Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Rejected
Examine if current criterion adequately defines Welsh-based productions in the Draft Media Bill.
Recommendation
Brass-plating allows broadcasters to meet their regional production criteria while using production companies that may not be based in Wales. Ofcom acknowledges that relying on the “substantive base” criterion alone provides an opportunity for the system to be manipulated. We recommend that Ofcom examine whether this 46 Broadcasting in Wales criterion alone should be sufficient to qualify a production as being based in Wales. We call on the Government to amend the Draft Media Bill to address this problem. (Paragraph 142) Broadcasting in Wales 47
Government Response Summary
The government rejects amending the Draft Media Bill, stating that public service broadcasters' quotas for regional programming are a matter for Ofcom, who they believe has sufficient powers to address any loopholes.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Public service broadcasters’ quotas for regional programme making are overseen by, and remain a matter for, Ofcom. DCMS officials have raised this matter with Ofcom following the publication of the Committee’s report and we remain of the view that Ofcom have the necessary powers to identify, examine, and if necessary close, any loopholes related to the regulatory regime for regional programme making. The Government therefore does not see a need to legislate in this area.