Public service broadcasting

 1) Look at page 3. Why is it a critical time for public service broadcasting? 

It's a critical time for public service broadcasting as audience viewing habits are quickly changing and there is increasing competition from global content providers.

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

TV viewing has changed in recent years as there is a decreasing amount of live broadcast viewers. This is because it has become popular for audiences to choose to view certain content on global online and on-demand content services.

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

Audiences value and enjoy the variety of news and programmes that are provided to portray UK culture.

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. 

The average viewer now spends over an hour a day watching services like Netflix and Youtube. We still watch, on average, over 3 hours of live broadcast TV each day and over half of that is to the PSB channels.

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.

Viewers and listeners value programmes that inform our understanding of the world.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.

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

Between 2014 and 2018, net advertising revenue for the advertising-funded PSB channels has fallen by an average rate of 3.8% per year amounting to about £325 million a year. Also, the license fee has fallen by an average of 4% each year.

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

Commercial broadcasters like Sky and on-demand services like Netflix, extend the choices of content available to audiences. This means that audiences aged 16-34 years are more likely to watch a programme on Netflix than BBC iPlayer.3.

Goldsmiths report on Public Service TV

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. With Sky emerging as a major force, contributing to the success of pay TV.

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?

. Ofcom should continue to monitor the independent production sector and take action, where necessary 

. In return for public service broadcasters meeting the obligations of their license

. Retransmission fees should be paid by pay-TV platforms to public service TV operators

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The report says that the BBC is the most important part of TV ecology. However, the license fee is vulnerable to changes in technology and consumption. Ultimately, this means that it has failed to guarantee real independence.

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

The BBC should be funded in a more progressive way. For example, funding through general taxation, a tiered platform-neutral household fee or a supplement to Council Tax.

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

Channel 4 supports the independent production sector and provides content specifically aimed at diverse audiences. It has also been criticised for not doing enough for older children.

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

Channel 4 should start to provide content for older children.

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?

A variety of cultural institutions such as museums are now providing video content of public service character . They believe that the increasing contribution to a digital media ecology 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?

Yes, because its providing audiences with good information and entertainment. 

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

Yes because they provide important information about certain topics that are not spoken about.

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

No, because people do not have an issue with the licence fee.