Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
Convene dedicated evidence session with Welsh broadcasting stakeholders during Media Bill Committee Stage.
Recommendation
Broadcasting holds an importance in Welsh national life that is unique among the nations of the United Kingdom. A distinctively Welsh broadcasting sector, underpinned by strong public service broadcasting, is a precious asset that must be allowed to flourish for the benefit of future generations. We welcome the Government’s Draft Media Bill with its explicit aim of supporting the sustainability of public service broadcasters, and we urge Ministers to listen to the specific concerns of the Welsh broadcasting sector as they take the Bill through the House. We would request that in its scrutiny at Committee Stage, the Bill Committee convene at least one evidence session exclusively with stakeholders from the broadcasting industry in Wales. (Paragraph 13) Public service broadcasters
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of the Media Bill and commits to continuing engagement with devolved administrations and stakeholders throughout its passage, but notes the Commons Committee Stage has already completed, thereby not committing to the specific request for a dedicated Welsh evidence session at that stage.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We are pleased that the Committee agrees that this legislation is vitally important and the Government will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations throughout passage. Passage of the legislation has been prioritised, and the Media Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 8 November and has now completed Commons Committee Stage. We are grateful to Committee members and stakeholders for their views and engagement on the legislation in this recent stage. The Government looks forward to continuing to engage at Report Stage and throughout passage through both Houses.