Labour could push 'trusted and accurate' BBC News onto your phone to fight 'misinformation'

Labour could force social media platforms to promote "trusted and accurate" outlets like BBC News to help fight against "misinformation".

Ministers are set to consult on whether social media platforms should be made to make access to “trusted” news sources easier for consumers - regardless of whether they want to read them.

The "Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media" Green Paper published on Monday sets out plans to ensure social media companies and video-sharing platforms prioritise content from public service media (PSM), which includes the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

The move would see mainstream media outlets pushed to the top of people's social media feeds when they search for news stories.

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According to research published by Ofcom last year, three in four young people aged 16-24 now use social media as their main way to access news.

Meanwhile, more than half of adults include social media to receive updates.

The Government has claimed the increased use of social media to access news may mean the public consumes "misinformation" - rather than state-approved "PSM".

The plans come amid a major overhaul to Britain’s public service broadcaster, which may see reforms to help providers attract audiences online.

Other proposals include a move to internet-based TV in either 2034 and 2044, and on-demand rights for key sporting events to be added to the Listed Events Regime, making access to Olympic events and World Cup coverage free.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “It is vital that we make sure that people have better access to trusted and accurate news and that our regulated public service media is seen and heard in the fierce battle against mis and disinformation.

“As the media landscape moves further and further online, away from traditional broadcasting, we must act so that our world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top quality UK content keeps being produced.

“TV remains at the heart of our society.

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"It is key to supporting social cohesion and is a cornerstone of our democracy, which is why, as the technology underpinning it changes, we are making sure it is protected for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “UK viewers still love original British content from the PSBs (public service broadcasters) and trust and value PSB news which helps to underpin our democracy.

“It’s the PSBs that also underpin the wider creative economy, commissioning original British content right across the UK.

“But the way people watch content has changed radically in recent years and brought challenges to sustaining these investments.

“We therefore welcome a Green Paper that will help enable PSBs to continue to effectively serve the UK public interest through trusted, high quality, easily accessible content delivered on the platforms and services that people use both now and in future.”

A spokesman for the BBC said: “In an increasingly polarised world where mis- and disinformation are rife, it is essential everyone has the opportunity to access trustworthy news.

“It is also important that homegrown, original content is protected and easy for people to find.

“People are changing how and where they consume content at pace.

“The Green Paper sets out how we can support this switch to digital platforms, ensuring more money can be spent on programming the audience actually want whilst, at the same time, ensuring no-one is left behind.”

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