At the RTS Cambridge Convention on 17 September, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy made one of her strongest interventions yet on the future of UK media. She warned that public service broadcaster (PSB) content must be more visible on YouTube, adding that the government is prepared to legislate if voluntary action fails.
Her stance comes in response to Ofcom’s Future of Public Service Media Report, published in July, which highlighted the need for greater PSB prominence on “increasingly important” platforms such as YouTube. While the Media Act has already cemented PSB visibility on connected TVs, Nandy signalled that prominence may need to extend far beyond traditional devices.
“As video viewing moves away from broadcasters’ own services and towards third-party platforms we support Ofcom’s recommendation that public service media content should be prominent on major video sharing platforms and on fair commercial terms. If we need to regulate we will,” she told delegates.
The Challenge of Regulating YouTube
The issue is far from straightforward. Ofcom itself admitted that ensuring PSB content is given priority on Google-owned YouTube would require “significant work” by government. Unlike connected TVs, YouTube is a global platform with complex algorithms that dictate what viewers see.
Nandy, however, suggested the industry could work together to reach an agreement, urging broadcasters, YouTube, and independent producers to thrash out a solution without delay rather than waiting for regulation.
A Call to Move Commissioning Out of London
Beyond prominence, Nandy reignited her push for commissioning to move outside London. She argued that trust in media cannot be rebuilt if decision-making remains concentrated in one part of the country.
“Can any of us in this room really say hand on heart that we have done enough? I think many of us can see the problem, when what constitutes news and culture is determined and commissioned by a group of people who are drawn from just one background and one part of our country.”
Citing popular and impactful shows like Mr Bates vs the Post Office and Derry Girls, Nandy stressed the importance of content that resonates across the UK, not just the capital. She urged commissioners directly: “If you’re all still in London, sort that out. If indies are constantly having to get on a train to pitch, that’s having a really damaging impact on a brilliant production sector.”
BBC Culture and the Upcoming Charter Review
The Culture Secretary also addressed the BBC’s future. Following her recent appearance before the CMS Committee, she emphasised the importance of workplace culture and public trust. She insisted that people must be able to trust both what they see and hear, and the BBC as an institution.
Calling the BBC “a light on the hill”, Nandy said the upcoming charter review was an opportunity to futureproof the BBC for the next century. The review, she noted, must look at sustainable funding, protecting its ability to provide honest and fearless reporting, and ensuring it drives growth across the creative industries.
Why This Matters for UK Media
Nandy’s remarks underline the tension between global tech platforms and UK cultural priorities. As more viewing migrates to YouTube and other third-party services, PSBs risk losing visibility – and with it, influence.
At the same time, her push for decentralised commissioning reflects a broader desire to ensure regional voices and audiences are fairly represented. For independent producers, the message was clear: if pitching still means endless train journeys to London, the system needs urgent reform.
Her commitment to the BBC’s cultural standards and charter renewal also reaffirms the broadcaster’s central role in shaping the UK’s creative future.
