Public Service broadcasting

Ofcom review of PSB in Britain

1) Look at page 3. Why is it a critical time for public service broadcasting? 

Audience viewing habits continue to change rapidly and competition from global content providers is ever-increasing.

2) Read page 4. How has TV viewing changed in recent years?

Live broadcast viewing has declined, as audiences increasingly choose to view content at a time that suits them on global online and on-demand content services.

3) Still on page 4, what aspects of PSB do audiences value and enjoy?

The purposes and objectives of PSB. Trustworthy news and programmes that show different aspects of UK life and culture. 

4) Look at pages 4-5. Find and note down the statistics in this section on how much TV audiences tend to watch and how they watch it. 

Live broadcast viewing has declined, as audiences increasingly choose to view content at a time that suits them on global online and on-demand content services. 

People are watching the PSB channels less, as they are no longer the only or necessarily audiences’ preferred source of content.

There is an increasing number of young people who prefer global streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.

5) Read the section on page 5 discussing the importance of PSB. Again, find the statistics and explain the value of public service broadcasting in Britain.

Collectively, PSB channels provide audiences with approximately 32,000 hours of new UK content in a wide range of subjects, including news, current affairs, drama and children’s programmes.

6) Look at the section on commercial challenges. How have revenues fallen for PSB channels?

Significant growth in third-party funding, such as co-production, and increases in portfolio channel and online advertising has offset some of this decline.

7) Read page 6. What services increasingly play a role in our media lives in the digital age? 

Commercial broadcasters, like sky, on-demand services (Netflix) and SVoD services especially those ages 16-34.

Goldsmiths report on Public Service TV

1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?

The proliferation (rapid increase) of channels has reduced the market share of the public service broadcasters. New technology has facilitated on-demand access to television content, and created new services and platforms. Consumer behaviour has started to change rapidly, particularly amongst younger audiences.

2) Look at page 4. What are the principles that the report suggests need to be embedded in regulation of public service broadcasting in future?

In return for public service broadcasters meeting the obligations of their licences, their content should be guaranteed to be promoted on electronic programme guides. Retransmission fees should be paid by pay-tv platforms to public service television operators to address the current undervaluation of public service content by these distributors. Ofcom should replace its occasional reviews of public service broadcasting with a regular qualitative audit of public service content in order to ensure that audiences are being served with high-quality and diverse programming. Ofcom should continue to monitor the independent production sector and take action, where necessary. 

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

It is the most important part of the television ecology. The licence fee is vulnerable in the face of  changes in technology and consumption. It has failed to guarantee real independence and is charged at a flat rate. Believe that the BBC should be encouraged to pursue networked innovation, to embrace the internet and to develop a range of content and services for the online world. The BBC should continue to provide a mixture of programming in order to cater for a variety of audiences.

4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?

The licence fee should be replaced with a more progressive funding mechanism such as a tiered platform-neutral household fee, a supplement to Council Tax or funding via general taxation with appropriate parliamentary safeguards.

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

Supports the independent production sector and airing content aimed specifically at diverse audiences. It has moved with the times but has cut programme spending. It has also largely abandoned arts programming and has been criticised for not doing enough for older children.  

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

Should not be privatised and that the government should clarify its view on Channel 4's future as soon as possible. Channel 4 should significantly increase its provision for older children and young adults and restore some of the arts programming that has been in decline in recent years.

7) Look at page 10 - new kids on the block. What does the report say about new digital content providers and their link to public service broadcasting?

Television with the characteristics of public service broadcasting now appears outside the public service system: from Sky and other commercial broadcasters, on subscription video-on-demand services such as Netflix and Amazon, and through the new Local TV services.

Final questions - YOUR opinion on public service broadcasting

1) Should the BBC retain its position as the UK’s public service broadcaster?

No, as the market may turn into a monopoly due to the BBC obtaining so much money that it can crowd out competition. This in turn stifles innovations for other PSBs. It has also been criticised for being left wing biased. If they expect to be the UK's PSB it must take a neutral stance and cater to the entirety of the UK; not just London, middle class, metropolitan values.

2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?

Yes, if they take away the licence fee and find a different way to fund themselves. They also need to make more use of newer technology in order to keep their audience interested.

3) Should the BBC funding model (licence fee) change? How?

Yes, there shouldn't be a licence fee at all. Even if you aren't watching the BBC you are forced to fund it. This can be considered to be a flat regressive tax and is criminal if you don't pay it. They are becoming out of control due to the state paying subsidy. Instead they should make revenue from advertising like other PSBs.