politics
UK Government Proposes Requiring Social Media Platforms to Prioritize Public Service Broadcasters in News Feeds
The document proposes requiring platforms to place BBC, ITV and Channel 4 content higher in news searches. It also outlines a shift to internet-based television by 2034 or 2044 and free on-demand access to major sports events.
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The UK government published the Green Paper titled 'Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media' on Monday, GB News reported. The paper proposes requiring social media platforms and video-sharing services to prioritize content from public service media outlets including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
Under the plans, mainstream media outlets would appear at the top of users' feeds when searching for news stories.
Ofcom research published last year showed that three in four people aged 16-24 use social media as their main source of news, while more than half of adults receive news updates through the same channels, GB News reported. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the measures aim to give people better access to trusted and accurate news.
Additional proposals include moving to internet-based TV in either 2034 or 2044 and adding on-demand rights for key sporting events to the Listed Events Regime, which would make Olympic events and World Cup coverage available free, GB News reported.
She added that the government must act as the media landscape moves further online to ensure the UK television sector continues to produce high-quality content. ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall welcomed the paper, saying UK viewers trust and value public service broadcaster news.
A BBC spokesman said the document sets out how to support the switch to digital platforms while ensuring no one is left behind.
