The UK government is introducing new media rules to help protect press independence and make sure news outlets remain sustainable in the digital age.
For the first time, media merger rules will apply to online news publications and news magazines, in addition to TV, radio and newspapers.
The changes mean that if a UK-based online news site or periodical is being acquired, the Culture Secretary will have powers to step in when public interest concerns are raised.
The updated rules reflect how people now get their news, with Ofcom reporting that seven in ten adults consume news online in some form.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the reforms were “about protecting media plurality” and adapting to modern news habits.
At the same time, the government is introducing a 15 percent cap on investment from state-owned foreign investors in newspapers and magazines.
This change aims to ensure that publishers can still raise funding while limiting the risk of foreign governments having any control or influence over UK news content.
The new approach follows consultation with news groups, who said earlier proposals could have made it harder for them to secure financial backing.
Secondary legislation will be introduced and put before Parliament to bring the changes into effect. The media regulator Ofcom has recommended the expansion of these powers, and the government says the plans carefully balance press freedom with regulatory oversight.
The measures apply from today and include retrospective elements under the Foreign State Influence regime.
