Key Facts

• Amendment 29 would require OFCOM to have regard to the BBC's strategy and policy published pursuant to clause 62 of the Agreement dated 7 November 2016.
• The amendment aims to ensure that OFCOM considers the relevant parts of the BBC’s regulatory framework when setting guidance for television selection services.
• The prominence regime aims to protect public service broadcasters from being cut out of view on digital platforms.
• Ofcom has dispute resolution and enforcement powers under the new framework.
• S4C struggles with securing high listings for its channels due to wide interpretations of 'appropriate' prominence.
• The MP suggests amending the Bill to use the affirmative procedure for designating regulated television selection services.
• Clause 28 introduces an online prominence framework for Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) apps.
• The framework applies to 'regulated television selection services' used with internet television equipment such as smart TVs, set-top boxes, and streaming sticks.
• Ofcom will designate PSBs based on their contribution to the public service remit and ensure that content is readily discoverable.
• The Bill introduces new sections 362AJ to 362AN to ensure availability of public service content.
• Proposed section 362AL requires Ofcom to prepare guidance about how providers may act consistently with the agreement objectives.
• The Government plans to work at pace with the BBC to make corresponding changes in its framework agreement.
• The Minister agrees that public service broadcasters must make it easy for viewers to find regional content.
• Proposed sections 362AT to 362AY give Ofcom a dispute resolution function.
• Schedule 3 contains changes required by clause 28 to ensure effective negotiations and regulatory enforcement.
• The MP is concerned that people may not receive the expected level of content from platforms.
• Some constituents prefer accessing BBC, STV, etc., via dedicated buttons on remote controls.
• A Media Nations report indicates that 21% of TV users in Scotland watch television through games consoles.
• OFCOM must have regard to the contribution internet programme services make towards fulfilling the public service remit.
• S4C is a national broadcaster in Wales, offering a wide range of programmes from sport to stand-up comedy.
• There are at least 100,000 Welsh speakers outside Wales, and around 3 million people had registered to learn Welsh on Duolingo by 2023.
• Clauses 29, 30, and 31 are being debated.
• The discussion centres on sustainability duties for public service broadcasters.
• The Government announced a package of reforms in January to support Channel 4's long-term sustainability.
• Clause 29 introduces a new duty similar to section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, focusing on financial sustainability and success for Channel 4.
• Clause 30 requires Channel 4 to adhere to fair competition procedures for commissions, with Ofcom oversight.
• Clause 31 repeals section 295 of the Communications Act 2003, allowing Channel 4 to make its own content if it chooses.
• Channel 4’s publisher broadcaster restriction is being lifted.
• 4Skills has reached over 10,000 people since 2015 and aims to reach a further 100,000 by the end of the decade.
• Channel 4 spends over 50% of its commissioning budget outside London.
• The independent quota will rise to 35% of qualifying programmes if Channel 4 exercises new production powers.
• Judith Cummins discusses Clauses 32 to 36 and Schedule 4.
• The discussion covers S4C’s powers and public service remit.
• No specific dates, funding amounts, or timelines are mentioned.
• Clauses 32 to 36 relate to S4C and enact recommendations from an independent review.
• Clause 32 amends the Communications Act 2003 to update S4C’s powers and public service remit, allowing it to provide digital or online services outside Wales.
• Clause 33 replaces S4C’s governance arrangements with a new unitary board composed of executive and non-executive members.
• Clause 35 allows the BBC and S4C to agree on alternative support arrangements that are mutually beneficial.
• The Building an S4C for the future review made recommendations in 2018 that were accepted by the Government.
• Clause 32 introduces a new remit allowing S4C to offer online and digital services outside Wales.
• Legislation simplifies the process for approving commercial activities, enabling quicker responses to opportunities.
• The clause creates a unitary board comprised of executive and non-executive members since autumn 2018.
• Clause 34 changes financial audit arrangements to appoint the Comptroller and Auditor General as S4C’s external auditor.
• Channel 4’s requirement to provide at least 10 hours of television programmes in Welsh per week can be renegotiated.