A new framework for
Public Service Broadcasting
Ofcom has just published the second phase of its statutory
review of public service broadcasting, setting out key proposals to maintain
and strengthen public service television in the digital age.
Section 264 of the Communications Act 2003 requires Ofcom to report on
the effectiveness of the existing public service broadcasters - BBC, ITV,
Channel 4, S4C, Five and Teletext - in the delivery of their public service
broadcasting obligations; and to make recommendations for the continuation
of public service broadcasting in the years ahead.
The Phase 2 Report highlights that the existing analogue model of public
service broadcasting, which has been sustained for many years by a combination
of institutions, funding and regulation, will not survive the transition
to digital and may erode rapidly prior to 2012. Ofcom is therefore proposing
a new settlement be put in place in order to secure competition for quality
before the old model has completely eroded.
The framework has seven proposals:
1. The increasing importance of a strong, independent, fully-funded
and public service focused BBC; funded through a licence-fee model.
2. Channel 4, as a critical second provider of public service broadcasting,
to remain as a primarily not-for-profit free-to-air broadcaster, free
to form alliances, joint ventures and partnerships with other organisations,
with the possibility of asset transfer as a route to create scale and
public service impact.
3. ITV1 to play to its strengths in public service broadcasting, contributing
through high-quality, UK-originated production, investment in news, regional
news and current affairs, with a proposed initial reduction in, then phased
withdrawal of, regional non-news obligations. Ofcom also proposes using
the greater flexibility afforded by the Communications Act in assessing
the delivery of ITV1's obligations such as arts, children's and religious
programming.
4. A new approach to programming for the Nations and Regions, with regional
production on ITV1 and a rebalancing of some non-news regional responsibilities
to the BBC.
5. Channel Five committed to UK-originated programming and
acting as a market-led public service broadcaster.
6. A strong independent production sector based on the successful implementation
of the new Codes of Practice introduced by Ofcom earlier this year. However,
if the programme supply market is not working more efficiently 12 months
from now, Ofcom will take further action.
7. A new concept to stimulate innovation and plurality: a competition
to run a new Public Service Publisher (PSP) using new technologies and
distribution systems to meet audience needs in the digital age. A winning
bid could come from any current broadcaster (except the BBC), any media
company, an independent producer, infrastructure operator - or a consortium
of such companies.
The proposals are subject to public consultation; the closing date for
responses is 24 November 2004. The Review will be completed once the final
Phase 3 report is published at the end of the year. Ofcom's PSB Review
will inform the Government's own review of the BBC Charter as well as
its decisions on the timing of digital switchover.
Ofcom Chief Executive Stephen Carter said: "The historical compact
between broadcaster, audience, Government and regulator will not survive
the move to digital."
He added: "Our seven proposals, taken together, aim to keep the
strongest of the traditional whilst adding the spur of the new. We look
forward to hearing people's views."
The Executive Summary of the Report is available here
The full Phase 2 Report (in pdf format) is available here
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