Lords to ask Netflix if it is unwilling to co-produce shows with British production companies.
Representatives from Netflix are today (July 2) due to be questioned by the House of Lords as to whether it is unwilling to co-produce shows with British production companies.
In addition, representatives from ITV – the UK’s largest commercial public sector broadcaster – will be asked if it can remain viable as more and more advertising moves online.
While the proportion of UK households subscribing to Netflix has grown rapidly, its commitment to making British programming except to serve US audiences has been questioned.
Anne Mensah, vp content, and Benjamin King, director public policy UK, will be asked by the House of Lords Communication Committee as to whether this is a fair assessment.
Other topics will also be explored including Netflix’s role in the TV sector, supporting diversity of talent (on and off screen) and regional productions, plus the high-end TV tax relief.
Meanwhile, in the second session of the afternoon, ITV executives will be asked if the channel can remain viable as more and more advertising moves online.
Dame Carolyn McCall, ceo of ITV, Kevin Lygo, director of television and Magnus Brooke, director of policy and regulatory affairs will be questioned on ITV’s public service remit, diversity on and off screen, its approach to co-producing programmes and trends in co-production, plus the proposed streaming service for BBC and ITV content, Britbox.
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