Public Service Broadcasting

Ofcom report

1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing?

The television world is changing; viewers are watching content more and more in a range of forms. Various types, on the TV set as well as on other platforms.

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

There are major gaps between younger and older viewers and these differences are widening between age groups. Viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes in 2016. 16-24 year

olds watched an average of 1 hour 54 minutes. average daily viewing among children and 16-24 year olds each fell by 10 minutes, whereas viewing by over-64s increased by 2 minutes.

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

It is becoming increasingly common to watch on-demand television, especially among younger viewers. The calculation of broadcast television consumption and reach is based on official BARB data from the industry, which estimates the viewing of scheduled television programs on television sets and includes the viewing of such programs over time.

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? 

£2.6bn was spent on uk-originated content.


Goldsmiths report

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 

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

Principles of independence, universality, citizenship, quality and diversity need to be embedded into the regulation and funding of an emerging digital media landscape.

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.  

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 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.

7) 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.

Final questions

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

I think the BBC is very known and a lot of people rely on it because it is trusted. It should retain its position.

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

In my opinion, younger generations do not really use BBC, so there is a possibility of the chance that as the years go on, the amount of BBC consumers will diminish or decrease.

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

I think that the funding model should change in a way that you only need to pay if you use it.  An example is BBC iplayer.