Lisa Nandy Unveils Labour’s Bold Media Strategy for the AI Age

In a powerful keynote at the Media & Telecoms 2025 and Beyond Conference, Shadow Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declared that the media industry is “too important to fail,” positioning the Labour Party as a staunch ally to public broadcasters, independent journalism, and the UK’s vast creative economy. Amid sweeping technological changes led by artificial intelligence and a fragmented information ecosystem, Nandy delivered a vision that fused economic pragmatism with cultural passion.

📌 Key Highlights of Lisa Nandy’s Speech

Strong backing for public service broadcasters (PSBs)
A forthcoming Local Media Strategy
Launch of BBC Charter Review in 2025
Support for creators in the AI age: copyright & fair compensation
Creative Industries Sector Plan to boost regional growth
No punitive tax schemes for successful creatives
Urgent call for collaboration on skills and shared platforms
Recognition of the UK as a global cultural powerhouse

Table of Contents

Rebuilding Trust in News in a Divided Digital Landscape

Nandy began by confronting one of the most urgent issues facing media today: plummeting public trust in news sources. In a world shaped by viral misinformation and deepening political divides, she argued that regulated and traditional media must regain their role as pillars of democracy.

“We must restore trust in journalism. Amid chaos and confusion, it’s regulated media that still stands for truth.”

This emphasis on credibility over clicks is expected to resonate deeply in both the industry and among policymakers, especially as social media continues to blur lines between fact, opinion, and fiction.

A Lifeline for Local Journalism

Lisa Nandy paid special tribute to local journalism, a sector she described as the “true storyteller of last summer’s unrest.” She stressed the significance of grassroots reporting in upholding transparency and community connection.

To address ongoing funding and operational challenges, Nandy announced:

🗺️ Labour’s Commitment to Local Media

A dedicated Local Media Strategy to be published in 2025
Recognition of the unique civic role local outlets play
Proposed funding partnerships and regulatory reforms to ensure sustainability

This commitment signals a reversal of the decline that has plagued local media, which has seen hundreds of outlets close in the past decade.

Labour’s Vision for Creative Growth – From Belfast to Birmingham

The speech touched upon the upcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan, designed to catalyze growth across the UK, not just in London. Nandy emphasized that creative success stories will not be punished with new taxes or levies, aiming to foster an environment of celebration, not constraint.

This is crucial in regions where creative industries are rapidly growing yet remain underserved by national policy.

“The government should be a champion of success, not a barrier to it.”

AI and the Creator Economy: Copyright, Compensation, and Co-Design

Addressing the elephant in the room, artificial intelligence, Nandy voiced a clear position: creators must be protected as innovation accelerates.

🔍 Labour’s AI Media Policy – In Development

Roundtables with creators and technologists beginning in late 2025
Legislative proposals to protect copyrights and ensure fair pay
A co-designed policy framework balancing innovation and ethics

Her stance was unequivocal:

“If it doesn’t work for the creative industries, it won’t work for us.”

Nandy’s framing of the AI debate—collaborative, pragmatic, and human-first—marks a notable departure from the often corporate-dominated dialogue around generative tech.

Strengthening the Foundations: Platforms, Skills, and Shared Standards

Lisa Nandy called on the entire media ecosystem—from PSBs to streamers, indie production houses to radio networks—to deepen collaboration.

🎯 Key Focus Areas for Sector Collaboration

Shared platforms like Freely and Radioplayer
Skills development pipelines
Media literacy for younger audiences
Joint efforts on children’s content production

“Talent is everywhere—but opportunity is not,” Nandy said, echoing Labour’s broader social equity themes.

UK Media as a “Cultural Powerhouse” in the AI Century

Closing her speech, Lisa Nandy reiterated her belief in the UK’s world-class cultural standing. She asserted that Labour would work hand-in-hand with the media sector to preserve its global influence, revive trust, and guarantee long-term viability.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for UK media,” she concluded. “We won’t stand by—we’ll stand with you.”

Why Lisa Nandy’s Speech Matters Right Now

The media landscape in 2025 is under more pressure than ever. From tech-driven disruption to economic precarity, journalists, creators, and broadcasters are navigating a maelstrom of change.

Nandy’s speech attempts to strike a balance between intervention and inspiration, outlining policy frameworks while affirming the intrinsic value of storytelling, truth, and cultural expression.

Analysis: What Industry Leaders Are Saying

Industry figures responded with cautious optimism.

BBC executive (anonymized):

“Encouraging words—especially around local journalism. Now we’ll wait for the actions.”

Digital media strategist:

“The focus on fair compensation in AI is overdue. The creator economy has been exploited too long.”

Conclusion: Labour Eyes a Media Reset

Lisa Nandy’s remarks represent more than pre-election posturing—they’re a clear statement of intent from Labour. The party aims to modernize the UK’s media policy, protect creators, and expand opportunity—all while preserving the integrity and trustworthiness of journalism.

As the digital revolution continues to unfold, this speech may be remembered as a turning point in the UK’s media strategy—a moment when politics began to take culture, truth, and technology equally seriously.