This legislative milestone marks the first significant overhaul of media regulations in two decades, aimed at modernising the media landscape to suit the digital age. The announcement follows Ofcom’s extensive review, titled “Small Screen: Big Debate,” which laid the groundwork for the proposed reforms.

The Media Bill is a comprehensive set of measures designed to strengthen the framework of public service media and shield viewers from harmful content, according to Ofcom. 

Among its key provisions are provisions to uphold the accessibility of high-quality programming and journalism for UK audiences.

Central to the Bill’s agenda are adjustments to Ofcom’s existing mandates, including revisions to its oversight of commercial radio and the reinforcement of public service broadcasters’ obligations. 

Additionally, the legislation introduces new responsibilities, like the establishment of regulations governing online TV prominence and voice assistants, as well as the formulation of a pioneering standards-setting code tailored to streaming services.

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This includes a requirement to give public service broadcasters prominence on connected TV platforms like smart TVs and streaming sticks. In addition, an Ofcom-regulated video-on-demand code will be introduced for platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ which will subject the streamers to new editorial standards. 

Ofcom has underscored its determination to implement the new regulations once they attain legal status.

“As Parliamentary scheduling and our own preparatory work progresses, our plans could be subject to change, and we will provide further updates as necessary,” Ofcom said.