UK Media Act 2024 — the verified record, live

The Media Act 2024 is the first major overhaul of UK broadcasting legislation since 2003, updating the framework for a streaming-era market. It modernises the public service remit, and secures prominence for public service broadcasters' players on connected televisions and similar devices through a regime of designated internet programme services and regulated television selection services. It brings larger on-demand services — notably non-UK streamers serving UK audiences — within Ofcom regulation via a new video-on-demand code, extends listed events protections, reforms radio regulation while safeguarding radio's position on smart speakers, and repeals section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, the unenacted press costs provision. Ofcom is responsible for implementation and has been consulting on and phasing in the underlying codes, designations and guidance since the Act passed. For broadcasters, streamers, platform operators and device manufacturers, the practical detail — who is designated, what prominence requires, and how the VoD code is enforced — is emerging through Ofcom's ongoing implementation programme.

Every document below comes from the body that published it — regulators, courts, parliaments, official registers — with its true publication date and a link to the primary source.

as of 2026-08-31 · refreshed from scheduled releases

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Frequently asked

Who enforces the Media Act 2024?

Ofcom. The Act extends Ofcom's existing broadcasting remit to cover the new prominence regime for public service content on connected devices, the regulation of designated on-demand services under a new video-on-demand code, and updated radio provisions. Ofcom implements the Act through consultations, designations, codes and guidance, and can enforce with sanctions including financial penalties against regulated services.

What does the Media Act mean for streaming services?

Larger on-demand services targeting UK audiences, including non-UK streamers, can be designated as Tier 1 services and become subject to an Ofcom video-on-demand code covering areas such as harm, accessibility and standards, broadly aligning their obligations with broadcast expectations. Non-compliance can attract Ofcom enforcement, including significant financial penalties tied to the service's revenue.

What is the new prominence regime?

Designated internet programme services from public service broadcasters must be carried and given appropriate prominence on regulated television selection services — the interfaces of smart TVs, streaming sticks and similar devices. Ofcom determines which services and platforms fall within the regime and issues a code of practice; the aim is that BBC iPlayer, ITVX and comparable players remain easy to find as viewing shifts online.

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