DCMS published its long-awaited Media Green Paper

Given what was happening in politics, there was limited media interest or push from government. What was pre-briefed to print media and made headlines was a commit to explore legislative options to require social media to make public service media providers (PSM) – BBC, ITV, C4, C5, and others -  news content prominent on social media platforms, mirroring the new rules in Media Act to do so on connected TVs and platforms. The commitment to legislation was one of the firmest commitments in the Green Paper.  

There was also related a commitment to explore whether other PSM content should be made more prominent on social media more generally, with a preference for new commercial deals to be voluntarily agreed. Although some of these agreements have already been signed, there is threat of legislation if necessary if evidence gathered through this process doesn’t show this is happening at pace. 

One of the most important issues in broadcasting policy which needs a government decision is when to switch off the Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) network. This is because of the long timelines needed to transition us all to watching TV delivered over the internet (IPTV). In the Green Paper, the Government states there is a compelling case for transition to IPTV by 2034 which is the earliest possible date. But there is also 2044 backup option if the evidence to prove a smooth transition can’t be delivered with confidence by 2034 isn’t found as part of this process.

A final decision on the date will be taken in a subsequent White Paper with the Government recognising that there would need to be a comprehensive package of support in place to ensure minimum impact on viewers. This will include ensuring that IPTV is accessible, affordable and available to similar numbers of households as DTT currently provides.Government is committed to working with the industry and audience groups to design a transition plan and support package for viewers, with an expectation that the whole broadcast industry ecosystem will work together to agree a workable plan. This will include many techUK members from the tech and telco sector. The plan will also consider policy and regulatory reform and will be committed to ensuring fair access, transparent pricing, and robust oversight.

Government also states it will be taking account of role the TV terrestrial infrastructure delivers as part of the UK critical national infrastructure, including delivering services like smart meters and emergency communications. But it also restates that full fibre will be available to 99% of households by 2032.

For techUK, this makes the transition more than a broadcasting policy question. Any decision on DTT will also need to consider the future use of spectrum, the resilience of national communications networks, and the role terrestrial infrastructure plays in supporting critical national infrastructure. These questions should be addressed transparently and early, with industry fully involved in assessing the technical, commercial and resilience implications of different transition dates.

Another important theme in the Green Paper is the importance of improving media literacy, in particular exploring whether an additional duty on Public Service Media providers (such as, BBC, ITV, C4) to report on media literacy. There is also a commitment to explore whether a new initiative to support coordinated media literacy activity is needed, including a broader range of organisations (civil society and technology companies). This will work in tandem with other ongoing work on tackling this in Government and Ofcom.

DCMS will also consider whether a new system for public service media for television is needed to encourage more PSM content to be made, addressing a decline over recent years as the choice of platforms and content has multiplied. The aim would be to allow providers to produce more content for a wider range of platforms. Ideas range from limited change, allow specific services so more channels to be designated PSM or a clear definition of what is and what isn’t PSM content.

techUK’s priority will be to ensure that the next phase of work is developed in genuine partnership with the technology and telecoms sectors, focusing on rules that protect viewer choice, support accessibility and affordability, are commercially viable, and can adapt as technology and audience behaviour continue to change.