The Media Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, during the wash-up period prior to the prorogation of Parliament on the same day.
This briefing gives a summary of the Media Bill’s progress through Parliament. Policy background to the Bill, as it was originally introduced, is set out in the Library briefing, Media Bill (17 November 2023).
What will the Media Act 2024 do?
The Act, most of which is not yet in force, has seven parts.
Part 1 (public service television) updates the framework for public service broadcasting. It includes provisions to enable the delivery of public service content through digital platforms. It also changes programming quotas for public service channels and updates the “listed events” regime for sporting events of national interest.
Part 2 (prominence on television selection services) introduces a new “prominence” framework for the online services of public service broadcasters (PSBs) and for services that enable viewers to select TV programmes beyond the electronic programme guide.
Part 3 (public service broadcasters) makes provision about Channel Four Television Corporation (C4C) and S4C (the dedicated Welsh language broadcaster). Chapter 1 addresses the sustainability challenges facing C4C and, among other things, removes the restriction on C4C’s involvement in programme-making. Chapter 2 updates S4C’s public service remit and clarifies its ability to invest and generate commercial revenue. It also places S4C’s unitary board and audit arrangements on a statutory footing.
Part 4 (on-demand programme services) gives Ofcom, the communications regulator, powers to introduce a Video-on-Demand Code.
Part 5 (regulation of radio services) updates the framework for commercial radio.
Part 6 (regulation of radio selection services) protects UK radio's availability on connected audio devices.
Part 7 contains miscellaneous and general provisions. Section 50 will repeal section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, which has never been brough into force. Had it been brought into force, it could have forced news publishers to pay the costs of court judgments in relevant claims if they were not a member of an approved press regulator, regardless of the outcome of the court judgment). Section 50 comes into force two months after the passing of the Act.
Progress of the Bill in the House of Commons
The Media Bill [Bill 8 2023-24](PDF) was introduced in the House of Commons on 8 November 2023. Second reading took place on 21 November 2023 where it was broadly welcomed.
The Bill was considered by a Public Bill Committee over six sittings between 5 and 12 December 2023 where technical government amendments were made. The Bill (Bill 139 2023-24)(PDF), as amended in Committee, was published.
The government made minor and technical amendments to the Bill at report stage on 30 January 2024. There were divisions on non-government amendments relating to:
- Gaelic language services.
- broadcasting listed sporting events.
- repealing section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013.
None of the amendments were agreed. Third reading also took place on 30 January 2024.
Progress of the Bill in the House of Lords
The Bill - HL Bill 44 (PDF) - was introduced in the House of Lords on 31 January 2024. It had its second reading on 28 February 2024 where it received cross-party support.
The Bill was considered by a Committee of the Whole House over four sittings between 8 May and 22 May 2024. Minor and technical government amendments were agreed.
At report stage on 23 May 2024, the previous government agreed to two amendments to clause 1, moved by Baroness Bull (Crossbench). One of the amendments reinstated “the principle that public service broadcasting content, taken together, should inform, educate and entertain”. The other amendment required public service broadcasters to make available content for children and young people that is educational in nature.
Consideration of Lords amendments
The Commons agreed to the Lords amendments on 23 May 2024.
Royal Assent
The Media Act received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024.