Public Service Broadcast

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

The television landscape is changing; people are increasingly viewing content in a variety of different ways, both on the television set and on other devices. Young adults are watching a substantial amount of non-PSB content, and behavioural changes are happening not just in this group, but among those up to the age of 45.

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

Individuals in the UK watched 3 hours 32 minutes of measured broadcast TV on a TV set in 2016. This is 4 minutes a day (2%) less than in 2015. However, there are big differences between age groups, and these gaps are widening. Viewers aged 65+ watched an average of 5 hours 44 minutes in 2016, just three minutes less than in 2012; in contrast, 16-24 year olds watched an average of 1 hour 54 minutes in 2016, 43 minutes less than in 2012. Between 2015 and 2016, average daily viewing among children and 16-24 year olds each fell by 10 minutes, whereas viewing by over-64s increased by 2 minutes.

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

Measurements of broadcast television viewing and reach are based on the official industry BARB data, which measures the viewing of scheduled TV programmes on TV sets, and includes time-shifted viewing of these programmes. However, a substantial amount of viewing is not covered by BARB, and this type of viewing is highest among younger people. GfK survey data estimate that there are large daily amounts of time of non-broadcast viewing of video/TV content, especially among viewers in the pre-family life stage, who watch an average of about 2.5 hours per day of non-broadcast content, on any device

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? 
The majority of people in the UK with a TV in their household watch the PSB channels on a weekly basis. In 2016, 83% of the TV population aged 4+ watched any of the main five PSB channels in a typical week. This increases to 85% when the BBC portfolio channels are included.


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 report is preoccupied with the purpose of television in an era that is characterised not simply by technological transformations but also by shifting cultural and political attitudes: high levels of disengagement from traditional political parties, the collapse of the centre ground, falling levels of trust in major public institutions and a willingness to identify with social groups beyond the level of the nation state. The report reflects on the extent to which the UK’s 4most popular television channels successfully address the concerns, represent the interests and tell the stories of all the citizens of the UK. Above all, however, it seeks to highlight the conditions that may allow for the production and circulation of high quality, creative and relevant public service content in these complex circumstances.

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 UK’s public service television system is a vital political, economic and cultural resource and should be viewed as an ecology that needs careful protection and coordination. Public service media should not be regulated simply in relation to the impact of their content and services on the wider media market. Principles of independence, universality, citizenship, quality and diversity need to be embedded into the regulation and funding of an emerging digital media landscape.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

The BBC should be reconstituted as a statutory body, thus abolishing 

ts royal charter or – at the very minimum – providing statutory underpinning to a continuing royal charter.

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

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 producing content aimed specifically at diverse audiences.

6) How should Channel 4 operate in future?

They hope that audience share will level off and not dip below 10% across the portfolio now that digital switchover has been completed. Audience share is crucial to advertising revenues, and it is important that Channel 4 retains the freedom to broadcast commercially successful programmes that will keep those revenues coming in. At the same time, it must look to expand its provision in some genres, giving particular attention to duty to older children, which it is failing to meet at present. Channel 4 should not be privatised – neither in full or in part – and they believe that the government should clarify its view on Channel 4’s future as soon as possible.

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?

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

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

As well as paying for a license fee to be able to watch television Sky also charge for he viewers to have sky cinema and movies, sky kids and sky sports. This is inconvenient for the younger generations who prefer to save money and will happily stream on Netflix while in bed.