You’re a member of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, what motivated you to be part of this?

This committee covers many of my personal passions – I’m a music nut and a huge sports fan – so from that perspective, it’s an ideal committee for me to be involved with.

But politically it’s hugely important. Over the course of this Parliament, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is going to be grappling with some massively important issues. From the introduction of the first-ever football regulator to how we strike the right balance between AI and creatives. Supporting small venues and our town centres through the arts and culture, to ensuring the UK remains a world-leading destination for creative investment.

We’re already getting stuck in on a lot of this and I’m excited about the work to come.

What are the focus areas of the Committee and what action do you want the Government to take?

We’ve got five enquiries that are ongoing that I think demonstrate the areas of focus for the committee.

We’re looking into how we retain the UK’s place as a global destination for the production of film and high-end TV. We are examining the future of the BBC World Service, the challenges it faces and what its role is in an ever-changing world.  Our ‘Game On’ inquiry is considering the role of community and school sports. And we’re highlighting the importance of built heritage in the UK and exploring how we can preserve it.

And that’s just for starters! We’ve also launched ‘State of Play’ where we’re asking those across the world of culture, media, and sport what themes and issues you think the committee should look into. I would strongly encourage PPA members to take a look at this and get in touch.

Trusted editorial brands need their copyright to be protected from AI, to ensure the sustainability of their business models. Are you pushing for regulations that will defend the rights of publishing businesses?

I am indeed very active in this live discussion. I’ve spoken in the House on this matter, met with the Minister, and engaged extensively with the creative sector, including publishers.

As a musician and a creative myself, I know how important it is for the government to get this right and I am doing all I can to support the creative industries in making their case to the government on why protecting rights is so important.

This is a pivotal moment for our creative sector. We must ensure that both the productivity and innovation opportunities of AI can flourish, but that so too can the life-affirming, human connection of creativity.

What magazine is your go-to?

I loved The Face, Select, and Smash Hits growing up. And of course, NME. I once appeared in Vanity Fair (music edition) as a songwriter of the year finalist!

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Frith has been a supporter of the creative sectors being protected amidst copyright infringement by generative AI companies. Adding to the longstanding debate. He has contributed to the Data (Use and Access) Bill this week where he warned against undermining copyright and harming the UK’s creative sector.

This comes as MPs are deliberating amendments tabled by Baroness Beeban Kidron, which focus on strengthening copyright protections against AI firms by enforcing transparency, accountability, and legal consequences.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, contact our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk