MIGRAIN: public service broadcasting

Alezey

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. 

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

It is a critical time for PSB because audience viewing habits continue to change rapidly and competition from global content providers is increasing. Ofcom is therefore reviewing how the statutory remit for PSB has been fulfilled and examining how the positive outcomes of PSB might be assured for future audiences, including how PSB should be delivered, funded and regulated.

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

TV viewing has changed because live broadcast viewing has declined, and audiences now prefer on-demand and online services. People increasingly watch content whenever it suits them, with many (especially younger audiences) choosing global streaming services like Netflix and YouTube instead of  TV.

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

Audiences value trustworthy and impartial news and programmes that reflect different aspects of UK life and culture. They still value PSB content that informs, educates and entertains, even though they are watching PSB channels less than before.

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. 

(Viewing habits have changed because of the growth of well-funded on-demand services and connected devices. Audiences now have more choice in what, when and how they watch.) Despite this, people still watch over 3 hours of live broadcast TV each day, and over half of this is PSB channels. Viewers also spend over an hour a day watching services such as 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.

The purposes and objectives of PSB remain important to audiences. Viewers value programmes that inform our understanding of the world and show different aspects of UK life and culture. PSB channels provide around 32,000 hours of first-run original UK content, including news, drama and children’s programmes, which supports the UK creative economy and reaches wide audiences.

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

The section on commercial challenges states that PSB revenues have fallen. Between 2014 and 2018, net advertising revenue for PSB channels dropped by an average of 3.8% per year, equal to about £325 million. At the same time, the BBC’s licence fee revenues also fell by around 4% each year, putting more pressure on PSB funding.

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

In the digital age, Sky, Netflix, and other on-demand services extend content choice, with Sky investing in original UK drama and free-to-air news. SVoD services engage younger audiences, who often watch BBC programmes on Netflix rather than iPlayer. Online platforms like YouTube and social media provide news and entertainment but are less regulated. PSB channels remain free, widely available, and regulated, while radio and audio, including podcasts and streaming music, continue to inform, educate, and entertain across the UK.

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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?

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?

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

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

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

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?


Final questions - YOUR opinion on public service broadcasting

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

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

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