Call for Evidence

The Committee is inviting submissions by Wednesday 17 May 2023 at 23.59 with a particular focus on any of the following points:

Public Service Broadcasting

• Should the Media Bill provide a clear definition of what prominence in online services looks like?
• Are proposals allowing a Public Service Broadcaster to meet its remit by online programming as well as linear appropriate?
• Are the proposals in the draft Bill adequate for securing the future of Channel 4 and supporting independent content producers?
• Do the proposals for S4C meet the legislative changes required by the independent S4C review in 2018, and are these changes still relevant and appropriate today?
• Is the draft bill sufficiently flexible to legislate for any future extension of the Listed Events regime to include digital content?

Video-on-Demand

• Are the requirements for the Tier 1 standards code proportionate?
• Are accessibility requirements for Video on Demand set at an appropriate level?
• Do the proposals in the draft Media Bill create any risks to UK’s desirability as a market for VoD content?
• What should be the specific criteria for designating an on-demand programme service as Tier 1?

Radio

• Is the definition of a radio selection service appropriate?
• Is the definition of an internet radio service appropriate?
• Are the obligations on radio selection services proportionate?
• Does the draft Media Bill sufficiently protect the relevant internet radio service to be played in response to a voice command?
• Are the provisions in the draft Bill sufficient to protect the identity and content of local radio?

General issues

• Is Ofcom able to deliver its new and updated obligations set out in the draft bill?
• Is the draft bill flexible enough to address future developments in audience habits and new technology?
• Does the draft Bill provide sufficient protection for those without internet access or who prefer to use broadcast services?
• Are the proposed powers to be given to the Secretary of State proportionate?
• Does the draft bill sufficiently address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the UK?
• Are there any issues missing from the draft Bill within the scope of public service broadcasting, video-on-demand or radio?
• Do you have any recommendations for additional or amended drafting to the draft Bill?