PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Commercial Radio and Television - 16 November 2023 (Commons/Commons Chamber)
Debate Detail
Contributions from Lucy Frazer, are highlighted with a yellow border.
Michael Fabricant
Lichfield
Lucy Frazer
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
I note that my hon. Friend has in the past been a big star on the airwaves himself. Last week, the Government introduced the Media Bill into Parliament. The Bill will ensure that our world-leading TV and radio sectors are able to compete in the new digital world, so that they can continue to produce great content for the audiences of the future.
Michael Fabricant
If I were to say, “Hey, Siri, can I have GB News radio?” or “Alexa, play GB News radio”—[Interruption.] Of course I would say GB News radio. It is the most successful news channel now, pulling in a bigger audience at most times of the day than either the BBC News channel or Sky—TalkTV cannot even be measured. Anyway, I am going off the subject.
Mr Speaker
Order. I am trying to help you, because if you do not get to the question, you will not be asking it. Come on!
Michael Fabricant
My question is: what provisions are in place, if any, to ensure that if I do say those things, I get GB News radio, not another channel, and I am not charged for it?
09:49:59
Mr Speaker
He’ll be asking for Radio Caroline next. [Laughter.]
Lucy Frazer
The measures in the Media Bill will protect the position of radio in relation to voice-activated smart speakers, ensuring that listeners can find their favourite radio stations on request. In particular, when a listener requests a specific station, they should receive that station.
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