UK Proposes Media Merger Law Update to Include Online News Platforms

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy seeks to modernize media regulations to ensure freedom and plurality in the digital age.

Lisa Nandy, UK Culture Secretary, announced plans to expand media merger laws to include online news platforms and weekly publications.
The proposal aims to address changes in news consumption habits and ensure media plurality and freedom are protected.
Current laws, established over 20 years ago, only cover television, radio, and print newspapers, prompting the need for modernization.
Consultation is underway to determine the impact of including online news providers like HuffPost and The Independent under the Enterprise Act 2002.
The proposed changes follow recent controversies in media ownership and are designed to be proportionate, avoiding undue burdens on businesses.