Written Question·Department for Culture, Media and Sport·UIN 92081

Television: Streaming

Tabled: 18 November 2025
Answered: 28 November 2025

Question

Mr Louie French

ConservativeOld Bexley and Sidcup

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has plans to bring channels which stream online under an Ofcom licence under Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

Answer

Ian Murray

Ofcom has launched a review of broadcast regulation which will, amongst other things, consider the licensing framework and the impact of the digital environment. This is in recognition that much of our existing legislation was designed for linear television and radio consumption. The Government will engage with Ofcom as that work progresses.

Through the Media Act 2024, the Government will be designating mainstream video-on-demand (VoD) services, bringing them under enhanced regulation by Ofcom. Ofcom will then draft and enforce a new VoD Standards Code, which will be similar to the Broadcasting Code, and which will set appropriate standards for content, including rules on harmful and offensive material, accuracy, fairness, and privacy.