Tweet reads:
This won’t come as a surprise to many.
There has long been evidence of government collaboration with UK TV production companies, including mainstream soap operas watched by millions — such as EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks — on narratives covering public health, climate policy, migration, and extremism.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has now admitted that such information exists, but is delaying its release under Section 36 of the FOI Act, claiming that disclosure could prejudice public affairs.
A public interest test is underway, with no decision expected until 14th May 2025.
Why would confirming how the government works with soap operas to shape messaging be considered a threat to public affairs?
The UK Government has confirmed it holds information about influencing storylines in fictional television programming.
This won’t come as a surprise to many.
There has long been evidence of government collaboration with UK TV production companies, including mainstream soap… pic.twitter.com/HcEKQhCEO7
— Lewis Brackpool (@Lewis_Brackpool) April 10, 2025