Press Freedom Victory

Today, Members of Parliament will tackle the Media Bill, which aims to remove a controversial law that has been a constant threat to newspapers. If passed, this law would have required publishers to pay all legal costs, regardless of the outcome of a court case.

Outdated Law to Be Scrapped

The Culture Secretary, Lucy Frazer, will address MPs and highlight the impact of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, which she describes as hanging over the media like a sword of Damocles. However, she will assure them that the Media Bill will eliminate this threat once and for all.

Modernizing UK Broadcasting

In addition to addressing press freedom concerns, the Media Bill also includes provisions to modernize the UK broadcasting industry. These changes will introduce new regulations for on-demand video services, with a particular emphasis on protecting children.

Reshaping the Broadcasting Landscape

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer will emphasize the need for reform in response to the transformation of the broadcasting landscape. The rise of streaming platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, along with the popularity of smartphones and tablets, has reshaped the industry. The Media Bill aims to ensure that UK broadcasters remain competitive and innovative in the years to come.

Media Freedom at the Core

According to Ms. Frazer, the Media Bill places media freedom as its central focus. She will specifically address Section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act, which could have forced publishers to cover the legal costs of individuals who sued them, even if the publishers won the case. The Media Bill aims to remove this threat entirely.