BBC and ITV will be forced to create 'distinctively British' shows under government plans to protect UK content and ensure it is given prominence on streaming giants like Netflix.
In a keynote speech to the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention, John Whittingdale, the media minister, said that the government wanted to ensure British content wasn't 'watered down' by global investment from tech firms.
Mr Whittingdale delivered the speech in place of Oliver Dowden, who was removed from his job with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport about an hour before he was due on stage at the society's Cambridge Convention.
The junior minister said: 'If it's set in Britain and made in Britain by our public service broadcasters, then it should be distinctively British.'
The government also plans to enforce 'must carry' rules on digital platforms like Netflix, to ensure British shows can still be found on streaming services.
The move would help broadcasters appear in the best positions on tech platforms without extremely costly agreements.
Junior minister John Whittingdale revealed plans to ensure TV shows produced in the UK are 'distinctly British'. Pictured is the cast of Downton Abbey
In a keynote speech to the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention, John Whittingdale said that the government wanted to ensure British content wasn't 'watered down' by global investment from tech firms
Mr Whittingdale said the governnment believes the 'globalisation' of broadcasting means 'content we watch is set in non-specific locations or outside the UK'.
This, combined with an international cast 'communicating in US English', means that UK content is 'at risk' from US streaming giants, he suggested.
The minister added: 'Global investment is extremely welcome - but I want to make sure it doesn't water down British creativity or the British brand.
'Public service broadcasters have a unique role and I want them to continue producing shows that allow people in every corner of the UK to see their lives reflected on screen, and that showcase the things we are most proud of to the rest of the world. To make programmes that are iconic, not generic.
'So in our upcoming White Paper, I intend to include proposals that will expand the remit of public service broadcasters, so that it includes a requirement for them to produce 'distinctively British' content.'
Outlining his desire to ensure content from the BBC and ITV is given a prominent place on streaming services, he added: 'I want to ensure British broadcasters get the exposure they deserve - no matter how their content is consumed.
'Public service broadcasters have been part of our national life for almost a century, and are uniquely placed to reflect our values. It's incredibly important that they keep their place at the heart of television.
'That's why we plan to legislate as soon as possible, and make it a legal requirement that major online platforms must carry PSB content, and that they must ensure it's easy to find.'
Ofcom, the media regulator, could also be handed new powers when the 2003
