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 Existing regulations are outdated because they are limited to traditional linear electronic TV guides and do not apply to streaming, on-demand and internet-connected TVs.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
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.
Paragraph Reference:
25
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.