The UK government has published its latest media Green Paper with a consultation on giving greater prominence to trusted news sources in online apps.
The Green Paper, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media, will consult on options to require social media companies and video sharing platforms to make sure that news content from public service media including the BBC, ITV, STV, Channel 4, S4C and 5, and other trustworthy providers, is prominent and easy to find on their platforms.
It could include a range of national and local news publishers all being more likely to be at the top of people’s social media feeds when they search for news.
The government is also looking at options to ensure PSM content is “prominent, discoverable and promoted” wherever audiences are watching TV, including on third-party platforms, such as video sharing sites.
These measures are being considered as part of a wider package of reforms aimed at reforming the UK’s PSM system to give the sector “more flexibility and allow public service broadcasters to lean into the opportunities of new technologies and better align with the ways audiences are viewing video content online.”
Changes are being considered to make the system more flexible – this could mean that other broadcasters and YouTube channels could be designated as PSM providers in the future.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “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.
“As the media landscape moves further and further online away from traditional broadcasting we must act so that our world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top quality UK content keeps being produced.
“TV remains at the heart of our society. It is key to supporting social cohesion and is a cornerstone of our democracy, which is why, as the technology underpinning it changes, we are making sure it is protected for generations to come.”
Staff Reporter
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