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How are on-demand services changing TV? Committee ask YouTube, Apple and Amazon

21 June 2019

The Communications Committee visits Amazon's London office to inform its inquiry on public service broadcasters in the age of video on demand. The Committee then holds two evidence sessions at which it questions representatives from Amazon, YouTube and Apple.

Visit to Amazon

During the visit to Amazon the Committee hears presentations from employees and is given a tour of its laboratories. The tour is intended to give the Committee a better understanding of the technological aspects of delivering on-demand services. This visit is not open to the public.

Witnesses

Tuesday 25 June, Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster

At 3.30pm

  • Richard Lewis, Head of UK & IRE Content Partnerships, YouTube
  • Marco Pancini, Director of Public Policy, EMEA, YouTube

At 4.30pm

  • Georgia Brown, Director of European Originals, Amazon Studios
  • Jay Hunt, Creative Director, Europe and Worldwide Video, Apple

Possible lines of questioning

Topics for discussion with the YouTube witnesses include:

  • The extent to which YouTube Premium is a priority for the business
  • How successful broadcasters have been in making content available on YouTube
  • How YouTube will ensure that it complies with the revised Audio-visual Media Services Directive to protect children from content which may impair their physical, mental or moral development.

Topics for discussion with the Amazon and Apple witnesses include:

  • The popularity of SVODs with under 35s
  • How public policy has supported UK production
  • How best to support diversity and regional production
  • Whether there is a level playing field in the regulation of SVODs and commercial broadcasters.

Further information