The UK Media Bill has successfully passed through the House of Lords, avoiding the wash-up process.

This legislation, introduced to parliament in November, aligns mainstream video-on-demand (VOD) services like Netflix and Disney+ with linear broadcasters under a new Ofcom content code.

Additionally, smart TVs, firesticks, and set-top boxes will be required

to prominently feature public service broadcasters (PSBs) on their platforms.

Streaming services will need to offer subtitles, audio descriptions, and sign language support to assist people with disabilities, aligning their obligations with those of PSBs. Specifically, 80 percent of their programs must have subtitles, 10 percent must include audio descriptions, and 5 percent must provide sign language interpretation.

The bill also aims to ensure the sustainability of Channel 4 and regulate the powers, remit, and auditing of the Welsh language channel S4C.