Tag: Department for Culture and Media

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 20 September 2023.

Internet-based TV channels on smart TVs could be brought in line with existing Ofcom content rules on traditional TV.

• Law change would ensure children and vulnerable viewers remain protected and enable audiences to complain to Ofcom
• New review announced into the future of TV distribution – including Freeview, satellite, cable and online – to ensure audiences can tune in for decades to come

More online TV channels could be required to follow Ofcom content rules to ensure young and vulnerable audiences are protected from harmful programming, under plans announced by the Culture Secretary at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention this afternoon.

In a wide-ranging speech, Lucy Frazer set out her plan to maximise the potential of the TV industry to seize the opportunity presented by the infinite choice on offer in today’s media landscape, and to ensure fair competition amid an increasingly fierce global battle for viewers.

Figures show that more than seven in ten UK households now have a smart TV, through which audiences can access up to 900 unregulated and mostly internet-based TV channels via innovative new services such as Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels and Amazon Freevee.

These channels are not currently required to meet the same world-leading standards expected of traditional broadcasters. While some channels follow rules on inappropriate or harmful material voluntarily set by the companies who run them, UK viewers cannot complain to Ofcom if they are concerned by a programme, and Ofcom has no powers to issue fines or other sanctions if a channel broadcasts harmful material.

That’s why, as part of the Culture Secretary’s mission to modernise broadcasting rules for the digital age, a consultation has been launched on proposals to bring unregulated TV channels into scope of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, which is already followed by terrestrial and satellite channels.

Alongside new content rules on the streaming services in the draft Media Bill, the reforms would level the playing field with traditional broadcasters while preserving the greater choice offered by these exciting new services. It will assure audiences that what they see on TV follows a similar set of rules regardless of how they tune in, and maintain the UK’s longstanding tradition of media freedom.

A new research and engagement programme looking at the future of TV in the UK was also unveiled. The work will help ensure audiences continue to have access to world-class TV – regardless of how technology changes in the coming decades – and support the industry to navigate and seize the opportunities ahead. It will also help inform long-term policy decisions on extending the current commitment to keep Freeview on air until at least 2034.

In a speech today at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

Here in the UK our TV is genuinely world leading… Many of the most celebrated shows of this golden era have been made here in the UK, written here in the UK, and shot here in the UK.

We recognise that internet provided TV is growing…  But while this shift is an exciting one, it’s our job to look at those channels that fall outside our existing regulations.

That’s why we are going to consult on whether we need to extend regulation to these unregulated channels…  any change to regulations must strike a balance between protecting people – particularly the young and vulnerable – while protecting freedom of speech, and not unduly burdening the TV industry.

The Culture Secretary also reinforced the government’s commitment to bringing forward a Media Bill that will expand opportunities for public service broadcasters to take advantage of the digital age. She also set out her mission to support the TV industry through the one million new jobs promised in the Creative Industries Sector Vision and tax reliefs on productions, and to protect freedom of expression whether that’s through cutting-edge drama or documentaries which shine a light on controversial topics.

Consultation on unregulated TV channels

Figures show that up to 74 per cent of UK households now have a smart TV, through which audiences can access a growing number of unregulated and mostly internet-based TV channels, with a particularly rapid increase in the number of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels. Shows are often watched in a similar way to traditional TV in that viewers browse through channels showing a continuous stream of programmes via an electronic programme guide (EPG) – or ‘TV guide’.

These services have created an innovative way for audiences to enjoy shows highly tailored to a particular interest, such as World War TV or The Chat Show Channel, and some are dedicated to a single programme such as Come Dine With Me or Masterchef.
There is a growing number of at least 19 unregulated EPGs – including Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV, LG Channels and Amazon Freevee. These services are easily accessible, with some available at the touch of a button on a TV remote control.

