Key Facts

• Amendment would amend the definition of public service for Channel 4 to include an obligation to broadcast via digital terrestrial television.
• Clause amends section 265 of the Communications Act 2003 to update the remits and ensure high-quality programming contributes adequately to the broader remit.
• Channel 3, Channel 4, and Channel 5 must provide a range of high-quality and diverse programmes via UHF frequencies that can be received by at least 98.5% of the population.
• Clause 6 updates the Communications Act 2003 to adjust Ofcom’s enforcement powers.
• Amendment 20 proposes changing 'is serious' to 'is serious or at risk of becoming serious'.
• The British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and Ofcom have raised concerns about the current high threshold for intervention.
• The amendment seeks to empower Ofcom with earlier intervention capabilities.
• Section 270 of the Communications Act is being amended.
• Ofcom can currently withdraw licences as an ultimate sanction.
• Clauses 8 and 9 amend sections 277 and 278 of the Communications Act to allow PSBs to meet quotas using on-demand services.
• The independent production quota is set at a minimum of 25% for each licensed public service channel, with Channel 4 revised upward to 35% if it starts a production business.
• Clause 14 changes regional production quotas from proportion of hours to effective duration.
• Clauses 8, 9, and 14 change licensed public service channels' production quotas to allow on-demand content contribution.
• Quotas are moving from percentage requirements to a set number of hours specified by the Secretary of State.
• Some broadcasters express concerns over flexibility in absolute quota systems compared to current percentage-based quotas.
• Clause 10 empowers the Secretary of State to specify descriptions of qualifying audiovisual content by regulations.
• Clauses 11 and 12 introduce definitions for 'qualifying audiovisual content' and provisions for handling repeat broadcasts.
• Clause 13 extends the terms of trade regime to cover independent productions commissioned for other audio-visual services.
• Amendment 19 aims to explicitly mention content genres in legislation.
• Public service broadcasters account for 77% of original UK commissions.
• On-demand content now counts towards remit and quotas.
• Amendments are made to clauses regarding public service broadcasting requirements.
• Regulations can be updated using the affirmative procedure for future-proofing digital platforms.
• Ofcom will produce an annual report on principal genres and their provision.
• Clause 15 amends section 290 of the Communications Act, allowing regional channel 3 services to share programming through qualifying audiovisual services.
• The second networking objective is changed to ensure programmes are available for inclusion by all licence holders.
• The schools programming quota on Channel 4 is set at a low level of 30 minutes per year and is proposed for repeal.
• Clause 17 introduces schedule 1, making comparable provisions for the BBC and S4C regarding original content quotas.
• ITV Border operates across Dumfries, Galloway, Carlisle, and parts of Scotland.
• Emma Harper, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, has raised concerns about content imbalance.
• Legal policies differ between England and Scotland, affecting news relevance for local viewers.
• Clause 18 introduces new sections 338A and 338B in the Communications Act.
• Information notices can be served on PSBs or third parties where proportionate.
• Financial penalties cannot exceed £250,000 initially or £500 per day for continuing breaches.
• Clause 19 amends section 18A of the Broadcasting Act 1990 to include revenue from internet programme services in calculating maximum fines.
• The current qualifying criteria stipulate a service must be free and received by 95% of the UK population.
• The clause updates the listed events regime to make it PSB-specific.
• It closes the streamer loophole for non-UK providers showing live coverage to UK audiences.
• The listed events regime ensures major sporting events are broadcast on free-to-air channels.
• More than 17 million people watched the women’s Euros final, boosting grassroots football participation and attendance in women's league events.
• An event being listed does not guarantee live broadcast but increases its chances of reaching a wider audience.
• The definition of qualified services will be PSB-specific rather than based on broadcast audience reach due to increasing viewing on devices.
• The new Bill creates a new service definition for TV-like internet services providing live content to UK audiences.
• Channel 4's sport content on YouTube drew 16.8 million global and 8.2 million UK viewers last year, with over a quarter of views from 13 to 24-year-olds in the UK.
• Clause 20 extends broadcasting rights to public service broadcasters including S4C.
• Digital rights are under consideration as more people access digital broadcasting.
• A digital rights review is being undertaken, recommended by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
• The Listed Events Fund will be established by the Secretary of State.
• Payments are restricted to organisations maintaining their registered office in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and falling under Group A listings.
• Organisations with a reported turnover exceeding £50 million cannot receive payment from the fund.
• New clauses aim to include major sports events such as Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and others in Group A of free-to-air broadcasting list.
• Clause 7 proposes adding Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service) as a mandatory consultee for listed event consultations and Ofcom's guidance code updates.
• The amendments seek to ensure that certain national events are broadcast in their entirety on free-to-air television.
• The Broadcasting Act 1996 is being updated to include provisions for multi-sport events and TV-like services.
• New clauses aim to amend the Broadcasting Act to include consultations with the Gaelic Media Service.
• Home nation games should be listed as group A events to ensure coverage of national teams' qualification matches.
• The Scottish Football Association has been consulted.
• New clause 8 includes a financial support fund for smaller organisations.
• Kirsty Blackman intends to push new clauses 6 and 7 to a vote.
• Concerns raised over proposed changes to clauses 22 and 23 of the Bill.
• BBC expressed worries that new clauses could undermine the listed events regime, particularly regarding multi-sport group A events like the Olympics and Paralympics.
• The MP highlights the need for clarity on the definition of 'adequate' coverage under these amendments.
• Amazon made Emma Raducanu’s US Open final available on Channel 4.
• Ofcom will consult widely with stakeholders to set parameters for adequate live coverage.
• The most recent changes to listed events include the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals and the European Women’s Football Championship finals.
• £30 million Lionesses fund is invested in grassroots women's football.
• New clauses 6 and 7 are not accepted by the Government.
• The Gaelic Media Service should be included in consultations.
• The Derby had 1.6 million viewers, similar to Celtic v. Rangers.
• Including listed events does not guarantee free-to-air broadcasts but increases the likelihood of access.
• Clause 24 amends section 104A of the Broadcasting Act 1996 to create new powers for Ofcom.
• Clause 25 ensures contracts agreed before the Bill's introduction are not affected by new provisions.
• Government amendment 11 requires categorisation of events into groups A and B without consultation if aligned with existing divisions.
• Clause 27 introduces schedule 2, making amendments to broadcasting legislation.
• Government amendment 18 removes transitional provisions related to section 300 of the Communications Act, which was never brought into force and is now being repealed.
• Amendments 16 and 17 correct references in provision added by clause 20.