Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 35
The pandemic has reinforced the critical importance of free and easy access to trusted news...
Conclusion
The pandemic has reinforced the critical importance of free and easy access to trusted news sources. At a time of crisis, audiences have shown that they value the PSBs. PSBs have played a role in tackling the spread of misinformation online, and broadcast news specials have played a crucial role is disseminating essential information to the general population. However, in the case of Amazon and Google’s refusal to allow the BBC editorial oversight of its Covid-19 content and information hosted on their smart speakers, it would appear that these platforms have prioritised control of information over journalistic integrity.
Paragraph Reference:
35
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government welcomes the publication of the Committee’s report and is grateful for the Committee’s comprehensive inquiry into ‘The Future of Public Service Broadcasting’. The Government wholeheartedly agrees with the Committee’s assessment that the need for public service broadcasting remains as strong as ever. At a time when we are witnessing seismic shifts in the way people are discovering and viewing audiovisual content, the ability of our public service broadcasters (PSBs) to make programmes that appeal to the breadth of the UK population and unite audiences across generations remains undisputed. What is more, the PSBs have demonstrated their unique value to the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, finding new and innovative ways to bring relevant British content to audiences across the country and providing vital assistance of educational programmes for children learning from home. The Government also agrees with the Committee that the pandemic has reinforced the critical importance of free and easy access to trusted news provided by PSBs, both in terms of disseminating essential information and tackling disinformation and misinformation. The latter point remains a priority for this Government, as set out in previous responses to the Committee.