'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? 

Public service broadcasting (PSB) is at a crucial juncture. 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? 

There have been significant changes in the way in which people watch television. 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. These trends are affecting all broadcasters, including the PSB channels.

3) Still on page 4, what aspects of PSB do audiences value and enjoy? 

Audiences continue to highly value the purposes and objectives of PSB, including trustworthy news and programmes that show different aspects of UK life and culture. The PSB channels have generally fulfilled the statutory PSB remit but maintaining the current level and range of programmes is challenging. 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’.

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. 

Viewers and listeners

of all ages have rapidly adopted these newer media, with the average viewer now spending over an hour a day watching services like Netflix and YouTube.These changes present fundamental challenges to broadcasters, including the PSB channels, as competition for viewers increases, cost pressures rise, and traditional broadcast revenue streams are squeezed. However, television and radio remain an important part of our media lives. We still watch, on average, over three hours of live broadcast TV each day and over half of that is to the PSB channels. Television also remains the best way to reach large audiences; and, broadcast news is still widely considered to be accurate and trustworthy.

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.

PSB channels are still distinctive in the amount and
range of first-run, original UK programmes1 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. This far outweighs what is available on other commercial
broadcast channels and the global streaming services.
In addition to being valued by audiences, new UK programmes are also vital in supporting a thriving
UK media industry. Investment by the PSB channels still represents the majority of total UK
production revenues and regulation ensures that investment is spread across the nations and
regions. However, maintaining the PSB channels’ current levels of investment and diversity of
programming will come under pressure as audiences’ viewing habits continue to change and
competition from large global players increases.

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

Audiences still have generally positive views on the PSB channels but viewing continues to decline.
This decline is particularly pronounced amongst younger viewers. Use of the broadcasters’ on-
demand services, like the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, has significantly increased but not fully
substituted for the loss in live broadcast viewing. During our five-year review period, viewer requests
for programmes from these services increased by 65% to 6.3 billion but the strongest drivers for
online viewing are SVoD and YouTube. Recent and planned changes to the BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4
and My5, such as more box sets, extending the length of time programmes are available and
improved functionality, including greater personalisation, may help extend or at least protect the
popularity of these services with audiences

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. Some have increased their
investment in original UK content and so made a valuable contribution to a thriving UK media
industry. Notably, 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 our 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 television sector has undergone huge changes over the past generation. 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, while consumer behaviour has started to change rapidly, particularly among the young. The very definition of television needs to be refined accordingly

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?

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. 

The government should hand over decision-making concerning the funding of the BBC to an independent advisory body that works on fixed settlement periods.

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 – and we believe that the government should clarify its view on Channel 4’s future as soon as possible.

Channel 4 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.

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. I

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 keep its role as the public service broadcaster in the UK? 

Absolutely, the BBC should keep its role:

It delivers unbiased news, engaging documentaries, and educational shows that aren’t shaped by the need to earn profit. This means the focus is on serving the public, not just making money. 
In moments of national emergencies, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, it serves as a reliable source of information for countless individuals. 
Moreover, the BBC plays a significant part in shaping the UK's cultural identity and has a global presence, particularly through channels like the BBC World Service.

On the other hand, it’s reasonable to think the BBC shouldn't automatically retain its role:

Some people feel that the BBC seems a bit old-fashioned, especially with streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube gaining popularity. Many younger viewers prefer content that they can access on their own terms, something the BBC finds hard to offer. 
Since the BBC is funded by the public, there are concerns about whether everyone should pay the licence fee, especially those who don't watch its programs. 
Some suggest that other commercial networks or digital platforms might deliver just as good or even better content, offering more flexibility and tailored options.

2) Does the BBC have a place in our digital world today? 

Yes, the BBC still has a place:

It remains a dependable source of news, which is vital in a time when false information spreads quickly online. High-quality educational material and documentaries are still part of its offerings, filling a gap that many social media and commercial platforms don’t address.The BBC has already made strides into the digital space with services like iPlayer, allowing viewers to watch shows on demand, which is essential for connecting with younger audiences who prefer digital media.

However, it’s argued that the BBC's importance is waning:

Nowadays, people largely turn to streaming services and digital platforms for their viewing needs. The BBC competes against sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which offer greater flexibility and a broader range of choices. 
Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements can be challenging for the BBC, especially when younger viewers lean towards personalized and on-demand entertainment.
Many think it's unfair for the BBC to receive public funding when numerous free online options exist for news and entertainment.

3) Should the funding model for the BBC (the licence fee) be changed? How? 

Yes, the funding model needs a rethink:

With the rise of streaming services, the licence fee is starting to feel outdated, especially as more people are choosing not to use traditional broadcasts but still have to pay. 

A subscription-based approach could be considered, where only those who want access to premium content pay, similar to what Netflix does. This could create a fairer system that aligns better with how people consume media today. 

A different structure, like a digital-only fee or government support, could help keep the BBC financially secure without relying on old methods. 

No, the licence fee should stay as is: 

Maintaining the licence fee keeps the BBC independent, ensuring it doesn’t lean on commercial interests or advertisements. This is crucial for delivering unbiased content that focuses on the public good. 
Altering the funding model might make the BBC more reliant on commercial income or government grants, risking its independence and neutrality. 
The licence fee also guarantees that everyone in the UK has free access to quality programming, which is at the heart of its public service mission.