Westminster Media Forum

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The Media Bill and the future of public service broadcasting in the UK

May 2023


Starting from: £99 + VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF


This conference focused on next steps for public service media in the UK.


It was an opportunity to discuss key issues regarding the Government’s proposed Media Bill, and the roles and remits of both PSBs and regulators.


Stakeholders and policymakers examined funding, revenue and collaborative models, taking into account changes in market conditions, shifts in audience preferences and technological advancements.


There was also further discussion around the prominence of PSB and the competition for content, as well as how to support organisations and workforces involved.


We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Victoria MacCallum, Deputy Director, Television Policy, DCMS; Alice Enders, Head of Research, Enders Analysis; Sara Geater, Chief Operating Officer, All3Media; Benjamin King, Director of Public Policy UK & Ireland, Netflix; and Clare Sumner, Director, Policy, BBC.


Overall, sessions in the agenda looked at:


  • public service broadcasting: issues - audiences - revenue - content 
  • market dynamics: the competitive landscape - public attitudes, habits and preferences - innovation - audio developments - use of new technology and alternative devices
  • policy: remits - content and quotas - funding and distribution - prominence and gatekeeping devices
  • the BBC: audiences, mission, scope and priorities - UK and global role - funding and distribution
  • Channel 4: role and priorities - commissioning and production - advertising, revenue and sustainability - competitive positioning
  • content: creative pipeline - competition - IP and terms of trade - independent production and facilities - reflecting interests, communities and languages across the UK
  • workforce: the talent pipeline - career pathways - developing skills for the future - organisational and workforce diversity - business practice - issues for freelancers 
  • policy: key priorities for the Media Bill - ensuring the continuing relevance of public service remits - flexibility in approaching public service roles and duties
  • regulation: new powers for regulators regarding international, on-demand services in the UK - access and signposting for PSB content on devices and digital platforms

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DBT; DCMS; DTCAGSM, ROI; GLD; NAO; Ofcom; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.



This on-demand pack includes

  • A full video recording of the conference as it took place, with all presentations, Q&A sessions, and remarks from chairs
  • An automated transcript of the conference
  • Copies of the slides used to accompany speaker presentations (subject to permission
  • Access to on-the-day materialfs, including speaker biographies, attendee lists and the agenda