The UK government has released a long-awaited draft Media Bill to help public service broadcasters compete with global streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
Importantly, it will bring mainstream video-on-demand services consumed in the UK under a new content code, overseen by the regulator, Ofcom, to protect audiences from a wider range of harmful material.
The legislation, which is the next step in the government's plan to modernise the broadcasting rules, will also provide new privileges and freedoms to the country's biggest broadcasters, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, STV, and S4C.
It is claimed the framework will allow public service broadcasters to produce more top-quality British content, invest in new technologies, and better adapt to changing viewer habits as people increasingly watch TV on digital devices instead of traditional 'linear' TV.
The bill will also ensure public service broadcasters' on-demand services are easy to discover on smart TVs and streaming sticks and will require streaming services to provide subtitles, audio description and signing to support people with disabilities.
Smart speaker platforms such as Google and Amazon will be required by law to ensure access to all licenced UK radio stations, from major national stations to the smallest community stations.