As a seasoned gamer with a deep-rooted passion for British media and its representation, I find myself both encouraged and excited by the recent statements made by Lisa Nandy, U.K.’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Her vision for a more diverse and inclusive Britain, coupled with her commitment to leveling the playing field for streamers and traditional broadcasters, resonates strongly with me.
In a recent conference in London, Lisa Nandy, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under the new Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasized the importance of enhancing the representation of the U.K.’s rich diversity on both film and television screens. She also stressed the need to combat divisive misinformation, promote fair competition between streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters, and navigate the industry’s complex period marked by digital transformation, post-COVID recovery, and an advertising slump.
In her inaugural speech at the Royal Television Society’s London Convention 2024, she highlighted her top priorities by stating: “We face a decision: shall we become the final protectors of this era, or will we instead be the trailblazers forging the path to the next?
Speaking directly to those present from the TV industry, she pledged that a Labour administration would work diligently to establish an environment conducive for this innovative phase. Instead of merely fixing outdated systems and work practices, our goal is to provide you with the ideal framework, conditions, and support to prosper long into the future. In exchange, we will make it crystal clear what changes we expect from you.
Nandy made a jab at recent administrations led by the Conservative Party when she declared, “The time for government-driven cultural conflicts has passed” if Labour takes office. She further added that a Labour administration stands behind the principle of public service broadcasting.
She lauded the BBC, saying “for too long it has been caught between the state and the market.” The secretary vowed to at least keep the funding for the U.K. public broadcaster stable. “The next charter review has to ensure that the BBC doesn’t just survive but thrives,” Nandy highlighted.
The Secretary of Culture underscored the importance of the media accurately portraying all facets of our nation, rather than merely select areas. Additionally, she voiced her aspiration for a more unified country, confident and comfortable with its identity, as it approaches the next election in a few years.
In simpler terms, when different political groups, each relying on their distinct news sources, create their own versions of truth, it becomes challenging for us to communicate effectively. This summer, we’ve witnessed how unchecked misinformation can escalate conflicts, as demonstrated by the riots and violence towards refugees in various cities. My colleague Peter Kyle, along with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, are addressing this issue by combating incitement and disinformation through the Online Safety Act. Additionally, in my department, we’re updating the Media Act inherited from the previous government to adapt the regulation of television and radio services as media consumption patterns evolve. This ensures that the media landscape continues to adapt alongside our changing consumption habits.
Today, I’m reaching out to Ofcom to initiate their examination of the video-on-demand market. This assessment will pave the way for a fairer competitive landscape, ensuring that video-on-demand services, like streaming platforms, are held to the same stringent standards as conventional broadcasters.
Apart from stressing the importance of it, she highlighted the necessity for the entertainment industry to create and fund more content that’s not only based in London but also in working-class communities. Nandy expressed her ambition for an industry that doesn’t merely exist, but flourishes, saying, “We’ll provide all the support we can to propel your initiatives forward, but it is you who must take the initial steps.
Towards the end of last year, the previous Conservative administration announced plans for a fresh, autonomous watchdog group to tackle bullying and harassment within the creative sectors, which will become operational this year. Dubbed the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), this body aims to unite key players from the U.K.’s film, television, music, and theater industries. Its purpose is to serve as a platform where complaints about inappropriate conduct can be raised and scrutinized discreetly. Notable British artists like Keira Knightley, Stephen Graham, Ruth Wilson, Naomie Harris, Rebecca Ferguson, the director of Chariots of Fire David Puttnam, and James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli have expressed their backing for this new body alongside Frazer.
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2024-09-17 20:24