AHRC Grant: Broadcasting Policy in a Devolved UK

Description

Grant: 'Broadcasting Policy in a Devolved UK'
Funder: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Amount: £79,596.73

Prof Jamie Medhurst, Project lead, Aberystwyth University
Dr Phil Ramsey, Project co-lead, Ulster University
Dr Inge Sorensen, Project co-lead, University of Glasgow
Dr Tom Chivers, Project co-lead, Goldsmiths, University of London

This project will provide a unique and novel forum for discussion, knowledge exchange and cooperation on current and future broadcasting policy in an evolving UK, with a focus on the devolution of broadcasting powers to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The question of whether broadcasting powers should be devolved from Westminster to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is one that has been debated for many years. Following the election of the New Labour government in 1997, the Scottish Parliament was re-established in 1998, and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies were set up. At that point, and since, the three nations of the UK have seen significant powers devolved to them: from health and social care, education, to transport, justice and policing and sport, and, in some cases, the arts.

The objectives of this timely project will be:

- To identify and engage with the main arguments for the devolution of broadcasting powers, and explore how these arguments differ in the four nations under consideration;
- To consider how debates around devolution of broadcasting powers intersect with independence for Scotland and Wales;
- in the case of Northern Ireland, Irish reunification;
in the case of England, devolution to the English regions or to England as a whole.
- To consider how well the current system is working – so as to ask – what would the benefits be if broadcasting powers were devolved;
- To ascertain the legal and technical options and barriers around the devolution of broadcasting powers. debates around.

Period	1 May 2025 → 30 Apr 2027
Degree of Recognition	National