Public service broadcasting: blog tasks

 

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?

It is a critical time because audience viewing ghabits are changing rapidly. More people are using online and on-demand services, and competition for viewers is increasing.PSB channels need to adapt to high-quality content 

2) Read page 4. How has TV viewing changed in recent years?

Live broadcasting has declined. Audiences increasingly choose to watch programs at a time that suits them online, and younger audiences prefer streaming services like Netflix and YouTube over PSB 

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

Audiences value programmes that are trustworthy and inform them about the world and show different aspects of the UK culture and life. They also enjoy the range and quality of first-run programmes across news, drama, and current affairs 

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. 

-On ordinary people watch three hours of live broadcast TV each day

- Over half of this live TV is on PSB channels

-Online and on-demand services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub have grown, with requests for programs increasing by 65% to 6.3 billion over the 5-year period

-Younger audiences 16-34 often watch BBC content on Netflix 

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 provide around 32,000 hours of new UK content each year across a wide range of subjects, including news, current affairs, drama, and children’s programmes.

-Investment by PSB channels makes up the majority of total UK production revenues.

-Regulation ensures that investment is spread across the nations and regions, supporting a diverse UK creative economy.

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

Revenues for PSB channels have fallen between 2014 and 2018. Advertising revenue for the PSB channels dropped by 3.8% per year, around £325 million. BBC licence fee revenue fell by an average of 4% each year. Third-party funding and portfolio channel or online advertising have helped offset some of this decline, but this funding is usually only for certain types of programmes, like high-end drama.

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

 

Services that increasingly play a role in media lives in the digital age include subscription video-on-demand services like Netflix, online video platforms like YouTube, commercial broadcasters like Sky who invest in original UK content, and radio, including national, local, and community stations, as well as streaming music and podcasts.

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

In the last 20 years UK TV has changed a lot. There are many more channels and new online and on-demand services. Sky and streaming services like Netflix and Amazon have become popular. Younger people in particular watch TV differently and spend less time on traditional channels.

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?

Future PSB rules should focus on independence. They should be available to everyone in the UK. They should provide high-quality programmes and show diversity. They should inform, educate, and entertain the public.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The BBC is the main public service broadcaster. It is important for news and UK content. It faces challenges with funding and maintaining independence. It also needs to reach all audiences and adapt to online and on-demand viewing.
4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?

The BBC should be funded in a new way. This could be through general taxation or a household fee. There should be independent oversight to make sure it delivers public service objectives.

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

Channel 4 is important for diversity and supporting independent producers. It offers programmes for young and minority audiences. It has cut some arts and children’s programmes. Privatisation could threaten its public service role.
6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

Channel 4 should stay publicly owned. It should increase content for young people and older children. Arts programming should return. It should continue supporting independent production across the UK.

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?

New digital providers like YouTube, Netflix, and cultural institutions can contribute to public service broadcasting. The report suggests supporting them with a fund. This could be paid for by a levy on large digital companies and would encourage more original UK content.

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

Yes, the BBC should keep its role as the UK’s public service broadcaster. It provides trusted news, high-quality programmes, and content that represents different parts of the UK. Without it, there would be less original UK content and less support for independent producers.

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

Yes, the BBC still has a role in the 21st century digital world. It should adapt to online and on-demand services, reach younger audiences, and continue offering content that is free and available to everyone. It can also set standards for quality and reliability in a world of online content.

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

Yes, the BBC funding should change. The licence fee is not working as well because people watch TV in different ways now. It could be paid through taxes or a household charge instead. There should also be independent checks to make sure the BBC still provides high-quality programmes for everyone.