Digital Learning Alliance

The Digital Learning Alliance is a lobby group (a coalition of 18 software firms) set up by SRU and Lexington Communications funded by the media industry to oppose BBC plans to launch a free digital service. Dennis Stevenson was linked to this initiative by virtue of his connections with Pearson and both SRU and Lexington. According to the Times, the DLA 'brings together publishers including Pearson, Oxford University Press, Reed Elsevier, Granada Learning and HarperCollins, which is owned by News Corporation, parent company of The Times.'

Ms Jowell yesterday invited views on the BBC's application in which it proposes introducing a wide range of interactive online learning materials in support of the school curriculum. In line with the BBC charter the plans need the secretary of state's approval.

Despite the government’s claim that regulatory conditions would prevent the BBC from dominating the market, the DLA argued that the BBC was being given an unfair advantage, and that the new scheme would deprive them of substantial revenues. It would also, they suggested, deprive schools of choice.

"Our industry could be decimated," said Dominic Savage, co-chair of the Digital Learning Alliance, a trade body for companies involved in online learning. "We have deep concerns about our members' ability to compete with a similar service that was offered for free. There is a serious risk of substantial job losses."