardian | OFT clears Alexander Lebedev as Independent buyer
BBC | Plaid pushes for some inclusion in election TV debates
BBC | Greater Manchester's Channel M cuts staff to four
BBC | Newspaper review

• Read Wednesday's Media Brief.

• See my archive of media articles on Delicious.