A strong position from Ofcom here – particularly in the current climate (with C4 privatisation firmly on the table)
“Public service content matters – but it’s under increasing threat.”
“Ofcom is today recommending a radical overhaul of laws to make sure that public service media survives and thrives in the digital age.
Our recommendations to Government mark the conclusion of Small Screen: Big Debate – an in-depth review on the future of public service media (PSM). The report calls for the renewal of the PSM system so it can flourish for the next decade and beyond.
The public service broadcasters are those providing Channel 3 services, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C and the BBC. While all BBC public service television channels are PSB channels, only the main channels of each of the other public service broadcasters have this status.
During our review, we spoke to audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, and met with broadcasters, streaming services, academics and analysts in the UK and abroad. We received over 100 responses, which focused on two main issues – the importance of PSM for UK viewers, and the urgent need to update the system to ensure its future sustainability.”