The commercial broadcaster’s association COBA has welcomed the prime minister’s recognition of international broadcasters during her Mansion House speech on Friday.
Theresa May was outlining Britain’s vision of a future economic partnership with the European Union.
The PM said she recognised that the UK could not have exactly the same arrangements with the EU as at present. But relying solely on precedent would hurt consumers and businesses on both sides.
“So we should explore creative options with an open mind, including mutual recognition which would allow for continued transfrontier broadcasting – recognising the enriching role that British broadcasters and programme makers play, not only in British – but more broadly in our common European – culture”
COBA said it strongly supported the prime minister’s recognition of the UK’s role and the importance of maintaining a relationship to continue the development and delivery of transfrontier broadcasting.
“COBA has consistently argued that broadcasters, like many other sectors, cannot wait until the cliff edge of March 2019 for clarity about the future relationship between the UK and the EU. It is now crucial for businesses and their employees in both the UK and the EU to have clarity on a transitional period as soon as possible.
The UK is Europe’s leading international hub for global media groups, home to more television channels than any other EU country, with around 1,400 channels using the country as its base.