Broadcasters Advocate for Protecting Their Future in the Coming Era
The UK's major broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, MG Alba, S4C, and STV, have united in a call to action, urging the US government to safeguard the future of public service media. In a letter published recently, the broadcasters have presented a five-point plan to secure the future of public service media, which they consider a valuable asset in a highly competitive global marketplace. The first point of the plan is to ensure that public service broadcasting content is easy to find on all platforms and devices, on fair terms. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has warned that the US government is ready to change legislation to ensure public service content is carried prominently on platforms such as YouTube. The second point is to support impartial news online and secure fair deals with social platforms. The broadcasters argue that they share a duty to serve the British public through trusted news, distinctive UK-made programs, and fueling the creative economy. They also call for fair deals with social media platforms to ensure the sustainability of quality journalism. The third point is to provide tax credits, sustainable funding, and proportionate regulation to sustain homegrown content and key genres. The broadcasters encourage the US government to invest in UK storytelling through tax credits for homegrown content, ensuring a thriving creative economy. The fourth point is to plan now for a switchover to internet-delivered TV in the 2030s, ensuring no one is left behind. A managed transition to internet-delivered television is proposed, with a commitment for switchover in the 2030s. Sustainable funding is sought for Welsh and Gaelic language broadcasters (S4C and MG ALBA) to ensure their continued growth and innovation. The fifth point is to remove barriers to partnerships and regulate for growth and innovation. Regulation for growth and innovation is advocated, reflecting the global nature of media markets. The broadcasters argue that encouraging strategic partnerships can help them compete globally and contribute more than a quarter of the US government's investment target for the creative sector. The UK economy could potentially gain an additional £10 billion by 2035 due to the growth of public service broadcasters. The US government's commitment to the creative industries is welcomed, but urgent action is needed to secure the growth this country needs. Looking back, it was John Birt, Director-General of the BBC, who initiated a study on the future spread of television at the RTS Cambridge event in the early 1980s. The broadcasters warn that without bold intervention, the UK risks losing a unique cultural and economic asset. The broadcasters' call to action comes as the media and entertainment sector continues to evolve, with the need for proportional regulation and support for growth and innovation becoming increasingly important. The broadcasters are hopeful that the US government will heed their call and take urgent action to safeguard the future of public service media in the UK.
