Public Service Broadcasting

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

people own other devices that they can watch series, film or news on instead of TV.

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

'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.'

Young people prefer watching on demand TV, whereas older people prefer regular scheduled TV.

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

It suggests that overall TV views have declined but the rate of people watching PSB channels has stayed the same which tells us that people are satisfied with 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? 

'At £582m, spend on new UK factual programming across the PSB channels was greater than any other genre in 2016. Spend on new UK content at peak time stood at £1.6bn in 2016.'

Goldsmiths report

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

They have had a reduced market share due to companies like Sky.

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 report suggests that PSB's need to guarantee their content to be available on new methods of viewing 
•  Re transmission fees to be paid by pay TV broadcasters to public transmission due to the undervaluation of these public service broadcasters 
• OFCOM should commence evaluative and extensive reviews of the the quality of the content provided by these PSB's to make sure that they provide high-quality and diverse programming
•  OFCOM should continue to monitor independent production sector and take action where necessary.

3) What does the report say about the BBC?

'The BBC is the most important part of the television ecology'

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

'The government should replace the licence fee as soon as is practically possible with a more 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?

'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?

It says that new digital content providers use the characteristics of PSB's and take it outside of the public service system.

Final questions - your opinion on public service broadcasting

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

Yes, because the media is is deficit of honest and educational TV that isn't trying to make money.

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

Yes, I think that the BBC is the backbone of British TV and without it most things we watch would be corrupted - for example, the ITV would have most power and they are known for televising anything and everything for money.

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

No, because this way it is fair and no one would attempt to curve it (like taxes)