There is currently a fixed list of EPGs which are regulated by Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code: Freeview, Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and YouView. This means that those watching programmes not shown on these EPGs cannot complain to Ofcom if they are concerned by a programme and Ofcom has no powers to issue fines or other sanctions if a channel broadcasts harmful material

DCMS research found examples of potentially harmful content which could easily have been found by children or vulnerable audiences, including swearing and sexual content before the 9pm watershed.

Unregulated channels also don’t have to follow Ofcom rules on ensuring subtitles, audio description and signing are available for people with disabilities, and are not required to ensure public service broadcasters are shown prominently in TV guides.

Given the landscape of changing technology and the increasing popularity of these services, the government has launched a consultation on how to use existing powers that allow it to update which EPGs are regulated in the UK. This will level the playing field with traditional broadcasters who are already required to follow Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

In addition to new powers for Ofcom to draft and enforce new content rules for on-demand content already announced in the draft Media Bill, these reforms would assure audiences that the shows  they see on TV meet the same set of high standards, regardless of how they choose to tune in.

The proposals, subject to consultation responses from industry and the wider public, would extend the list of EPGs regulated by Ofcom to include only the most popular and easily accessible EPGs, available via a television set. The consultation makes clear that any regulatory change must strike a balance between protecting people – particularly the young and vulnerable – while protecting freedom of speech. It will also seek views on how any changes to regulation are not unduly burdensome on industry, respect media freedoms, and do not discourage competition and innovation.

Project launched to understand the future of UK’s TV landscape

In her speech the Culture Secretary also launched a major research and engagement programme looking at how UK audiences will get their TV in the decades to come, as part of the government’s commitment to ensure future audiences continue to have access to world-class shows.

The work will take a broad look at the future of TV distribution, including how changing viewing habits and technology will impact how programmes are brought to our screens over the next decade and beyond, particularly in light of the rising popularity of streaming platforms and other internet-based forms of TV viewing.

It will look at all the technologies currently used to broadcast TV, including Freeview, satellite, cable, and online. As part of the project, the government has commissioned new research that will inform the government’s long-term strategy for the UK’s TV broadcasting landscape, ensuring audiences continue to be well-served regardless of how they are watching TV. Building on a commitment in the 2022 Broadcasting White Paper, Ofcom will also be publishing a call for evidence later in the autumn, that will inform this work.

The government will work in partnership with industry to fully realise the opportunities of the changing TV landscape, keeping the needs of audiences – particularly those who rely upon services like Freeview – front and centre.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 19 September 2023.

As students prepare for freshers’ week, new research has found that nearly half of students worry they would be judged if they admitted to feeling lonely.

• Nearly all students say they felt lonely at least once during the last academic year, yet almost half have hidden feelings of loneliness because they fear no one will understand
• 60% said they would strike up a conversation with a friend if they mentioned feeling lonely
• Government partners with Wingstop, Sporting Wellness and Student Radio to boost campaign to tackle stigma around loneliness
• Small acts of kindness such as starting a conversation or inviting someone out for a tea or coffee help to combat loneliness

As students prepare for freshers’ week, new research commissioned by the Government has found that while loneliness is experienced by almost all students (92%), nearly half (43%) worry they would be judged if they admitted to feeling lonely.

The research, collected by YouGov, has indicated that over half (53%) feel more uncomfortable seeking help for loneliness; a higher proportion than any other concern listed.

The sample of more than 1,000 students highlighted that concerns about loneliness (52%) came ahead of other major concerns including managing money (49%), course difficulty (49%), finding suitable housing (26%) or even ‘fitting in’ (48%).

However, the research found there was little judgement from others towards those that admitted to feeling lonely. Almost nine in ten (87%) students disagreed they would judge someone who said they felt this way, while 60% said they would strike up a conversation with a friend if they mentioned feeling lonely.

This new research comes as the Government partners with international restaurant chain Wingstop.  A free campaign on the chain’s in-store digital screens and social media channels will encourage students to get together at meal times and direct them to the Better Health – Every Mind Matters website which has resources and support for loneliness and mental health issues.

