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Media green paper

The government published a media green paper, Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media, on 23 June 2026.

The green paper observes that “media is a central part of our civic realm”, with high-quality television programmes helping to shape attitudes to social issues. Trustworthy news provides a “shared understanding and facts needed for people to trust one another”. The UK can also share experiences through the broadcasting of events such as the Olympic Games.

However, audiences are moving from traditional linear broadcasting (watching programmes at the time they are broadcast) to streaming and internet delivered services. This means that, rather than watching together, people are encouraged to consume content in individually curated feeds, where “divisive and inaccurate narratives are more likely to thrive”.

There has also been a shift in how people consume news, with many now accessing it through social media. Although this allows access to a greater range of news from around the world, it also increases the risk of mis- and disinformation. Trustworthy news sources can also be replaced with less accurate material as content is increasingly shaped by algorithms and artificial intelligence.

The green paper sets out three areas where the government intends to act:

• digital prominence for trustworthy news sources (chapter 2) and for public service media content (chapter 4)
• the future of digital terrestrial television and a managed shift away from terrestrial broadcasting to internet protocol television (chapter 3)
• protecting major sporting events – by adding on-demand and streaming rights to the listed events regime (chapter 1.4)

The government's proposals for prominence for trustworthy news sources have drawn criticism from stakeholders such as the News Media Association, the National Union of Journalists, and the Press Recognition Panel.

A consultation on the green paper closed on 31 August 2026. The government is analysing the responses before setting out its next steps.

The green paper was debated in Westminster Hall on 8 September 2026.