Public Service Broadcasting

Ofcom

How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing?

• People are increasingly viewing content in a variety of ways through the television and other devices such as an increased use of streaming by younger viewers. 

What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers?

•  65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes in 2016 of broadcast TV whereas 16-24 year olds watched around an hour and 54 minutes with daily viewing hours for 24 year olds and under falling by 10 minutes as the older generations rose by 2.

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

•  The report states that 78% of viewers, regular or occasional, say they are satisfied with the broadcasting - a 3% rise from 2015. Viewers believe that the content is trustworthy, helps inform and aid understanding on the world and although it has the lowest rating for perceived delivery, believe that the shows portray different nationalities within the uk in a fair, just manner. 

How much money did PSB channels spend on UK-originated content in 2016?

•  PSB channels spent £2.6bn on Uk originated content in 2016. £582m of this was spent on factual programming across the UK.

Goldsmiths report

What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?

•  The rapid increase in the amount of channels, new technology leading to a rise in accessibility, a change in consumer behaviours especially of the younger demographic, as well as a shift in cultural and political ideologies and social beliefs leading to UK television having to adapt to these constant developments. 

What are the principles that the report suggests need to be embedded in regulation of public service broadcasting in future?

• Content should be guaranteed prominence in the online market, OFCOM should ensure high quality, diverse materials with fair representation of minority groups within the UK, monitoring the independent sector and ensure diversity of supply is not impacted drastically.  

What does the report say about the BBC?

•  The report suggests that the BBC is one of the most significant players in the television market, it is at risk of technological advancements and it's damaging competitors. It's independence has been compromised by it's establishments insecurity. They believe that the BBC should be encouraged to pursue networked innovation and opportunities provided by the modern technological advancements. However, their license fee is vulnerable and they'll perhaps have to look into alternative funding opportunities to ensure a low risk survival in the market due to changes in consumption.

According to the report, How should the BBC be funded in future?

• The license fee should be replaced with a more progressive mechanism such as a 'platform neutral household fee' or funding through generalised taxation with appropriate parliamentary safeguards 

What does the report say about Channel 4?

• Channel 4 has a substantial role in the independent industry with a focus on diversity and creating content for diverse audiences, it has moved with the evolution of television however it is at risk of privatisation since it cut programme spending and abandoned arts programmes as well as receiving criticism for the lack of content for older kids/young adult audiences.  

How should Channel 4 operate in future?

•  Channel 4 should not be privatised in any way, shape or form but instead increase the content created for older children and young adults as well as beginning a restoration process for the arts programmes, that have been through a steady decline in recent years. Their innovation and liberalised ideologies should be spread across platforms and a focus on stopping the fall in independent workers it's partnered with should also be tackled in the near future. 

What does the report say about new digital content providers and their link to public service broadcasting?

•  The rise in mediums used for consumption and distribution of content allows for more diversity, accessibility and can allow smaller, less established businesses and companies to break into the market however it does raise some issues with regulation and economic risks for the industry. 

My opinion of Public Service Broadcasting

Should the BBC retain its position as the UKs public service broadcaster?

•  I believe the BBC creates a significant amount of high quality, tolerant content that is extremely vital in today's social and political climate of the UK. The changing political ideologies means that informative, educational content is extremely important but also the provision of content that allows diversion from a seemingly negatively perceived society is also as important - through cult classic shows such as Doctor Who to the introduction of more liberal and fair ideals of characters in soap operas, the BBC represents the social change of the UK and therefore I think should retain it's position as the UKs public service broadcaster.

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

•  The BBC creates content that conforms to the expectations and desires of an audience of the new digital age. It's status in the market also makes it attractive to people who aren't comfortable with the accelerated changes in the 21st digital world can also enjoy content during appointment screening as well as on demand options - Perhaps the introduction of a '+1' channel much like their competitors Channel 4. Channel 5 and ITV have implemented could help attract more audiences to view using traditional mediums rather than device or demand screening however this may only be applicable to a few shows due to their changing and diverse demographics.

Should the BBC funding model change? How?

•  The funding model for the BBC should change, I believe by changing the license fee to one of a general taxation that has appropriate guidelines that allows the disparity in income to be taken into account when paying could help the funding of the bbc as well as their audiences when it comes to consuming their content in a safe, legal way.