The Government has announced that it will delay planned advertising restrictions on foods high in fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS). Restrictions banning paid-for HFSS adverts online, which were originally stated to come into force in January 2023, will now be introduced from the start of 2024.

On Tuesday, the Government set out plans to publish draft legislation which will give the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) the powers it needs to rebalance relationships between platforms and publishers.

The Government on Friday announced that it will bring forward legislation to put the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) on a statutory footing, as it responded to it most recent consultation on the new pro-competition regime for digital markets. The PPA and over 100 other organisations submitted evidence to the consultation, including several other media trade bodies and businesses.

The DCMS parliamentary committee has published responses submitted to its inquiry into the sustainability of local journalism. All of the responses can be found here, including the PPA’s submission.

The Government has responded to the evidence submitted to its consultation on Reforming Competition and Consumer Policy, including the consumer rights proposals concerning subscription contracts.

Helen Hayes MP has highlighted the cost to specialist media publishers of Royal Mail failing to deliver on its Quality of Service at a parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall on April 19.

John Whittingdale MP has called on Government to include specialist publications in the enhanced protections for ‘recognised news publishers’ in the Online Safety Bill.

A senior MP has added his voice to the growing calls from Conservative parliamentarians for the Government to bring forward Digital Markets Unit legislation in the Queen’s Speech on May 10.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has commissioned research agency Revealing Reality with conducting research on journalists’ online and physical safety. The survey closes on Thursday April 14.

Last week, the PPA added its voice to a letter sent by an unprecedented media coalition, telling the Prime Minister that the government must prioritise Digital Markets Unit (DMU) legislation in the next Queen’s Speech. The DMU needs legislation to get the powers necessary to rebalance the relationship between platforms and publishers.

PPA CEO Sajeeda Merali has signed a letter sent by a coalition of media industry bodies and organisations to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling for the government to prioritise legislation to give the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) statutory powers in the next Queen’s Speech.