The Government is also partnering with charity Sporting Wellness, as well as the Student Radio Association, Student Roost and Student Minds, to raise awareness of the campaign and its resources through their channels and university focused activities. This aims to make young people feel more comfortable talking about loneliness, addressing the stigma as well as pointing them to support.

The latest phase of the Government’s Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign targeted young people. It encouraged those aged 16 to 34 to ‘lift someone out of loneliness’ by carrying out small acts of kindness such as starting a conversation or inviting someone out for a tea or coffee.

Minister for Loneliness, Stuart Andrew said:

As these findings make clear, loneliness can affect anyone at any time. While freshers’ week is an exciting time for many, it can often be a daunting prospect for students. Moving away from home and away from friends and family can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially while trying to manage coursework, make new friends and often navigate a new city.

There are small things everyone can do to help alleviate loneliness and open up the conversation. This includes reaching out to those that might be struggling and spending time volunteering, such as by offering a regular conversation to someone feeling isolated.

We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about loneliness and to help them find the right advice and support whenever they need it.

The findings revealed that eight in ten (82%) said they had supported or would support a friend feeling lonely, most often by just starting a conversation and offering reassurance, showing that the issue is far more normal than many perceive.

When it comes to tackling the issue, research also found that joining a society or club was the most helpful intervention, with nearly half (42%) of those who did this as a result of feeling lonely saying it was the most helpful action they took.

Research also found that the experience of loneliness at university differs for female students and disabled students, with more than half (58%) of female students saying they don’t feel comfortable getting help for loneliness compared to nearly half (48%) of male students. Similarly, 61% of disabled students say they wouldn’t feel comfortable getting help for loneliness, compared to 51% non-disabled students.

Findings differ for those who identify as LGB+, with almost half (47%) saying they felt isolated from their peers compared to a third (34%) of heterosexual students. While nearly half (48%) of heterosexual students were concerned about feeling lonely before starting their course, the figure jumps to 62% for LGB+ students.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:

Starting university is an exciting time for many young people but the new environment and expectations can be challenging.

As this research shows, meeting new people and making friends is a top concern for students starting university, but I hope that they can see that they are not alone in this. Not only is this a common feeling for people at any age, but their fellow students are supportive and understanding.

We have asked the Office for Students to allocate £15 million on a range of mental health support, including for students’ transition to university. If students are struggling, I would encourage them to visit Student Space, which has already supported over 450,000 students with free resources and support on mental health and issues like loneliness.

Lauryn Davey, Medical Student, Youth Ambassador at Sporting Wellness said:

Starting university can be such a big step, as many of us are surrounded by new people in new environments. It’s so important to talk about loneliness with those around you and to recognise those feelings as completely normal. For me, joining a sports club was so helpful for my mental wellbeing, physical health and it helped me meet some of my closest friends.

Jenny Smith, Policy Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, said:

This evidence shows that while loneliness is a common concern in our university communities, there’s a lot of sympathy and understanding among students.

Anybody struggling can look at these figures and know what they’re going through isn’t unusual or uncommon. Of course, this doesn’t mean that any student should have to suffer in silence.

Loneliness can be detrimental to mental wellbeing and university experience, so it’s crucial that students are empowered to address loneliness and form connections.

We’re pleased to see the government is raising this issue, and want people to know that help is available. Student Space is here to help you with the uncertainties of student life with a range of resources available to support students dealing with loneliness and worries about making friends.

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at Mental Health Foundation, said:

We know that some groups of people, including young people aged 16-24, are more at risk of loneliness so it’s important that we do more to understand their experiences and provide the right support.

An important step is to address stigma about who experiences loneliness so that young people don’t feel ashamed about how they feel. Being able to have open conversations is vital but the stigma of loneliness can make it hard to talk about, as we worry about being judged or feeling like a burden.

Starting college or university is an exciting but nerve-wracking time so we encourage new students to access our Behind the Books resources for expert tips and advice. We welcome any government support for student wellbeing that helps prevent poor mental health.

