PSBs

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? 

Because audience viewing habits continue to change rapidly and competition from global content providers is ever-increasing. People are watching the PSB channels less, as they are no longer the only or necessarily audiences’ preferred source of content that ‘informs, educates and entertains’.

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? 

Informing, educating, and entertaining aspects.

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. 

They watch on average over three hours of live broadcasting TV each day and over half of that is to the PSB channels.

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 PSB channels are still distinctive in the amount and range of first-run, original UK programmes they broadcast. 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 addition to being valued by audiences, new UK programmes are also vital in supporting a thriving UK media industry.

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 equivalent to approximately £325m. Audiences still have generally positive views on the PSB channels but viewing continues to decline. This decline is particularly pronounced amongst younger viewers.

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 and so made a valuable contribution to a thriving UK media industry. Sky has increased spend on original UK drama and has renewed its commitment to its news service, provided on a free-to-air basis. SVoD services have been particularly effective in engaging younger audiences, and research suggests audiences aged 16-34 years old are more likely to watch a BBC programme on Netflix than the BBC iPlayer. 

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 proliferation of channels has reduced the market share of the public service broadcasters- the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - although they have largely retained their prominence and developed portfolios services. Also, Sky has emerged as a major force, contributing to the success of pay television.

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?

That the model of universality underpinning its public service credentials is under threat, also it has been contracting real terms and it is hard to sustain the case that it is damaging competitors, in addition the licence fee is vulnerable in the face of changes in technology and consumption and it is any case far from an ideal system because it has failed to guarantee real independence and is charged at a flat rate. Furthermore, the BBS's independence has also been compromised by the insecurity of its establishment by a royal charter and the process behind the appointments to its governing body. 

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

That the licence fee should be replaced with a more progressive funding mechanism such as 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?

It supports the independent production sector and airing content aimed specifically at diverse audiences. Also, its remit has remained flexible and it has moved with the times, however it has cut programme spending because it has largely abandoned arts programming and has been criticised for not doing enough for older children. To add on, Channel 4 has recently been threatened with privatisation, in whole or in part, a proposal that would threaten its public service remit. 

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

It 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?

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, because they have been doing well for over 100 years - correcting their own mistakes when they need too, and being the first to cover massive news stories.

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

I feel like the BBC will always have a position in the digital world no matter the century as audiences won't have the heart to let it go. On top of that, Its the fastest at getting to breaking news - the thing people actually look forward to.

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

Yes, there's no point of it and I'm pretty sure the BBC know people can bypass it and don't care for it.