Media Bill completes its remaining stages in the Lords
24 May 2024 (updated on 24 May 2024)
Members of the House of Lords completed their examination of the Media Bill on Thursday 23 May.
The aim of the Media Bill is to update the existing legislative framework on broadcasting governance following the UK's exit from the EU and to address technological changes, such as the rise of on-demand services.
The bill also seeks to provide for the sustainability of Channel 4 and regulate the powers, remit and audit of Welsh language channel S4C.
Wash-up period
Due to the upcoming general election, Parliament will be dissolved on Thursday 30 May. To prevent this bill from failing at the end of this Parliament, its remaining stages have been fast-tracked. This period of completing unfinished business before a general election is known as the ‘wash-up’.
The remaining stages that were considered were:
- Report stage, a further chance to examine the bill and make changes.
- Third reading, a chance to tidy up the text of the bill.
Proposed changes
Members speaking at report stage put down amendments (PDF) to be considered on subjects including:
- education function of public service broadcasting
- educational programming for children and young people.
Catch up
- Watch the Parliament TV recording.
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript.
Explore further information
Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.
The bill was sent to the Commons with amendments (changes) for their consideration. The Commons agreed to these changes and the bill received Royal Assent on 24 May, becoming an Act of Parliament (law).
What's happened so far?
Committee stage
Committee stage, a chance to thoroughly examine individual parts (clauses) of the bill, took place on 8, 20 and 22 May.
Second reading
Second reading, a full debate on the key principles of the bill, took place on Wednesday 28 February.
Image: Nicolas J Leclercq / Unsplash
