Public Service Broadcasting

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

More and more people are investing in smart viewing services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. 36% of adults have a smart TV in their home which means they have easy access to streaming platforms such as YouTube and NOW TV. This changes the face of traditional TV as the viewing numbers are rapidly declining.  

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

Younger people watch around 49% more online videos than older people which highlights that the access to the internet could heavily impact the media you consume. Young people are a lot more likely to commit acts of piracy as opposed to older viewers.

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

Overall, almost eight in ten adults say they are satisfied with PSB. This survey however was conducted via Skype interviews as opposed to telephone interviews so less older people would be able to do it as they cannot access the internet as freely as younger people. Of the 78% who were satisfied with PSB broadcasting, just under a quarter (24%) stated they were very satisfied. This compares to one in four (20%) in 2015 and is a significant increase.

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? 

£2.6 billion 

Goldsmiths

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. 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 carry out a regular qualitative audit of public service content in order to ensure that audiences are being served with high-quality and diverse programming. The PSB products should be available on new and emerging technology such as Smart TVs.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The BBC is vital to the television ecology and is very much ahead of its competitors. The report goes on to say that 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?

With a progressive funding mechanism such as 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?

 Recently, Channel 4 has been threatened with privatisation, in whole or in part, a proposal that would threaten its public service remit. C4 is also lacking in art programmes. 

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

 Channel 4 should continue to innovate and experiment across different platforms and it should aim to arrest the fall in the number of independent suppliers that it works with.

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?

Streaming services such as Netflix are much more experienced in the streaming sector as opposed to PSBs making new content on platforms that they are not that well suited to.

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 has such a rich and cultured history and is a reliable yet biased source of information. The BBC could form an alliance with other PSBs but that would result in them having to change their remits.

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

I think it still remains important to keep a source of traditional news source and also a firm that knows the industry better than anyone else. They may not be ground breaking online but in physical, verbal or visual form, they are second to none.

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

I don't think the BBC should change it as they heavily rely on it to survive in such a competitive world. They need the fee to ensure they can fund and sustain all of their current projects which will put them on par with their much more advanced counterparts.