Public Service broadcasting

Public service broadcasting: blog tasks

Create a new blogpost called 'Public service broadcasting' and complete the following tasks:

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? 

The amount of people watching live TV is decreasing due to access to the internet and shows on demand.

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

Older viewers engage more with traditional media such as news papers, broadcast and radio. 16-24 year olds watch less broadcast media. 

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

It states 78% of PSB viewers are satisfied with what is shown.
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? 














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 internet has caused massive change in all media markets, including television. Therefore, UK broadcasters have struggled to keep up with the pace of modern consumers.

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?

-In return for PSB meeting regulated standards, they would get guaranteed favour from streaming and smart interfaces.  
-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.
-Regular checks to see if the broadcasters are presenting media that can relate to all walks of life.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The BBC is crucial to the "television ecology" yet its funding methods are archaic, posing a threat to the future of Public Service Broadcast.

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

" 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 Four is also critical to the "ecology" as its purpose, although arguably abandoned, is to offer artsy and provoking programmes aimed at a wide audience. 

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

The reports states that Channel Four should not become privatized. It also says they need to focus on hitting certain demographics such as older children and young adults in order to be deserving of its PSB status. 

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. We believe 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?

As long as the BBC commit to the guidelines stated by Ofcom and remain non-biased in their news coverage, I believe the BBC is absolutely an essential part of British media. 

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

We will never not need a company dedicated to Informing, Educating and Entertaining the British (and panglobal) people. Therefore, there will always be a place for the BBC if it decides to evolve and diversify with the time.

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

Yes, as the use of regular TV is quickly declining. As the report above suggested, a mandatory tax would possibly help fund the BBC better. Although a pain to pay, it is nothing compared to the benefits we reap with the BBC in power.