Overview

This bill aims to clarify the definition of "public service content" in broadcasting, impacting how licence fee revenue is allocated and used. It designates the National Audit Office to oversee the process, ensuring value for money and transparency.

Description

The Broadcasting (Public Service Content) Bill defines "public service content" as primarily UK-produced material fitting at least one of these criteria: impartial news; children's programming; charitable or religious content; or content unlikely to be provided by the market. The National Audit Office (NAO) will determine if market failure justifies classifying content under the last criteria, publishing its opinions. Content must also meet standards of good taste and decency. The bill repeals Section 264 of the Communications Act 2003. It mandates that licence fee revenue only funds broadcasting meeting these criteria. The NAO will conduct yearly value-for-money audits of licence fee-funded public service broadcasting, publishing reports to Parliament. The Secretary of State will make regulations to recover the NAO's costs from licence fee revenue.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly increase or decrease government spending. However, it aims to improve the efficiency of licence fee spending by ensuring that funds are used for content meeting the specified criteria for public service broadcasting. The cost of the NAO's audits will be recouped from licence fee revenue.

Groups Affected

• Broadcasters: Will be affected by the stricter definition of public service content, potentially impacting funding and programming decisions.
• Viewers/License Fee Payers: Will potentially see changes in programming, with a greater focus on content meeting the new definition of public service content, and improved transparency through NAO audits.
• National Audit Office (NAO): Takes on increased responsibility for auditing public service broadcasting, with associated costs and reporting requirements.
• Secretary of State: Has responsibility for implementing the bill, including setting regulations for the recovery of NAO costs.

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