The boss of MediaCityUK has assured the post-production sector that its proposed digital-media services deal with Ascent Media Group will not produce a monopoly situation at Salford Quays.

MediaCityUK developer Peel Media granted Ascent a period of exclusive discussions last year, prompting several bosses to ask whether there would be a level playing field for facilities providers.

One was Sumners’ joint managing director Janet Sumner, who said: “The Manchester market is delighted that, thanks to Peel Media and the BBC’s efforts at MediaCityUK, more work is hopefully going to come to this region.

“But the main worry is the effect the proposed Ascent and Peel Media axis might have on the existing market. Will there be a guarantee given to Ascent and Peel in relation to post-production?”

With details of the deal still to be finalised, chief executive Sinead Greenaway tried to allay the fears.

“The post-production offering will be open market, available for everyone,” she said.

“It won’t be called Ascent Media. In fact it doesn’t even have a name yet. I want a competitive environment. A stranglehold would work completely against the remit and vision of MediaCityUK. We won’t be providing high-end finishing, for example.”

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