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Updates to the regulation of TV and video-on-demand services

24 February 2026

Proposing MP
Edinburgh South
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The government is updating television and video-on-demand regulation through new statutory instruments introduced by the Media Act 2024.

Action Requested

The government will lay two statutory instruments to designate Tier 1 services with over 500,000 UK users and update regulated electronic programme guides. A third instrument will be laid when parliamentary time allows to designate TV platforms for public service broadcaster prominence rules. These measures extend protections and accessibility requirements to newer services while balancing regulatory burdens.

Key Facts

  • The On-demand Programme Services (Tier 1 Services) Regulations 2026 and the Regulated Electronic Programme Guide (Prescribed Description and Transitional Arrangements) Regulations 2026 will be laid.
  • Over 20 video-on-demand services with more than 500,000 UK users will be designated as Tier 1 services.
  • About ten EPGs and approximately 70 new TV channels will come under Ofcom regulation.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy