Culture secretary Jeremy Wright outlines plans to safeguard UK broadcasting post-Brexit
Culture secretary Jeremy Wright will today address fears Brexit could hit the TV broadcasting industry's workforce by outlining the government's ambitions to ensure talent are granted mobility between Europe and the UK.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival today, Wright will hail the strength of the UK's public service broadcasting sector, while assuring industry figures the government recognises the importance of free movement to media.
Brexit could impact the broadcasting sector by restricting the movement of both UK and European talent in Europe.
"Strong public service broadcasters mean a strong broadcasting sector as a whole," he will say. "They are vital in helping all broadcasters find talent, and one of the things I have heard loud and clear already is how important it is to find the right talent in this industry.
"I know that there is concern about how talent will be able to move between the UK and the EU after EU exit. Although you will understand that the final outcome is still subject to our future immigration system, I can say that the government well and truly understands how important mobility is for this sector."
Wright will explain that the government's White Paper outlines plans for a framework for mobility with the EU, including arrangements to allow UK nationals to visit the EU without a visa for short term business reasons, and vice-versa for European workers.
"And we are working on a broader accord with the EU on culture and education that will, among other things, allow for the temporary movement of goods for major events, tours, exhibitions, and productions.
"I recognise of course that there are still issues to be resolved in this [EU Exit] process and you have my assurance that I will make the case for the interests of this sector as we seek to resolve them," he will add.
"But regardless of our settlement with the EU, broadcasting will remain a vital part of what Britain offers the world."
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