The government has published a Green Paper, 'Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media', outlining plans to enhance the visibility of trusted news sources on social media platforms and reform the nation's Public Service Media (PSM) system. The proposals come amidst a significant shift in how Britons consume news, with Ofcom figures indicating that social media is the primary news source for three-quarters of young people aged 16-24, and over half of all UK adults using these platforms for updates.
This reliance on social media for news, while offering diverse content, also raises concerns about the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, particularly as algorithms and artificial intelligence increasingly shape content delivery. To counter this, the Green Paper consults on options to mandate social media companies and video sharing platforms to ensure news content from PSM providers – including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, STV, S4C, and Channel 5 – and other verified publishers is prominent and easily discoverable. This could mean trusted national and local news appearing higher in users' feeds, an initiative deemed crucial for maintaining public trust during periods of social unrest or crisis.
Beyond news prominence, the government is also exploring ways to ensure that PSM content – the wide array of programmes and services provided by regulated broadcasters – remains prominent and accessible across all viewing platforms, including third-party video sharing sites. This forms part of a broader package of reforms designed to inject greater flexibility into the PSM system, enabling broadcasters to fully leverage new technologies and better align with contemporary online viewing habits. Future changes could even see other broadcasters and YouTube channels potentially designated as PSM providers.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised the importance of these measures, stating, "It is vital that we make sure that people have better access to trusted and accurate news and that our regulated public service media is seen and heard in the fierce battle against mis and disinformation." She added that as the media landscape transitions online, the government must act to ensure the UK's "world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top quality UK content keeps being produced."
The Green Paper also considers options for a managed transition to internet-based television, with potential timelines of either 2034 or 2044. This transition would be supported by measures to ensure no one is left behind, particularly those without internet access. Additionally, the government plans to bolster protections for sports fans by potentially adding on-demand rights for major sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, to the Listed Events Regime, thereby safeguarding free access to these significant cultural moments.
Further considerations include initiatives to improve media literacy across all age groups, equipping individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate online content. The government is exploring a new duty for PSM providers to deliver and report on media literacy activities, building on existing efforts under the Media Literacy Action Plan, to share best practices more widely.