Tampering with the ownership of Channel 4 doesn’t seem to be the only thing on the Boris Johnson-lead UK government’s mind. In addition to targeting one of the country’s most successful public broadcasting-focused channels for no real reason, they’ve also unveiled an ambitious plan to regulate streamers, including fan-favorite Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. BLAKE & WANG P.A Entertainment Attorney unpacks the proposed changes for you.
Brandon Blake- Entertainment Lawyer
The proposals on the table seek to give Ofcom greater powers to enforce accuracy and impartiality standards on streamed content. While that’s probably not a bad thought, there’s also a push to introduce age ratings on streaming content. This is, of course, something Netflix already voluntarily does using the BBFC classifications, and it’s unlikely to bother Disney+ much either.
What’s the real intention behind the surge of tinkering, however? The government wants to create a level playing field between their domestic broadcasters and the bucking streaming giants. With both the BBC and Channel 4 heavily regulated, it’s understandable that the red-tape free zone for streamers has irritated a few nerves. In addition, it’s being sold as a way to update the analog-created rules to fit the digital age, without losing the protections they offer.
To date, we’ve heard not a murmur from the services in question in response to the proposed legislation. For Netflix, at least, this is the most important of their European markets, with up to $1B spent annually on their original productions. With that in mind, it’s unlikely we’ll see many protests on what are, at the end of the day, not all that onerous demands for their niches. Should statements be forthcoming, however, you can rely on BLAKE & WANG P.A Entertainment attorney to have the insider information you need, so keep checking back!
