UK media reacts to Brexit

Industry groups and companies are continuing to react to, and weigh the impact of, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

With the two main political parties in the UK involved in leadership battles and sterling and share indexes taking a post-Brexit hit, the media and creative industries have reacted to last Thursday’s vote.

Not for profit organisation Creative England called for unity. “The UK is full of great businesses fuelled by enormous creativity and the free movement of ideas, goods and talent,” said Creative England chief executive Caroline Norbury.

“It is important that all parties pull together to ensure our vibrant arts, creative businesses and creative institutions are not impacted negatively by the uncertainty and turmoil of the next few weeks and months. And it is vital we build sustainability for our long term future rather than short term expediencies.

“As the UK looks to continue working with Europe and the rest of the world, safeguarding the the institutions, funding and ecosystems that support creative talent and creative businesses to thrive will be of huge importance.”

The Creative Industries Federation has members across the UK’s arts and creative industries and counts ITV chairman Peter Bazalgette and BBC Worldwide chief Tim Davie among its founders. As reported last week, the organisation polled its members ahead of the vote, revealing 96% were in the remain camp.

In the immediate aftermath of last week’s vote John Kampfner, chief executive, said: “As the UK creates a new identity and a new position on the world stage, our arts and creative industries – the fastest growing sector in the economy – will play an important role.

“It will be vital for all sides to work together to ensure that the interests of our sector on issues including access to funding and talent are safeguarded as the UK forges its new relationship with Europe. The importance of British culture in representing our country to the world will be greater than ever.”

One positive was HBO’s statement regarding ratings winner and cash spinner Game of Thrones, which films in Northern Ireland. “We do not anticipate that the result of the EU referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing Game of Thrones.”

Northern Ireland Screen, which helps fund the epic drama, also released a statement aimed at calming fears. “Northern Ireland Screen’s production funding comes from the Northern Ireland Executive through Invest NI and does not use monies provided from European funded programmes,” the organisation said. “We look forward to business as usual.”