Since launching the world’s first government strategy on loneliness, the Government and its partners have invested over £80 million in tackling loneliness. This includes up to £30 million allocated via the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund’ creating volunteering opportunities and helping reduce loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas.

Practical tips for students dealing with feelings of loneliness include:

1. Spend time helping other people, such as volunteering with student groups or by offering a regular conversation to someone feeling isolated
2. Keep in touch with friends and family over the phone
3. Join a club or society at university to connect with others who have similar interests
4. Be open to everyone, as university is a great place to meet people from all different backgrounds
5. Get in touch with the university’s student services about the welfare and support it can provide

More information and support can be found on the Better Health website.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 September 2023.

Creative developers and start-up studios can bid for new cash from a multi-million pound government funded scheme to turn their new video game ideas into market leaders – and potentially score a hit such as Grand Theft Auto or Tomb Raider.

• High potential games studios can apply for development grants from the UK Games Fund’s new Content Fund
• £5 million available over next 18 months to get games ready to release
• Funding increased as part of plan to maximise the potential of the creative industries by 2030

Creative developers and studios can bid for new cash from a multi-million pound government funded scheme to turn their new video game ideas into market leaders  – and potentially score a hit such as Grand Theft Auto or Tomb Raider.

As part of the government’s plans to maximise the potential of the creative industries and its Creative Industries Sector Vision, the UK Games Fund (UKGF) has been boosted by an extra £5 million of government funding to support domestic studios with scale-up grants.

From today, companies can apply for the new funding which is dedicated to getting games in development ready for market. The expanded fund will also help to attract even more private investment into this world leading industry – and compound the total government investment into the fund which now stands at £13.4 million from 2022-25.

The value of the UK video game consumer market was £7.05 billion in 2022. It has more than doubled in value since 2013. Since 2015, the UK Games Fund (UKGF) has invested more than £8 million to help more than 400 home-grown studios. Internationally best-selling video games made in the UK include the Tomb Raider and Grand Theft Auto series, Little Big Planet and Lego: Star Wars.

Speaking at video games trade body Ukie’s annual general meeting, held at the W.A.S.D. video games conference at the Truman Brewery in London, Creative Industries Minister John Whittingdale said:

Our plan is to grow the creative industries by an extra £50 billion by 2030 – and we can only do that if we maximise the potential of our world-class video games industry.

The UK’s reputation for creating video games is second to none. We want to build on that success and I’m calling on talented developers and early-stage studios to apply for the support they need to make more groundbreaking titles which thrill gamers around the world.

Alongside the new Content Fund, UKGF will continue awarding grants up to £30,000 to young video game developers and early-stage studios to turn their drawing board ideas into working prototype games and showcase them to investors. UKGF also supports graduate talent development through its DunDev and Tranzfuser programmes.

The £5 million in additional investment has been used to establish a new UKGF Content Fund, which will provide UK games studios with £50,000 – £150,000 grants to support the development of intellectual property, allowing companies to attract investment and reach their next stage of growth. Investing in video games at the crucial development stage will help UK studios expand their businesses, and create new jobs in the creative industries, which are one of the Government’s five priority sectors to grow the economy.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

His Majesty the King has appointed Sir Nicholas Coleridge as the new Chair of Historic Royal Palaces from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2026.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Ben Derbyshire and Professor Helena Hamerow as Commissioners of Historic England for second terms of four years.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 7 September 2023.

A new independent regulator for men’s elite football will be set up as a standalone body to make sure it is operationally independent from the game and can adequately protect clubs’ and fans’ interests.

• Government reaffirms commitment to independent regulator to protect the future of English football for fans and communities
• New regulator will be standalone body, sitting outside existing football authorities and government
• More detail on how it will fit with existing football structures announced

The new independent regulator for men’s elite football will be set up as a standalone body to make sure it is operationally independent from the game and can adequately protect clubs’ and fans’ interests.

