Broadcasters told to produce more 'distinctly British' TV shows
The Government will overhaul laws to protect broadcasters from the might of Netflix by forcing the BBC and ITV to create distinctly British shows that can be easily found on global streaming services.
John Whittingdale, the media minister, said the Government was committed to protecting the nation’s TV from the financial firepower of the tech giants amid fears that uniquely British content could be squeezed out by a wave of American programming.
He told the Royal Television Society convention in Cambridge that public service broadcasters would be required to produce “distinctively British” content to prevent UK voices being lost in the globalisation of broadcasting.
Standing in for Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary who was made Tory Party co-chairman in a cabinet reshuffle, Mr Whittingdale also vowed to enforce “must carry” rules on digital platforms to ensure British shows could still be found on streaming services, as younger viewers switch from traditional television to on-demand platforms.
Such a move would help broadcasters avoid costly agreements with the tech platforms when trying to secure the best positions for their catch-up services on streaming devices.
Some streaming devices demand nearly a third of the broadcaster's advertising sales in exchange for a place on their digital menus alongside Netflix and Disney+.
It would build on traditional TV regulations that give BBC and ITV top spots on TV channel guides in exchange for making news and uniquely British shows for smaller audiences.
Mr Whittingdale said Ofcom, the media regulator, could also be handed new powers when the 2003 Communications Act is updated to ensure tech giants strike fair commercial deals with British broadcasters.
He added: "I want to ensure British broadcasters get the exposure they deserve - no matter how their content is consumed. Public service broadcasters have been part of our national life for almost a century, and are uniquely placed to reflect our values. It’s incredibly important that they keep their place at the heart of television.
“That’s why we plan to legislate as soon as possible, and make it a legal requirement that major online platforms must carry [public service] content, and that they must ensure it’s easy to find.”
On the privatisation of Channel 4, Mr Whittingdale said the broadcaster was completely dependent on its advertising income and as more streaming services enter the UK market the pressure on its finances will increase.
He appeared via video link at the conference after an interview with Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon, who made another robust defence of keeping the broadcaster in government hands.
When asked if ministers had provided any evidence to support their claims for why the broadcaster should be privatised, she bluntly responded: "No".
Meanwhile, BBC chairman Richard Sharp spoke warmly about privatising Channel 4, hinting that the broadcaster could be better served in the hands of a "bigger player".
The comments from the former Goldman Sachs banker came as he downplayed the importance of Channel 4's potential privatisation as a "local issue" in comparison to threats posed to the British broadcasting by the rise of fake news on US tech platforms.
His comments came as he confirmed the appointment of Jess Brammar as the BBC's executive news editor despite concerns raised by Sir Robbie Gibb, a non-executive director on the broadcaster's board.
Asked about the Government's bid to privatise Channel 4 at RTS, Mr Sharp said it was a "local issue".
"Channel 4 will fit into the strategy of one of the big players," he added. "That doesn't mean it cannot make a lot of money as an advertising platform, but I certainly can understand why it may need to fit in with the strategies of some of the other players."
The future of Channel 4 has dominated the events at the RTS conference, but the chief executives of Sky and ITV refused to be drawn on whether a sale would safeguard its future.
