Public service broadcasting

Ofcom review of PSB in Britain

In 2020 Ofcom published its findings from a five year review of public service broadcasting in Britain. Read the introduction to their report - pages 3-7. You'll need your Greenford Google login to view the document.

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

Audience's viewing habits have changed rapidly and competition is ever increasing 

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

There have been significant changes in the way in which people watch television. Live broadcast viewing has declined and audiences continue to choose to watch content at times it suits them by on demand streaming

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

They have trustworthy news sharing unbiased views 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 with the average viewer now spending over an hour a day watching services like Netflix and YouTube.

 Audiences still watch, on average, over three hours of live broadcast TV each day and over half of that is to the PSB channels. Television also remains the best way to reach large audiences.

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, they 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. In the same period, the BBC’s revenues from the licence fee have fallen by an average of 4% each year.

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

Between 2014 and 2018, net advertising revenue for the advertising-funded PSB channels has fallen by an average rate of 3.8% per year (compound annual growth rate or CAGR2) equivalent to approximately £325m.

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

Sky and on-demand services like Netflix, extend the choice of content available to audiences.

Some have increased their investment in original UK content so have a significant role in our media lives

Goldsmiths report on Public Service TV

Read this report from Goldsmiths University - A future for public service television: content and platforms in a digital world.

1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?
The fast increase of channels has reduced the market share of the public service broadcasters  – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 –  they have largely retained their prominence and developed portfolio services

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?

Principles of independence, universality, citizenship, quality and diversity need to be embedded into the regulation and funding of an emerging digital media landscape

3) What does the report say about the BBC?
The BBC is the most important part of the television ecology, its public service credentials is under threat

4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?
The government should replace the licence fee as soon as is practically possible with a more progressive funding mechanism such as a tiered platform-neutral household fee

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?
 Channel 4 occupies a critical place in the public service ecology – supporting the independent production sector and airing content aimed specifically at diverse audiences.

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?
Channel 4 should not be privatised, Channel 4 should significantly increase its provision for older children and young adults 

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?
They are now producing video content of public service character. We believe that the growing contribution to a digital media ecology made by these cultural institutions should be boosted by a specific public intervention. 


Final questions - YOUR opinion on public service broadcasting

1) Should the BBC retain its position as the UK’s public service broadcaster?
Yes, the public need unbiased information and news without political agendas involved

2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?
Yes, but they need to adapt more to younger audiences through social media as they newer generation change the way media is consumed

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

No, the license fee is traditional and has worked for the most part with funding the BBC's innovation with shows and news