Public service broadcasting

Ofcom report

Read the first few pages of this Ofcom report into Public Service Broadcasting in 2017.

1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing?

People are viewing content in a larger variety of ways, including both the television other devices. The amount of PSB content being viewed is substantially less for young adults and, up to the age of 45, television behavioural patterns are changing.

2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers?

In 2016, viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes of TV on a TV set, and 16-24 year olds watched an average of 1 hour 54 minutes. These figures are 3 minutes less than 2012 for viewers ages 65+, and 43 minutes less for 16-24 year olds. In conclusion, younger viewers are watching much less broadcast TV.

3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels?

Yes, as overall, 78% of regular or occasional viewers of any PSB channel claim to be satisfied with PSB broadcasting, significantly higher than in 2015 (73%).

4) Public service broadcasting channels are a major aspect of the UK cultural industries. How much money did PSB channels spend on UK-originated content in 2016? 

The PSB channels spent a total of £2.6bn on first-run UK-originated content in 2016.

Goldsmiths report

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 television sector has undergone huge changes over the past generation as new technology has facilitated on-demand access to television content, and created new services and platforms, while consumer behaviour has started to change rapidly, particularly among the young.

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?

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 continue to monitor the independent production sector and take action.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The BBC is the most important part of the television ecology, but the model of universality underpinning 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, a supplement to Council Tax or funding via general taxation with appropriate parliamentary safeguards. 

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 – neither in full or in part.

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?

Digital content providers should be boosted by public intervention.

Final questions - your opinion on public service  broadcasting

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

I think that the BBC is important due to it's focus on public affairs. Echoing James Curran, the British public are more well informed than america's market driven entertainment and so there is benefit in keeping the BBC.

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

The BBC is severely threatened by online streaming services. I agree with Hesmondhalgh's view that the BBC will struggle next to tech companies due to aspects such as budgets being much higher for tech companies than Public service broadcasters. Promotion and publicity holds huge power in the media landscape. However the BBC is important in a biased digital landscape where news stories aren't guaranteed to be truthful. I think the BBC holds an importance in being an unbiased news broadcaster.

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

The public is going to become unwilling to pay for it due to the rise of streaming services, and so it seems like the funding model should change. The Goldsmiths report suggests ."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, a supplement to Council Tax or funding via general taxation with appropriate parliamentary safeguards."