Streaming Giants Urged to Guarantee Accessibility to UK-Made Children's Programming

MPs have urged streaming services to improve the availability of British children's programming. Labour has requested that the Culture Secretary engage with platforms such as Disney+ and YouTube to make UK children's content more accessible.

There's also a push for public service broadcasters (PSBs) like BBC iPlayer and ITVX to be prominently featured on digital devices and app stores.

The Government's new Media Bill, updating older broadcasting regulations, requires PSBs to offer news and children's shows.

Despite the bill's online considerations, Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire is concerned that children's television is being overlooked. She emphasizes the importance of UK-produced programs for the next generation and encourages the Secretary of State to collaborate with PSBs and international platforms to ensure better access to high-quality British children's content.

Conservative Dame Caroline Dinenage calls for the Bill to mandate "significant" rather than "appropriate" prominence for PSBs on digital devices, citing the need for clarity in today's varied user interfaces.

SNP member Kirsty Blackman highlights concerns about app stores, particularly the App Store, demanding a share of revenue from apps like BBC iPlayer, which she deems unacceptable.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has stated that the Bill aims to level the playing field for PSBs in a more online-focused world, ensuring their content remains easily accessible as viewing habits change.

Further scrutiny of the Bill will occur at a future date.