Following a consultation process with clubs and the football authorities, the Government is today confirming it is ‘minded’ to set up the new regulator independent of any existing body, but that all options remain under review. It will continue to work with and engage industry and fan groups as these proposals develop.

Despite the global success of English football, there have been more than 60 instances of clubs being put into administration since 1992, and the Government is stepping in to protect football clubs as vital community assets.

The Government will make sure the regulator has a tightly defined scope focused on four major areas: financial resources, suitable owners, fan interests and approved competitions.

To minimise the risk of regulatory overlap and burden, and reflecting the vital existing roles of the FA and the leagues in the growth of English football, the regulator will adopt a cooperative approach, collaborating and sharing information with existing football bodies.

This will include identifying areas of responsibility, coordinating rules and processes with industry bodies to minimise gaps, duplication or conflicts, and to avoid confusion and burden for clubs.

The Government’s preferred option on financial redistribution between the leagues continues to be a football-led solution. The financial health of clubs and their role as community assets is of paramount importance and the government urges the football authorities to come to a swift agreement in the interests of clubs and fans.

The majority of respondents to the consultation support the introduction of new backstop powers for the regulator, to be used if a solution is not found in future financial redistribution agreements. Work is ongoing on a backstop system that involves targeted powers to intervene and facilitate an agreement on financial redistribution as and when necessary.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

Our football clubs are the lifeblood of communities and the envy of leagues around the world. We want to see them protected for fans now and in the future.

Today we outline our plans to make sure the new regulator for football is independent, and remains true to its central mission to safeguard these community assets and help the beautiful game continue to grow in England.

Following the publication of its football governance white paper in February, the Government has carried out a series of detailed consultations with the football industry, gathering further views from fans, clubs and the football authorities on how the measures in the white paper should be implemented.

The Government’s consultation response has now been published. Legislation to support the introduction of an independent regulator of football governance will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Today’s publication follows a letter from the Government encouraging The FA, Premier League, EFL and PFA to formalise a Technical Consultation Group, which would see them meet before the summer transfer window, on a formal basis, every year to agree immigration criteria for clubs’ access to players across the globe.

The proposed group would help ensure English clubs have access to the very best talent from a wider pool of international players. It would also protect the prospects of homegrown players by ensuring a significant number of playing minutes are given to English players.

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 6 September 2023.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Dr Jeremy Silver, Laela Pakpour Tabrizi and Dr Wei Yang for four year terms commencing 13 May 2023.

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 6 September 2023.

The official London blue plaque scheme which commemorates the residencies of notable figures will be expanded across England.

Local history to be celebrated under proposed national expansion of London’s blue plaques scheme

• National blue plaques scheme to help communities across England celebrate history and heritage in their local areas
• Expansion will allow people up and down the country to nominate notable figures from their local area
• Proposed expansion to be debated this week as part of the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill

People across England will be able to celebrate local historical figures under a proposed expansion of the official blue plaques scheme which currently only operates in London.

This new scheme will be enabled by an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is due to be debated in the House of Lords today.

The expansion is an opportunity for people to research their own local history and nominate figures from their own communities who have helped define the towns, villages and cities they live in.

If successfully nominated, the buildings where local figures lived, worked or stayed will be marked with a blue plaque, which will shine a spotlight on diverse aspects of local heritage across the country.

Recent evidence also shows that when more people are aware of their local history it can help boost their connection and pride in their area, as well as encourage growth in local economies, a key priority for the government, through new visitors coming to explore and learn about the heritage of destinations.

Currently the official blue plaques scheme is London-only. While there are a number of local schemes operating across the country, this expansion will see one cohesive, official blue plaques scheme operate England-wide.

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson said:

London’s blue plaques are world-renowned. For over 150 years they have helped to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of our capital city and the people who have passed through it.

But people everywhere should be able to celebrate the figures who have shaped their community – which is why we are seeking to extend this opportunity across the country, to allow people and buildings from anywhere in England to be nominated.

