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.

The UK Media Bill — now largely enacted as the Media Act 2024 — is a major update to Britain’s media regulation framework that has been passed through Parliament and received Royal Assent. The legislation reforms long-standing broadcasting law to reflect how audiences now watch TV and video content, including on streaming and video-on-demand services such as Netflix, Disney+ and other online platforms. Under the new regime, Ofcom — the UK communications regulator — will have broader powers to enforce content standards across both traditional broadcast channels and large, TV-like online services, ensuring they meet similar protections and obligations that once applied only to linear broadcasters.

The Bill also updates public service broadcasting rules to give major UK broadcasters greater flexibility in scheduling and digital delivery, while protecting key genres like news, children’s programming and significant sporting events. It introduces accessibility requirements, prominence duties on connected TV platforms, and changes to how radio services are regulated. Additionally, reforms aim to support the sustainability of public service media, such as Channel 4, in a competitive digital landscape. GOV.UK

Online services accessible in the UK must adapt to these changes to comply with the new content code and regulatory oversight, closing gaps that previously allowed some streaming platforms to operate outside traditional broadcast standards.