Apr 28, 2022
Streaming services facing tighter regulation in UK broadcasting shake-up
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "The UK's TV and radio industries are world-renowned for their creativity, driven by exceptional talent that is delivering groundbreaking public service programming."Set against the backdrop of the digital transformation of our viewing habits, today's plans will revamp decades-old laws to help our public service broadcasters compete in the internet age. While linear TV channels must currently abide by Ofcom rules, most Video on Demand services are not currently subject to the regulator's Broadcasting Code.The changes put forward would oblige VoDs to protect audiences from harmful or offensive material, and adhere to rules regarding accuracy, fairness and privacy. The move will be welcomed by public service broadcasters, who have been lobbying for streaming services to face the same regulations as them for several years. Currently, the BBC iPlayer is the only VoD service which has to abide by Ofcom's Broadcasting Code.But the proposals mean Ofcom would have the powers to draft and enforce a new VoD Code, to ensure that all streamers are subject to stricter rules. As a result, broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 currently air most major sporting events.
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