Future of Public Service Broadcasting Policy under The Media Bill Scrutiny
The UK's public service broadcasting landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Media Act 2024 and the draft Media Bill leading the charge. These legislative changes, aimed at adapting to the transformative shifts in technology, audience habits, and market conditions, are set to redefine the way public service broadcasters (PSBs) deliver their content obligations.
The Media Act 2024: A Digital-First Approach
The Media Act 2024, which received Royal Assent in May 2024, marks the biggest change to the UK's public service media framework in two decades. The Act revises the public service remit for television, giving PSBs greater flexibility to deliver their content obligations across both linear and on-demand platforms. This digital-first approach aims to uphold the principles of universality and accessibility for all audiences, adapting public service media to the realities of the online and connected TV era.
Key elements of the revised remit include modernizing the PSB framework, ensuring prominence on connected TVs, securing accessibility through new duties, and supporting local and regional content. Ofcom is actively implementing these provisions, updating quotas, clarifying programming policies, and ensuring fair dispute resolution processes with platform operators.
The Draft Media Bill: Implications and Concerns
The UK government published a draft of the Media Bill in March, proposing wide-ranging reforms to the Communications Act 2003. One of the key proposals is allowing PSBs to meet their regulatory obligations through online means, such as streaming platforms and on-demand catalogues, alongside traditional 'linear' formats.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential risks this could pose. The Media Bill risks enabling PSBs to reduce their investment and production of vital public service programming while ostensibly fulfilling the aims of the remit. This could damage the diversity and sustainability of the UK's world-leading independent production sector.
Moreover, the looser expectation that PSB content is "made available" in the draft Media Bill does not sufficiently ensure PSBs' content will remain discoverable and accessible to all audiences. The proposed 'prominence framework' update in Clause 23, which includes new devices and formats such as Smart TVs, pay-TV platforms, and other designated services, may not be enough to counteract this issue.
A Shift in the Landscape: Implications for the Creative Industries
The 2025 Spending Review has implications for the creative industries, according to a readout from Creative PEC Bernard Hay and Emily Hopkins. The government's plans to relax Channel 4's 'publisher-broadcaster' status, as Clause 25 of the draft Media Bill proposes, could further impact the industry. The Media Bill does not include proposals to increase Channel 4's independent production quota above the existing 25% to offset any impact on independent commissioning.
Meanwhile, research by Professor Dave O'Brien, Dr Peter Campbell, and Dr Ruoxi Wang on class inequalities in film funding sheds light on the socio-economic aspects of the creative industries. Similarly, Dr Ruoxi Wang and Bernard Hay have studied the self-employed workforce in the creative industries in England and Wales, while Dr Josh Siepe explores the co-location of the Creative Industries with Other Industrial Strategy Priority Sectors.
The parliamentary scrutiny of the Media Bill will expand the public conversation about the purposes and values of PSB in a climate of considerable uncertainty. The government's decision to cancel its plans to privatise Channel 4 Corporation, marking a vote of confidence in Channel 4's unique public value, is a testament to the importance of maintaining a robust and inclusive public service media landscape.
In an era of rapid technological change, the Media Act 2024 and the draft Media Bill represent significant steps towards ensuring the UK's public service media remains relevant and accessible to all. As these legislative changes are implemented, it is crucial to continue the conversation about the role of public service media in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and innovative creative industries landscape.
[1] Ofcom (2024). Implementing the Media Act 2024: A Guide for PSBs. London: Ofcom. [2] Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (2024). Media Act 2024: Explanatory Notes. London: HMSO.
- The Media Act 2024 holds the potential to revolutionize the UK's public service media framework, offering greater flexibility for PSBs to fulfill their content obligations across various platforms.
- The revised public service remit, as stated in the Media Act 2024, includes modernizing the PSB framework, ensuring prominence on connected TVs, securing accessibility through new duties, and supporting local and regional content.
- The draft Media Bill, currently under scrutiny, proposes changes to the Communications Act 2003, allowing PSBs to meet their regulatory obligations through online means like streaming platforms and on-demand catalogues.
- Concerns abound regarding the potential risks the Media Bill poses, including the possibility of reduced investment in public service programming and potential challenges in maintaining content discoverability and accessibility.
- Researchers such as Dave O'Brien, Peter Campbell, Ruoxi Wang, Josh Siepe, and others continue to delve into the socio-economic aspects and diversity of the creative industries, shedding light on crucial issues.
- The 2025 Spending Review and proposed changes in Channel 4's 'publisher-broadcaster' status, as per the draft Media Bill, may have substantial implications for the creative industries.
- The role of public service media in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and innovative creative industries landscape is increasingly important in an era of rapid technological change.
- Collaborative efforts between the government, PSBs, the creative industries, and researchers are essential to ensuring the continued relevance and accessibility of the UK's public service media in today's digital age. [References: Ofcom (2024), Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (2024)]
