Industries - Public service broadcasting

 

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

Because audience viewing habits are changing rapidly - people are using paid subscriptions like Netflix and there is more competition which puts the future of public service broadcasting at risk.

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

life broadcast viewing numbers are decreasing because people would prefer to watch at a time that best suits them. 

There is other content that is also trustworthy and educating.

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

Audiences like how trustworthy they are. They have a lot of content but not nearly as much as Netflix or YouTube. YouTube also has niche videos so everyone can enjoy everything but not everything on YouTube is trustworthy. 

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.

We still watch, on average, over three 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.

broadcast news is still widely considered to be accurate and trustworthy.

Audiences still have generally positive views on the PSB channels but viewing continues to decline.

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.

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 - However audiences still have positive views of public service broadcasting but the views fall with younger audiences.

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

Sky and on demand services like Netflix

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?

regulation

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?

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.

Retransmission fees should be paid by pay-TV platforms to public service television operators. 
Ofcom should supplement its occasional reviews of public service broadcasting with a regular qualitative audit of public service content.

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

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

Its the most important.

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

a tiered platform-neutral household fee, a supplement to Council Tax or funding via general taxation with appropriate parliamentary safeguards. 

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

Channel 4 should significantly increase its provision for older children and young adults

Channel 4 should continue to innovate and experiment across different platforms 

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?

 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

Final questions - YOUR opinion on public service broadcasting

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

Yes because it is funded well and the public thinks it is trustworthy 

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

Yes - people will always need the news

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

No but it is very easy to watch tv without a licence which is not great for the BBC because they are not getting paid what they should but its great for the public.