This Library Note provides background reading for the debate on the contribution of broadcast media to the UK economy.
Debate on 28 November: Broadcast Media (412 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides background reading for the debate on the contribution of broadcast media to the UK economy. This Note reviews the impact of broadcasting media on the UK economy, focussing on both commercial and public sector broadcasting in television and radio. The Note begins by examining the impact of the BBC, one of the largest providers of broadcast media in the UK. It then examines a range of commercial suppliers of both television and radio services.
Debate on 28 November: Broadcast Media (412 KB , PDF)
Concerns have been raised about the state of the opera sector in England, with much of this focused on the financial pressures it is facing. Some institutions face reductions in Arts Council funding and, taken together with increasing costs, this has led to cuts in performances and concerns about the sector’s future viability. Concerns have also been raised about diversity and equality across opera, including in audiences and the workforce.
Academic research suggests that mobile phones in schools can adversely affect pupils’ educational attainment and contribute to problems such as bullying. But some experts point to potential learning benefits and argue that a blanket ban on phones could prove ineffective and counterproductive. Government guidance discourages the use of phones in schools but defers to school leaders on prohibiting their use. Most schools in England already have policies limiting the use of phones.
In February 2024 the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee published a report on large language models and generative AI. It highlighted the opportunities and risks this technology offers, and recommended actions the government should take to support the market while mitigating risks. The new government has said it will legislate to address safety risks arising from generative AI.
