Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is a UK government department responsible for policy and strategy across the cultural, media, sport, digital and tourism sectors. It sets the legislative and regulatory framework for broadcasting, online safety, gambling and the National Lottery, while also supporting the creative industries and heritage organisations. The department works with a number of arm’s length public bodies, including Arts Council England, Sport England, Historic England, VisitBritain and the British Film Institute, to deliver programmes and funding. It also oversees the sponsorship and governance of major sporting events and the preservation of the nation’s historic environment. DCMS plays a central role in shaping the UK’s digital infrastructure, including broadband rollout and data policy, and promotes the UK’s cultural offerings internationally. Its activities are guided by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who is accountable to Parliament.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the department operates under the broader structure of central government and is funded through the annual spending review process. It has undergone several name changes, previously known as the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and also referred to by the acronym DCMS. A notable incident in its recent history occurred on 5 April 2014, when its verified Twitter account was compromised, resulting in the publication of satirical posts about a Conservative MP before the account was secured and an investigation launched. The department’s responsibilities are defined by statute and it reports to the UK Parliament through the relevant select committees. As a ministerial department, it does not have a separate parent or subsidiary structure but sits within the UK government’s portfolio of departments.