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 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 fact it is 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.

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.

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.

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

Advertising revenue for the advertising-funded PSB channels has fallen by an average rate of 3.8% per year and the BBC’s revenues from the licence fee have fallen by an average of 4% each year.

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

A range of other media services, including commercial broadcasters like Sky and on-demand services
like Netflix, extend the choice of content available to audiences.

Goldsmiths report on Public Service 

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 portfolio services. Sky has emerged as a major force, contributing to the success of pay television. New technology has facilitated on-demand access to television content, and created new services and platforms

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?

1. In return for public service broadcasters meeting the obligations of their licences, their content should be guaranteed prominence on electronic programme guides, smart TVs and on the interfaces of on-demand players as they emerge. 

2. 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. 

3. Ofcom should supplement 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. This should include detailed data on the representation and employment of minority groups and a comprehensive account of the changing consumption patterns of younger audiences. 

4. Ofcom should continue to monitor the independent production sector and take action, where necessary, if consolidation continues to increase and if diversity of supply is affected. 

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

It's 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 continue to innovate and experiment across different platforms and it should aim to arrest the fall in the number of independent suppliers that it works with.

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. Meanwhile, a broad range of cultural institutions – including museums, performing arts institutions and community organisations – are now producing video content of public service character.

Final questions - YOUR opinion on public service broadcasting

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

The BBC plays a big part in the UK’s public service broadcaster. It has provided news and information while following the three rules: inform, educate and entertain. In the modern day, there are different platforms where people get their information. I do think that the BBC have a long history of delivering quality programming but its also important to consider different perspectives.

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

I do think that despite being in the 21st century with more developed technology that that BBC still continues to play a vital role. Even the BBC have adapted to this new digital world by offering online streaming services, podcasts and content. Older generations of people in the 21st century still use the BBC as their main news source, so I do think that there is a role for the BBC.

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

The BBC funding model could potentially change because there are discussions about its effectiveness and sustainability in the digital age. A lot of people think that there are alternative funding methods due to the evolving media landscape.