UK looks to reshape public service media as tech platforms face demand to showcase ’trusted’ news

The proposals come as part of a wide-ranging consultation launched by the UK government into the future of public service media (PSM), which could involve reclassifying some social video platforms as PSM alongside traditional broadcast outlets such as ITV and the BBC.

The paper, published last week by creative industries minister Ian Murray, spells out plans by the UK government to make trustworthy news easier to find online, maintain universal access to public service broadcasters’ content despite audience viewing shifts, and support public service media providers to grow. It could potentially legislate in order to do so.

Under the proposals, public service news outlets would be classed as ‘trusted news providers’ and would receive greater prominence and discoverability on platforms, to ensure audiences could access “factual, accurate and trustworthy news” online. This would include a variety of media outlets from both local and national level to ensure plurality of voices.

This proposal comes at a critical juncture, as the competitive dynamics within the PSM market are being reshaped following Comcast’s acquisition of ITV.

Determining the criteria for defining trusted news providers will be one of the key, and potentially controversial, aspects of the consultation – with participants being asked whether they believe ‘trustworthy’ news sources should have greater social media prominence, and if that status should be a permanent label or only applied during times of crisis.

As a starting point for the definition of trusted news providers, the consultation draws on the Online Safety Act definition of “recognised news publishers”, covering both broadcasters and UK-based entities whose primary purpose is publishing news-related material created by different persons, subject to editorial control, a standards code and a complaints resolution mechanism.

It comes following recent research by UK media regulator Ofcom which found that three-quarters of 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK get their news through social platforms, alongside more than half of adults in the UK.

Public service media providers would also be required to develop strategies to improve media literacy among audiences, with Ofcom set to announce its recommendations on raising media literacy standards later this year as part of an ongoing bid to reduce disinformation among audiences.

The paper indicates that the government could look to force social and digital platforms to make other public service media content, such as children’s programmes, more discoverable on platforms. It comes as some UK public service broadcasters, including the BBC, have already independently announced partnerships with YouTube and other services to produce and showcase content on those platforms.

Gemma Erskine, a technology and media expert with Pinsent Masons, said the proposals would mean technology platforms had to actively prioritise public interest journalism in the UK as part of a drive for better media literacy.

“This comes at a time when Ofcom has recognised the impact that misinformation and unreliable news can have on public discourse - especially at times of crisis – and when AI is making it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish between genuine journalism and AI-generated content,” she explained.

“What is crucial is how the government seeks to define trusted news providers, there is a fine line between prioritising reliable news content and accidental censorship, which the government will have to tread carefully. The definition used in the Online Safety Act may not be appropriate or fit for purpose in this context.”

As part of this, the paper proposes a reform of how public service media is judged, moving away from traditional broadcasting requirements to become institutions, with specific criteria on material they provide for audiences to qualify. This would open the door to channels and accounts on social video platforms being designated as PSMs in future.

Elsewhere the consultation also looks at the future of public service broadcasting in the UK, with plans to deactivate the traditional over the air method of broadcasting – digital television transmission, or DTT – in favour of alternative distribution methods such as IPTV by either 2034 when current free to air broadcast licences expire, or extended to 2044 depending on audience requirements.

Any transition would be supported by a package of measures developed with industry, including public service media providers, charities and platform operators to help the public. This would provide targeted support, practical assistance and clear information on what people need to do and when.

The paper also spells out the need for greater support for public service media output and ensuring high quality content is available to all. This includes sporting rights, with the government indicating it is looking to include on-demand coverage as part of a revamp of the ‘crown jewels’ list of protected sporting events which should be available free to air for audiences.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said the proposals were aimed at ensuring validity of newsgathering in the UK.

“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,” she added.

“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.”

The consultation runs until 31 August.