Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Paragraph: 24
Public service broadcasters face discoverability challenges in crowded digital media marketplace.
Recommendation
Public service broadcasters are facing the challenges of increased competition and changing viewing habits, where viewers may choose content from a range of online providers and platforms. It is imperative that their content is easily discoverable in an increasingly busy digital marketplace.
Government Response Summary
The government intends to introduce a new online prominence framework via the Media Bill to ensure public service broadcasting content, including S4C in Wales, is easily discoverable and given protected prominence on major online TV platforms.
Paragraph Reference:
24
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In addition, although negotiations between PSBs and TV platforms are conducted independently from the Government, we are aware that it has become increasingly difficult for our public service broadcasters to negotiate with the large global players to ensure that their services and content are carried and given appropriate prominence. That is why we intend to legislate to introduce a new online prominence framework via the Media Bill so that public service broadcasting content is made available and given protected prominence across major online TV platforms. This includes regional prominence for designated services from S4C in Wales. In doing so, our aim is to encourage healthy and effective commercial negotiations between PSBs and platforms, where both parties are able to explore mutually beneficial arrangements. These measures will help ensure that audiences are able to access culturally important minority language content for the decades to come. The Government hopes that the Committee will continue to welcome the new reforms outlined in the Bill.