UK government publishes draft Media Bill, Ofcom to regulate global streamers

29/03/2023

The global streamers could face fines of up to �250,000 or be restricted in the UK entirely if they are found to have broken rules around harmful material

By Jenny Priestley

Published: March 29, 2023 Updated: March 31, 2023

The global streamers could face fines of up to �250,000 or be restricted in the UK entirely if they are found to have broken rules around harmful material

target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>

The UK government has officially released the draft of its Media Bill which aims to help public service broadcasters better compete with the global streaming services,

The Bill sets out plans to bring Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus under new Ofcom rules, and require them to provide subtitles, audio description and signing to support people with disabilities.

The streamers could face fines of up to �250,000 or be restricted in the UK entirely if they are found to have broken rules around harmful material.

According to the government, the draft Media Bill will enable public service broadcasters to unleash their potential to grow, produce more top quality British content and invest in new technologies .

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer said: Technology has revolutionised the way people enjoy TV. The battle to attract and retain audiences has never been more fierce. British content and production is world leading but changes to viewing habits have put traditional broadcasters under unprecedented pressure.

These new laws will level the playing field with global streaming giants, ensuring they meet the same high standards we expect from public service broadcasters and that services like iPlayer and ITVX are easy to find however you watch TV, added Frazer.

Our Bill will give these brilliant broadcasters and our legendary radio industry the tools to keep doing what they do best nurturing the creative talent and skills that fuel the UK's booming production industry, whilst making outstanding shows that we can all enjoy.

The publication of the Bill in draft will allow for further engagement with the industry, said the government. It added that it remains fully committed to introducing the Bill as soon as Parliamentary time allows .

LINK:	https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/uk-government-publishes-draft-media...
	See more stories from tvb

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026