Public service broadcasting: blog task

1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing? The report suggests that viewing habits for both young and old audiences are watching less TV than they used to. In this current generation there are only 85% of people watching TV.

2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers? Viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes in 2016 whereas, 16-24 old watched an average of 1 hour 54 minutes

3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels? The report shows that there is still 85% of people watching public service broadcasting TV Channels despite the fact that the young generation have no interest and are using YouTube for entertainment purposes. 

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? Public Service Broadcasting channels spent £276M in 2016 on UK-originated content. 

Goldsmiths report

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 television sector has undergone huge changes over the past generation. The proliferation of channels has reduced the market share of the public service broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – although they have largely retained their prominence and developed portfolio services. Sky has emerged as a major force, contributing to the success of pay television. New technology has facilitated on-demand access to television content, and created new services and platforms, while consumer behaviour has started to change rapidly, particularly among the young

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 supplement its occasional reviews of public service broadcasting with a regular qualitative audit of public service content in order to ensure that audiences are being served with high-quality and diverse programming. This should include detailed data on the representation and employment of minority groups and a comprehensive account of the changing consumption patterns of younger audiences.

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. The BBC’s independence has also been compromised by the insecurity of its establishment by a royal charter and the process behind the appointments to its governing body. The BBC should continue to provide mixed programming and cater to all audiences as well as competing with other broadcasters to produce high quality programmes.

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

 The government should hand over decision-making concerning the funding of the BBC to an independent advisory body that works on fixed settlement periods.

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) 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?

Television with the characteristics of public service broadcasting now appears outside the public service system: from Sky and other commercial broadcasters, on subscription video-on-demand services such as Netflix and Amazon, and through the new Local TV services.


Final questions - your opinion on public service broadcasting

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

I think the BBC should not retain its position as the UK's public service broadcaster because it is providing mixed programming and cater to all audiences as well as competing with other broadcasters to produce high quality programmes.

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

I think there will be a role for the BBC in the 21st century digital world but it won't be as big as it was in the past. In my opinion, I think it'll be most used for the latest news.

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

They should keep the funding model the same.