The Media Bill

MacNeil raises specific concerns regarding the omission of Gaelic broadcasting in Scotland and seeks assurances that safeguards will be included for Gaelic broadcasting, particularly for BBC Alba.

Griffith emphasises the immense importance of public service broadcasting to the Welsh language and seeks assurances that the Bill reflects the significant challenges faced by S4C in providing quality programmes for linear TV and online consumption.

Crabb supports the importance of public service broadcasting but also highlights its role in producing English language programmes in Wales, advocating for a level playing field.

Buckland suggests that the Bill could be improved by addressing local television coverage as a public service broadcasting issue, similar to the importance of local radio stations such as those in his constituency.

Offord asks about measures contained in the Bill addressing concerns regarding the sustainability of the BBC licence fee in the digital age.

Sobel, appreciating the decision to retain Channel 4 as a public service broadcaster, seeks assurances that new purposes for media literacy and workforce diversity will be considered in the Bill.

Winter welcomes assurances regarding the safeguarding of Welsh media broadcasting, specifically in relation to S4C and listed events such as Six Nations rugby.

Expressed gratitude towards the Secretary of State for ensuring that accessibility is accommodated in the Bill, particularly mentioning subtitling and other accessibility points. She referenced previous work done with the Secretary of State.

Asked about the Government's assurances on maintaining Freeview beyond 2034, referencing the Scottish Affairs Committee report and the Secretary of State’s speech to the Royal Television Society. He inquired if there is an opportunity within this Bill to ensure a guarantee beyond 2034.

Expressed support for the Bill and welcomed steps to reduce red tape for local commercial radio. He inquired about provisions ensuring that local news continues on local multiplexes, expressing concern over the BBC's decision to reduce local news on many of its local radio stations.

Challenged the Government’s stance on anti-SLAPP legislation, questioning the inconsistency in repealing section 40 which protects small publishers and investigative journalists from oppressive conduct by wealthy individuals and organisations.

Supports the amendment to protect Gaelic language broadcasting, questioning why it was not included despite explicit mention in the King’s Speech.

Recommends that the Secretary of State and shadow Secretary of State meet Colin Browne of Voice of the Listener and Viewer to understand additional concerns about digital rights.

Highlights excessive advertising in commercial programmes aimed at young children, suggesting it may be subliminal within the programme content.

Expresses concern about S4C being in crisis or turmoil, urging the Secretary of State to investigate issues raised by Martin Shipton on Nation.Cymru.

Emphasises the economic and cultural importance of public service broadcasting, particularly Channel 4. He supports the Secretary of State's decision to not privatise Channel 4 but instead allow it to produce its own content cautiously while preserving the ecosystem of independent production companies. Supports measures in the Bill for prominence of PSBs on new platforms, although with some caveats. Recommends extending protections to digital on-demand rights for big sporting events and including local TV services in the definition. Also supports radio sector protections but suggests expanding them to include online-only radio content.

Intervened to highlight how shows like 'The Crown' and 'Downton Abbey' project British soft power globally.

Agrees that projecting diverse modern Britain on a global scale is crucial, citing examples such as Welsh public service broadcasters and programmes like 'Welcome to Wrexham'.

Asked for support across the House for protecting the Gaelic language and mentioned BBC Alba Radio nan Gàidheal as an example of its importance.

She raises concerns about the prominence of public service broadcasters in various platforms, particularly highlighting the exclusion of App Stores and Google Play Store from measures to ensure these services are prominently featured. Blackman advocates for clearer definitions and guidance on key terms such as 'sufficiency' and emphasises the importance of local radio stations like shmu. She also discusses issues around Gaelic language broadcasting funding disparities and calls for parity between Welsh and Scottish Gaelic programming support.

Intervenes to emphasise the importance of protecting and promoting the Gaelic language in Scotland. He notes that there are very few native Gaelic speakers in his constituency and expresses hope for a future generation fluent in the language.

Intervenes to support his colleague's points about Gaelic broadcasting and highlights the existential threat faced by MG Alba due to a significant reduction in real terms funding. He emphasises the importance of funding for programme-making, citing an example from Skye.

Ms Dinenage supports the Media Bill and appreciates that it reflects technological advancements. She highlights the importance of public service broadcasters in enriching culture, society, and democracy while ensuring legislation is future-proofed. The MP notes concerns over genre simplification and the obligation on PSBs to provide diverse programming. Ms Dinenage also discusses prominence obligations for PSBs on smart TVs and streaming devices. Additionally, she raises questions about must-carry obligations aligning with the BBC’s charter and the application of video-on-demand codes to all platforms.

Supports the bill broadly but expresses concerns about removing local broadcasting regulations. Emphasises the importance of local radio for accountability in local democracy. Raises concern over potential decline in educational, scientific, and cultural content due to reduced Ofcom monitoring. Proposes that 80% of on-demand TV should be subtitled, with 10% audio described and 5% signed. Advocates for strengthening broadcaster prominence requirements from 'appropriate' to 'significant'. Criticises plans to relax publisher-broadcaster status at Channel 4, highlighting risks to independent production diversity and sustainability.

[INTERVENTION]: Supports legislative underpinning for Gaelic broadcasting, agreeing with Jamie Stone's emphasis on the importance of such support.

[INTERVENTION]: Asks about the lack of oral evidence in the draft programme motion, questioning the reasons behind this decision and expressing concern over diverse issues raised by Jamie Stone.

