Media: Freedom of Expression
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to (a) ensure that organisations campaigning against free media are not publicly funded and (b) protect freedom of speech for media outlets.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock
All funding decisions are carefully considered, and subject to DCMS spend controls and governance.
The Government is committed to protecting media freedom, which is essential to a strong and functioning democracy. The UK has an independent, self-regulatory system for the press, while broadcast news is regulated by the independent regulator Ofcom through the Broadcasting Code. The Government cannot interfere with Ofcom's regulatory or operational decisions, including how Ofcom chooses to regulate content.
To help ensure journalists operating within the UK can do so free from physical, legal and online threats, abuse and violence, I chair the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, together with the Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls. The Committee facilitates collaboration between government, journalism, policing, prosecution services and civil society in support of this aim. I will continue to work with members on this important issue, including by delivering the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists.
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