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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

My Lords, Amendment 230A probes the relationship between Channel 4’s existing remit and the new one which is being debated today. Channel 4’s existing remit is set out in Section 265 of the Communications Act which, as it is unamended by this Bill, will therefore remain in force. Subsection (3) of Clause 265 states that Channel 4 programming will be that which, ""appeals to the tastes and interests of a culturally diverse society"." The new remit, however, says that, "taken as a whole", Channel Four Television Corporation must appeal to a culturally diverse society. I should be grateful if the Minister could explain how these two slightly different definitions will work in practice. Does it mean that Channel 4, the licensed channel, will continue to do this type of programming, but other output on digital channels or the internet would be released from this possibly expensive obligation? Amendment 233ZA would ensure that, under this new remit, Channel 4 will continue to meet its existing public service obligations on its core channel. I hope that the Minister will be able to reassure the Committee that the new remit will not give licence to the downgrading of Channel 4 public service programming. Various commentators have already questioned the quality of some Channel 4 programmes. While not seeking to dictate what is and is not appropriate, it is important to remember that Channel 4 is a public service broadcaster and any further downgrading would be unacceptable. I beg to move.