News in brief: AUS Plans Ban Social Media Ban for Under 16s; ITV Revenue Dips; UK Gov to Examine Future of Linear TV 

AUS Plans to Ban Social Media for Under 16s

In order to tackle social media’s damaging effects on children, the Australian Labour government has pledged to legislate a minimum age limit of 16 for social media access. It also outlined its intention to introduce penalties for platforms which do not comply. However, the government has not yet detailed how they expect the platforms to enforce this age limit. According to The Guardian, prime minister Anthony Albanese is facing pressure from the Coalition opposition to rush the bill through parliament before the end of the month. 

 ITV Revenue Dips

In the TV landscape, ITV has reported a group revenue dip of 8% at £2.74bn for Q3. Its external revenues were down too, affected by the phasing of deliveries as well as the continued knock-on effects of last year’s Hollywood writers’ strikes which impacted the broadcaster’s production arm, ITV Studios. Meanwhile, the broadcaster's digital ad revenues rose by 15% year over year; its streaming hours also grew by 14% year over year. The broadcaster’s growth in advertising revenue was offset by ITV Studios’ revenue decline. 

UK Gov to Examine Future of Linear TV 

On that note, the UK government has launched a forum to consider the future of linear TV amidst the current streaming revolution. The forum’s objective will be to examine the possible ways in which linear TV can be sustainably preserved for older and underprivileged audiences. The forum – to be held every three months – will see media minister Stephanie Peacock oversee a group of experts to consider the future of traditional TV. Among attendees at the forum will be media regulator Ofcom and broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.