Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
Paragraph: 25
Introduce Media Bill to Parliament early next Session and prioritise its passage.
Recommendation
The UK’s public service broadcasters are fighting for prominence on the first page on any significant device, be it a set-top box, smart TV or games console. Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV guides and do not apply to streaming, on-demand and internet-connected TVs. The lack of prominence of PSB content across all devices, particularly digital and streaming platforms, will result in consumers struggling to find much loved content in a format and language that they enjoy. The proposals contained in the Draft Media Bill on prominence are vital to the continued success of public service broadcasters in the twenty-first century. The Government must introduce the Media Bill to Parliament as early as possible in the next Session, which is due to begin in November 2023, and prioritise its passage through both Houses.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government confirms its intention to legislate through the Media Bill, introducing a new online prominence framework to ensure public service broadcasting content is available and given protected prominence on major online TV platforms.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
25
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
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.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