Key Facts

• Clauses 33 to 36 are being considered.
• Schedule 4 is also part of the discussion.
• S4C, established by a Conservative Government 40 years ago, is a Welsh language television broadcaster.
• The clauses remove geographical restrictions for S4C viewers outside Wales and align it with other public service broadcasters.
• Clause 35 changes the previously fixed approach requiring at least 10 hours of programmes in Welsh per week from the BBC to S4C.
• S4C obtains programming from over 50 independent companies, many located in Hywel Williams' constituency.
• Amendments 22 through 27 aim to change clause 37.
• The amendments seek to regulate all video-on-demand services rather than just Tier 1 services.
• References to 'Tier 1' are proposed to be replaced with 'the regulation of on-demand programme'.
• More than 270 video-on-demand services are currently notified with Ofcom.
• Tier 1 services will be based on size, determined by audience figures, turnover, and catalogues.
• The MP proposes that all VOD services should be regulated universally to achieve consistency in regulatory approach.
• The new clause would amend the Communications Act 2003.
• A nominated body engaged in preserving cultural and social heritage will maintain the national television archive.
• VOD providers must pay an amount determined by OFCOM towards the maintenance of the archive.
• Amendment 38 relates to drawing up appropriate guidance for archiving and retrieval of programming.
• New clause 9 aims to address disparities in the systems around archiving, particularly regarding financial contributions from different organizations.
• The British Film Institute's television archive includes programming from the 1950s and records various channels continuously since 2016.
• Amendment 28 aims to insert new provisions into the Video on Demand code.
• The amendment focuses on user choice and timing for watching programmes in VoD services.
• OFCOM will be required to prepare or revise a code under section 368HF.
• Video-on-demand take-up has grown significantly in recent years.
• The new video-on-demand code will apply to tier 1 services designated by PSBs or the Secretary of State's regulations.
• Non-UK-based tier 1 services must comply with basic content rules applicable to UK-based on-demand services.
• Ofcom will consult extensively before drafting and implementing the new VOD code.
• Tier 1 on-demand services must ensure compliance with the code within 12 months after designation or when the new code is in place.
• The Bill mandates that tier 1 video-on-demand services provide at least 80% of their UK catalogue subtitled, 10% audio described, and 5% signed.
• The Bill brings video-on-demand services under Ofcom’s regulation.
• Providers must ensure at least 40% of their total catalogue has subtitling after two years, rising to 80% after four years.
• At least 5% of content should have audio description and 2.5% sign language interpretation, rising to 10% and 5%, respectively.
• The measures aim to benefit over 2 million people living with sight loss and 87,000 users of British Sign Language.
• Amendment 30 aims to add signposting measures for audience protection.
• Amendment 34 requires Ofcom to assess age ratings' recognisability, transparency of standards, and regular public consultation.
• Stephanie Peacock discusses the need to include signposting and educational resources as part of audience protection on-demand services.
• Amendment 30 suggests Ofcom should review these measures in conjunction with other protections.
• The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides trusted age classification services widely recognized across the UK.
• Clause 38 inserts new section 368OB into the Communications Act 2003.
• Ofcom has a duty to review audience protection measures on all UK-based VOD services and non-UK tier 1 services.
• Linear TV has a watershed at 9pm, while VOD requires alternative protection measures.
• Schedule 8 introduces minor amendments to part 4A of the Communications Act 2003.
• The changes update enforcement definitions to include newly defined tier 1 non-UK services.
• Old target-setting provisions on accessibility are removed or amended.
• Almost 90% of the population tunes into the radio each week.
• Commercial radio listening is now 76% digital via DAB platforms.
• Analogue radio listening is estimated to account for 12%-14% by 2030.
• Clause 42 allows licence holders to renew their analogue licences while planning digital transition.
• Clause 43 removes outdated conditions requiring specific genres of content or target age groups.
• Ofcom will ensure local news and information on radio as per clause 44.
• Clause 44 amends requirements on the character of local radio services.
• The amendment requires publication of guidance on local news provision by OFCOM.
• Localised radio updates are crucial for those without internet access or in areas without digital signals.
• Clause 44 aims to relax requirements on locally made programming to help stations compete against online services.
• Local news provision remains important, but stations do not need to directly employ journalists; they can partner with newspaper agencies or freelance journalists.
• The clause provides powers for future enforcement of local news obligations if analogue services cease.
• Ofcom has the authority under clause 44 of the Media Bill to impose local news requirements in stations’ licences.
• Clause 44(7) defines 'locally-gathered news' as news gathered by professional journalists employed or contracted for this purpose.
• The Minister does not support statutory guidance on top of Ofcom’s existing responsibilities and flexibility.
• Clause 45 amends section 359 of the Communications Act 2003.
• The clause allows financial assistance for community and commercial radio services and audio production.
• There is no current plan to revive the audio content fund or raid the community radio fund.
• The clause allows for international digital radio services from a specified country, initially intended for Ireland, to be regulated by Ofcom.
• RTÉ is identified as an important station for members of the Irish community living in the UK.
• There has been a five-year gap between consultation and the Bill's introduction.