Overview

This Media Bill makes several amendments to the Communications Act 2003, primarily focusing on clarifying the definition of public service broadcasting and strengthening regulations around the provision of live sports coverage. The changes aim to ensure that public service broadcasters continue to fulfill their remit and that viewers have access to important live events.

Description

The bill introduces several key changes to the existing legislation:

• Public Service Broadcasting Definition: It clarifies the definition of public service broadcasting to emphasize its role in education and entertainment, and it explicitly includes educational programming.
• On-Demand Programme Services: The bill extends regulations to include non-UK on-demand programme services.
• Designated Internet Programme Services: The bill sets conditions for designated internet programme services, specifying criteria to qualify for exemption, particularly relating to BBC programs and those affiliated with Channel 3, 4, 5, and S4C (and their affiliates), ensuring their contribution to public service broadcasting.
• Live Sports Coverage: Amendments address regulations surrounding the broadcasting rights for live sporting events, ensuring sufficient live coverage across different services and clarifying rules around the sharing of rights.
• OFCOM Information Disclosure: The bill modifies regulations regarding information disclosure by OFCOM (Office of Communications), specifically limiting the information they can publish.
• Definitions and Interpretation: Several amendments refine the definitions of key terms within the Communications Act, particularly concerning S4C (S4C Digital).

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The impact on government spending is likely to be indirect, potentially through increased regulatory costs for OFCOM or changes in funding models for public service broadcasters. No specific figures are provided in the amendment text.

Groups Affected

• Public Service Broadcasters (BBC, Channel 3, 4, 5, S4C): These broadcasters will be directly affected by the changes to the definition of public service broadcasting and the regulations surrounding on-demand and internet programming, potentially impacting their programming strategies and funding.
• Sports Rights Holders: The amendments to live sports coverage regulations will affect how sports rights are acquired and distributed, potentially impacting their revenue streams.
• Viewers: Viewers may indirectly benefit from increased access to educational programming and live sports events through strengthened public service broadcasting regulations, but potential impacts are indirect and not quantified within the amendment text itself.
• OFCOM: OFCOM's responsibilities and regulatory actions will be impacted by the changes to information disclosure rules and the definition of public service broadcasting.
• Online streaming providers and other on-demand services: These will be affected by the extension of regulation to non-UK services.

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