The DCMS Select Committee hears oral evidence from Ofcom, Voice of the Listener and Viewer, and representatives of the DCMS

On 4^th July 2023, in continuing its pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Media Bill, the DCMS Select Committee (the “Committee”) called representatives from Ofcom, Voice of the Listener and Viewer, and representatives of the DCMS to hear their views on the draft Media Bill.

The hearing was split into two meetings during which the invited representatives shared their views on the draft Media Bill. Some key issues were discussed, including:

1. the impact of removing certain genres from the public service remit of Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs);
2. the interpretation of PSB prominence and television selection services;
3. the impact of limiting listed events to PSBs;
4. the future of Channel 4 and its long term sustainability; and
5. impartiality in an evolving media landscape.

To view the full transcript of the hearing, click here.

The pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Media Bill has now concluded, and we expect the Report Stage, which gives MPs an opportunity, on the floor of the House of Commons, to consider further amendments to the draft Media Bill, to take place over the coming weeks.

We are monitoring the Media Bill’s progress, and will be updating our Media Bill Tracker webpage, available here, with any further news.