MIGRAIN: Industries - Public service broadcasting

Ofcom report

1) How does the report suggest that TV viewing is changing?
The TV report suggests that most content is now being viewed on a number of devices instead of just TV sets as some audiences view media online and streaming services are also being used more.

2) What differences are highlighted between younger and older viewers?
One difference that is highlighted is the fact that older viewers of 65+ watch more tv (an average of  5 hours 44 minutes) than younger viewers aged 16-24 who only watched an average of  1 hour 54 minutes.

3) Does the report suggest audiences are satisfied with public service broadcasting TV channels?
The article does suggest that the audiences are satisfied with the channels as 83% of the TV population watched any of the main five PSB channels in a week, which suggests they are satisfied as they still watch them.

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?

PSB channels spent a total of £2.6bn on UK-originated content.

Goldsmiths report

1) What does the report state has changed in the UK television market in the last 20 years?

Although PSB channels are some of the most viewed channels their market share has decreased and paid channels such as sky are being used much more and becoming more dominant.

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?

Their content should be guaranteed to be shown on other platforms instead of just on TV.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The report says that they are under threat due to changes in the way audiences view the media and advances in technology.

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

The BBC should replace the licence and should be funded through a tiered platform such as through tax.

5) What does the report say about Channel 4?

Channel 4 supports the independent production sector and its content is targeted at a diverse audience.

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

It should aim to appeal to older children as well as young adults by showing more content.

My opinion on public service broadcasting

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

I think they should retain their position as they have a long history of providing and creating content for no profit and they provide us with information and show events from an educational perspective.

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

i think it does as they have kept up with consumer habits by going online and having their own website as well as apps as those are the more common ways for audiences to access information now.

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

I think it should be change and consumers should pay for the channels they use so they are not paying for something that is not of use to them, for example through a monthly subscription.