Huge concerns about Dowden’s plans for new media law

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced a review into how streaming platforms are regulated and has also confirmed a government consultation on whether to privatise Channel 4.

Writing in The Times today, Dowden also confirms that a white paper will also set out proposals on how to ensure that public service broadcasters are given sufficient visibility on online platforms and ensure viewers can continue to find and watch original and high-quality British programmes.

Bectu will be submitting a response to the consultation on video-on-demand reforms and the proposals on the future of Channel 4. We will do all we can to ensure that jobs and high quality content are protected, to the benefit of all.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“It is time for regulation to catch up with innovation, and it is right that Netflix, Amazon Prime and others should meet the same high standards as traditional broadcasters, who are now also major streamers.

“We have huge concerns about what else the government has planned for the expected new media law, not least the possible sale of Channel 4.

“The success of Channel 4 is built on the back of the current model which supports a thriving independent production sector and allows commissioners a degree of risk and creativity, of which the viewing public reap the benefits.

“It cannot be ignored that talk of privatisation is happening in parallel with a major review into the future of public service broadcasting. This will have major consequences for the UK broadcast landscape, and it is paramount that the government’s recommendations are not influenced by a desire to make as much profit as possible from the sale of Channel 4.”