U.K. Culture Secretary Stays Quiet on BBC and Channel 4 But Reveals Focus on Music Industry Regulation
variety.comManori Ravindran International EditorU.K. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries opened the virtual Creative Coalition Festival on Tuesday with a rallying speech about the creative industries, but stayed quiet on all matters relating to the future of broadcasters Channel 4 and the BBC.In what appeared to be a pre-recorded segment, Dorries talked up the music sector as examples of the U.K.’s “creative powerhouse,” referencing Coldplay and Adele’s new albums as well as Dua Lipa’s hit song “Levitating.” “It’s our writers and musicians and designers and composers who are the most celebrated around the world today and do the most to sell the U.K.
abroad,” said Dorries. “They wield an incredible amount of influence and because of that, the reputation of global Britain depends on them.” The MP also revealed that she has been “working closely” with “X Factor” finalist Rebecca Ferguson, who last year called for a parliamentary inquiry into the music industry to hold powerful managers, agents and executives to account.
The star previously revealed that she was bullied, harassed and racially abused by senior executives in the industry.Dorries said Ferguson “has bravely spoken out about her own experiences of bullying and harassment in the music industry.
We are seriously looking very carefully at the issue of music streaming, competition and fair payment to make sure that the modern music industry works for everyone.”No specifics were given, however, on what exactly an action plan will look like.
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