UK government gives go-ahead to first broadcasting devolution study

Research into what broadcasting policy in the UK would look like if governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were given their own responsibilities is set to begin for the first time.

Jamie Medhurst

There is growing pressure from political parties in the devolved nations for broadcasting powers to be devolved, most recently in the Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Party manifestos for the 2024 General Election.

It comes as many UK policy areas, such as health and education, are already the responsibility of the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

However, legislative and ministerial powers for broadcasting remain in Westminster and are held by the Secretary of State for the UK-wide Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Leading the study, will be Professor Jamie Medhurst from the Department of Theatre, Film & Television Studies at Aberystwyth University, who will work alongside Dr Phil Ramsey from Ulster University, Dr Inge Sorensen from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Professor Medhurst has been awarded a £79,600 (US$106,273) Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Curiosity Grant to conduct the research.

The research team will hold a workshop in each of the nations, bringing together academics, policymakers, politicians, and broadcasters to consider how broadcasting might operate in a more devolved United Kingdom.

Following each workshop, a briefing paper will be produced, drawing together the main issues discussed, together with policy recommendations.

In April 2027, a UK-wide conference will be held, where the final project report will be published.  The report will reflect on the findings of the project and will provide a strong evidence base for decision making and policymaking, the researchers said.

Professor Medhurst said: “The concept of the UK – as a unitary state, made up of four nations – is coming increasingly under pressure, and the issue of how broadcasting both reacts to and shapes these debates is a growing issue on policy, political and academic horizons.

“This two-year project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.”

Dr Patrick Finney, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Aberystwyth University, added: “This research will make an important and timely contribution by helping to inform future debate and decision-making; benefitting policymakers, researchers, stakeholders and wider public understanding at a critical moment in the future of UK public service broadcasting.”