This morning, the UK government unveiled its much-anticipated Creative Industries Sector Plan, focusing on easing consolidation and fostering partnerships among legacy broadcasters. The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofcom have been tasked with reviewing how changes in the media landscape—such as the blending of broadcast, on-demand services, and video-sharing platforms—can be considered in future assessments of television and advertising markets. This initiative could lead to broadcaster consolidations or strategic alliances, enhancing financial sustainability and audience reach. Amid a rapidly transforming television market, the plan aims to ensure domestic companies remain competitive while producing distinctly British content. Additionally, the government introduced a £75M "Screen Growth Package" to boost film and TV production, modernize co-production treaties, and support independent producers.

In recent years, traditional broadcasters have grappled with challenges posed by American streaming giants and rising costs in drama production. These pressures have driven collaborations like the BBC and ITV's BritBox venture, though ITV eventually sold its stake. More recently, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky launched an innovative "advertising marketplace," enabling advertisers to run campaigns across all three networks through a single platform for the first time. The government’s acknowledgment of potential consolidation comes amidst rumors that ITV or its studios division may be sold, sparking questions about whether foreign entities will play a role in this evolving landscape.

The creative sector plan emphasizes the need for active measures to help domestic broadcasters adapt to shifting market dynamics while supporting independent producers of all sizes to keep intellectual property within the UK. To level the playing field for broadcasters, the government plans to update policy and regulatory frameworks, exploring ways to enhance the BBC’s commercial activities to benefit both the corporation and the broader industry. By prioritizing high-growth sectors such as film and TV, the UK aims to become the premier destination globally for these industries by 2035.

To achieve this ambition, the government announced a £75M investment package, expanding the UK Global Screen Fund to £18M annually starting next year. It also allocated £25M toward businesses in augmented reality and motion capture technology and provided £10M to expand the National Film and Television School. Furthermore, the government intends to modernize co-production treaties with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring tax incentives effectively stimulate international collaborations. Simultaneously, the British Film Institute conducts urgent analysis to refine the UK’s film and high-end TV tax credit system.

In response to industry demands, the government committed to appointing a "creative freelance champion" later this year to bolster the struggling freelance workforce in the creative sector. Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, expressed delight at the government’s actions, highlighting strengthened commitments to address bullying and harassment, introduce a new skills passport, and support self-employed workers through the Make Work Pay agenda. These initiatives collectively aim to fortify the UK’s position as a global leader in creative industries.

Through its comprehensive Creative Industries Sector Plan, the UK government seeks to empower broadcasters and creators to thrive amidst rapid industry evolution. By promoting collaboration, investing in innovation, and addressing critical workforce issues, the plan sets a clear path for the UK to maintain its competitive edge in film and television production. This forward-thinking approach ensures that British creativity continues to shine on the global stage, benefiting audiences worldwide.