§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures she has taken to ensure public service broadcasters sustain quality and range of output; and if she will make a statement. [83777]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Communications White Paper affirmed the Government's commitment to maintaining the role of public service broadcasting in the digital age. The Communications Bill implements this commitment, by setting out a general public service broadcasting remit which applies to all public service broadcasters, 535W including the BBC. It will also establish individual public service broadcasting remits for Channel 3, Channel 4 and Channel 5, combining specific obligations for each broadcaster with a general obligation to contribute to the overall public service remit. OFCOM will report on the fulfilment of the overall public service broadcasting remit no less frequently than every five years. OFCOM will have backstop powers to intervene, up to and including removal of freedom to self-regulate, should a licensed broadcaster fail to fulfil its individual remit, or its contribution to the overall remit.