MIGRAIN: Industries - Public service broadcasting

 

Public service broadcasting: blog tasks



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? 
It is a critical time for public service broadcasting because audiences are moving away from traditional TV towards online and streaming platforms, threatening the PSB model.

2) Read page 4. How has TV viewing changed in recent years? 
TV viewing has changed as people now watch less live TV and more content on demand through streaming and online platforms.

3) Still on page 4, what aspects of PSB do audiences value and enjoy? 
Audiences value PSB for its trusted news, wide range of programmes, and content that helps them understand the world.

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. 
TV audiences now watch less linear television overall, with streaming services and online video making up a growing share of viewing time.

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.Public service broadcasting is valuable because most viewers are satisfied with PSB channels and rely on them for trusted news and UK-focused content.

6) Look at the section on commercial challenges. How have revenues fallen for PSB channels?
Revenues for PSB channels have fallen due to declining advertising income as audiences and advertisers move online.

7) Read page 6. What services increasingly play a role in our media lives in the digital age? 
Streaming services, video-sharing platforms, and on-demand players increasingly play a major role in our media lives in the digital age.

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 report states that the UK television market has changed due to digital technology, audience fragmentation, and the growth of multi-channel and online platforms over the last 20 years.

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?
The report argues that future regulation should embed principles of universality, diversity, quality, independence, and public accountability.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?
The report says the BBC remains the cornerstone of public service broadcasting but faces increasing competition and pressure in the digital environment.

4) According to the report, how should the BBC be funded in future?
According to the report, the BBC should continue to be funded primarily through the licence fee, as it ensures independence and universal access.

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?
The report states that Channel 4 plays a vital role in providing innovative, diverse, and alternative content that is not driven by purely commercial interests.

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?
Channel 4 should continue to operate as a publicly owned, commercially funded broadcaster with a strong public service remit and digital focus.

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?
The report says that new digital content providers are increasingly important but are not required to meet public service obligations in the same way as PSBs, creating an imbalance in the system.


Final questions - YOUR opinion on public service broadcasting

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

2) Is there a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world?
yes , i believe so if they remain to stay impartial in the information they give out to the public.

3) Should the BBC funding model (licence fee) change? How?
No, i feel that its a system that works.