Emphasises the need for modern legislation given technological changes over the last two decades. Highlights declining viewership of public service broadcasters (PSBs), increased costs, and challenges faced by PSBs due to changing audience habits. Supports measures in the Bill to change Channel 4's remit and stresses the importance of ensuring robust health for Channel 4 to commission more programmes. Raises concerns about prominence on connected devices, ease of finding TV schedules, and fairness of business models for PSBs. Discusses need for parity between regulation of on-demand online services and broadcast television, and raises questions regarding media ownership and foreign acquisitions.

Intervenes to question how public service broadcasters appear on connected devices, suggesting that Ofcom should consider both screen appearance and live schedule placement.

Intervenes to ask about ownership of public service broadcasters, questioning whether there should be legislation regulating who can own PSBs like ITV.

Blackford emphasises the importance of protecting Gaelic language in remote and rural areas through media support. He cites statistics showing MG Alba's economic impact, such as sustaining 340 full-time jobs and generating gross value added of over £17 million with an annual funding of £13 million, indicating a return rate of £1.34 per £1 invested.

Supports the Media Bill, highlighting its importance for UK's creative industries and broadcasters. Emphasises the need for flexibility in legislation to adapt to technological changes and maintain public service broadcasters' sustainability. Supports Channel 4’s special status and ITV's level playing field. Advocates for robust enforcement of prominence for PSBs on global platforms. Welcomes provisions aiding local radio stations. Suggests caution against knee-jerk reactions following public inquiries like Leveson, supporting the repeal of section 40 without encouraging newspapers to depart from Impress.

Welcomed the debate and the departure from the idea of selling off Channel 4, emphasising the importance of public service broadcasting. Noted the support for Gaelic and Welsh-language stations in the Bill. Raised concerns about media ownership, bias in international reporting, local journalism, and the impact of social media on news consumption. Emphasised the bravery of journalists worldwide and highlighted the situation facing Julian Assange.

Eustice criticises clause 50 for repealing section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, which was a compromise following the Leveson inquiry. He argues that true Conservatives believe in accountability and supports consistency in policy implementation. Eustice highlights historical context, including the failure of self-regulation by the press and the need for stronger measures to protect victims of media malpractice. He emphasises the importance of section 40 in creating incentives for an industry regulator to seek recognition and protecting investigative journalism from SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation). Eustice regrets that the full Leveson architecture was not implemented, which would have distinguished traditional press from social media and restored trust in journalism. He also criticises the failure of this House to act on past inquiries and proposes alternatives such as civil procedure rules.

Corbyn interjects to highlight that current libel laws are skewed in favour of the wealthy, silencing those without resources. He argues that individuals without financial means face immediate threats and legal repercussions when defending themselves against false claims, leaving them with no recourse or risking bankruptcy.

Ms Cates advocates for the extension of BBFC ratings to all streaming services. She emphasises that extending the remit of the Bill’s audience protection provisions beyond broadcast and streaming to include online content is crucial, particularly in regulating hardcore pornography which can cause significant societal harm. She believes the BBFC's role should be expanded to regulate such content effectively.

Intervened briefly, agreeing with Ms Cates that the public would have confidence in the BBFC's ability to act in regulating on-demand programme services due to its established brand and trust.

Supports the bill for its reforms on PSB regulation and prominence. Highlights the need to protect public service broadcasting against commercial interests, ensuring viewers can easily access high-quality programming. He also supports the removal of section 40 as a measure towards press freedom.

Intervenes to support the current licence fee system, arguing it effectively ensures universal service coverage. He believes that any alternative would lead to a fragmented audience for public broadcasting.

Questions Rob Butler about his stance on Leveson recommendations, seeking clarity on specific objections to the royal charter for press self-regulation.

Emphasises that prominence of apps is crucial for consuming public service broadcast content, especially in areas without terrestrial TV or aerials. Highlights the importance of digital platforms for accessibility.

Intervened to clarify Lord Justice Leveson's position on recognition criteria for an independent regulator, rejecting a model proposed by Lord Black due to lack of accountability.

The MP argues that the exclusion of local TV services from the definition of public service channels in the Media Bill will undermine their ability to deliver services and could lead to their demise, impacting local news coverage. He supports That’s TV and other local media organisations in his constituency, highlighting their importance for community reporting and praising specific reporters and presenters.

Made a point of order to correct the record about accepting hospitality from Sky. No debate contribution on the bill/clause was made.

Acknowledged Thangam Debbonaire's point of order and corrected her record regarding hospitality received.

Ms. Peacock supports the Bill, but calls for further clarification on several areas such as the public service remit's complexity, flexibility in meeting remit through on-demand programming, and ensuring that the video-on-demand code is tailored to the needs of the on-demand environment. She also highlights concerns about futureproofing radio services and engaging with technology stakeholders.

Expresses concern that the term 'appropriate' is too vague, suggesting a clearer mandate for high visibility of public service broadcasters throughout the country.

Advocates for stronger legal protections, questioning why decisions are left to Ofcom rather than being explicitly written into the Bill.

Corrects the Minister on the definition of 'sufficient quantity' and expresses concern over undefined terms, emphasising the need for clear legal protection for Gaelic content.

Calls for cross-party consensus to provide strong legal protections similar to those given to Welsh language broadcasting, stressing the historical urgency of redress for Gaelic speakers.

Highlights historical suppression of Gaelic through legislation and urges for supportive measures to reverse this trend, emphasising the need for legal protection.

Supports the Minister's position on not being overly prescriptive with content regulation, highlighting the public understanding of existing age rating systems like BBFC.