I encourage people to get thinking about who has helped to define their community and makes them proud of where they live so that their impact on their home area, as well as the wider world, can be recognised and celebrated.

Chief executive of Historic England Duncan Wilson said:

Standing in a historic place and finding a blue plaque, or historical place marker, brings us face to face with our shared history. In developing a national blue plaques scheme that will celebrate heritage across England, we want to help people feel a stronger connection to the history all around us and shine a light on the people and places of the past which have made us who we are.

Working with local partners we will build on the value and success of the London scheme led by English Heritage and the many other schemes that exist in communities across the country.

Curatorial Director at English Heritage Anna Eavis said:

The London blue plaques scheme is the oldest of its kind and has inspired many similar commemorative schemes, both here in this country and around the world.

English Heritage is very proud of the London scheme and all the work we do to celebrate a huge range of people and buildings with the iconic blue roundels.

We share the Minister’s passion for blue plaques and we’re working with Historic England on how the England-wide scheme will work in practice.

Former Chair of Culture, Tourism and Sport Board for Local Government Association Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said:

Blue plaques are an excellent way of celebrating what makes our places special. The LGA has long believed in the benefits of opening up this important scheme to even more communities.

This announcement is recognition that the unique heritage of place extends beyond our capital city and has a vital role to play in boosting civic pride. It represents an opportunity for local people to celebrate the diversity of voices that have shaped our communities up and down the country.

We look forward to working with the Government, Historic England and local councils to support this programme.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Historic England and English Heritage will work together to develop this England-wide scheme. A proposed amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill due to be debated today will seek to expand the discretionary power of Historic England to run the scheme across England while English Heritage will continue to deliver the London Scheme under the current licence.

Since the London blue plaque scheme was established over 150 years ago various organisations have helped maintain the scheme Royal Society of Arts (1866–1901), the London County Council (1901–65), the Greater London Council (1965–86), and English Heritage (1986– present).

The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 4 September 2023.

The Permanent Secretary to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has appointed Sir Richard Heaton as the new Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection for a term of four years commencing 3 September 2023.

The Government Art Collection is a unique cultural resource that promotes British art by placing works of art in UK Government buildings worldwide. Selected for ministerial offices in the UK and embassies and diplomatic residences abroad, two-thirds of the Collection are on display in almost every capital city across the world. Every year, this working Collection is seen by thousands of visitors, contributing to cultural diplomacy and showcasing British creativity, past and present.

Collected over the course of 125 years and containing more than 14,700 works of art spanning six centuries, the Government Art Collection continues to grow, representing the diversity of the UK. The Collection engages with a wider audience through loans, partnerships, digital platforms and a rolling public programme.

Sir Richard Heaton became Warden of Robinson College, the newest college at Cambridge, in 2021, after a career in the civil service. He was Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office from 2012 to 2015, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice from 2015 to 2020. Richard is also Chair of Trustees at Koestler Arts, which promotes art and creativity in prisons and places of detention or supervision. He has for many years been an enthusiastic collector of modern and contemporary art.

Outgoing Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Government Art Collection, Sir David Verey said: ‘I have enjoyed my ten years as Chair of the Advisory Committee enormously and I wish Richard Heaton every success in his tenure.’

Director of the Government Art Collection, Eliza Gluckman said: ‘I’d like to thank Sir David Verey for a decade of stewardship and support of the Government Art Collection. He supported myself and my predecessor Penny Johnson CBE through a period of enormous change for the Collection including our move to Old Admiralty Building and a change of Director. I am looking forward to working with Sir Richard Heaton as the Collection prepares to celebrate 125 years and looks to future initiatives’.

Sir Richard Heaton said: ‘I’ve admired the Government Art Collection for years. It brings art to the workplace and to the public, it supports practising artists, and it quietly speaks for the UK around the world. I am thrilled to be joining it as Chair of the Advisory Committee.’

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 1 September 2023.

The Secretary of State has appointed Victoria Borwick as Chair of VisitEngland Advisory Board for a term of five years commencing 04 September 2023.