Home > Media and Analysts > Homepage features > Broadcasting

25|09|08

The way forward

For public service broadcasting (PSB) to thrive, then there is going to have to be a change in the way it's funded.

Both ITV and Channel 4 would need more money if they're to maintain their current level of PSB content after 2012.

But between now and then, we also have to make sure that ITV1, Channel 4 and five's current PSB obligations are realistic, sustainable and meet audience demands.

So we're consulting on a series of short-term measures - up until 2010 - and also on the long-term future of PSB funding.

Short term

ITV

Ofcom believes ITV1 should be focused on programmes made in the UK, network news, and nations and regions news, especially in peak time.

We're proposing it prioritises prime time regional news by reducing the volume during the daytime.

We're also proposing a new pattern for regional news in which some material is shared between Border and Tyne Tees; West and Westcountry; and Meridian and Thames Valley.

At the same time, the minimum quota for regional non-news programmes would be cut from 30 minutes to 15 minutes on average per week.

Peak time news output would remain unchanged in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland but the minimum volume of 'non-news' programmes in those nations would be cut from 3 hours to 1.5 hours per week from 2009.

The volume of peak time current affairs programmes across the ITV network remains unchanged but the minimum volume outside peak would fall by 40 minutes per week. The quota for programmes produced outside the M25 would also reduce from 50% to 35%.

Channel 4

We propose that the number of Channel 4 programmes made outside London to increase from 30% to 35%. We also propose a new quota for Channel 4's productions from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

five

We're proposing five's current quota for original productions drop from 53% to 50%, with a reduction from 42% to 40% in peak time, from 2009. We also welcome its commitment to producing children's programmes.

Children's programmes

We want the BBC to continue to play a leading role in providing children's programming, including safeguarding programming for older children and teenagers. Alongside five's commitment, Ofcom also supports the proposal for Channel 4 to play a role in serving 10-16 year olds.

Long-term funding

Earlier this year Ofcom set out four ways that PSB could develop in the UK from 2011.

One of those ways - that the BBC becomes the sole provider of PSB content - has now been discarded.

That leaves three refined models under consideration. These are:

1. The Evolution model

Under this model the BBC, ITV1, Channel 4 and five continue as public service broadcasters.

ITV1 would focus on UK-made programming, as well as UK and international news. It would also receive extra funding for Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish news, as well as for regional news.

Channel 4 would also get additional funding and, in return, would have an extended remit to provide innovative and distinctive public service content.

Five would focus on UK-made programmes, in particular UK children's programming, and news.

2. BBC/Channel 4 model

The BBC and Channel 4 continue to provide PSB programming but ITV and five lose their PSB status. However, they could bid for funding to provide additional competition to the BBC. For example, ITV could bid for funding to provide news in the nations and regions.

3. Competitive funding model

The BBC remains the cornerstone of public service broadcasting in the UK. But a wider range of broadcasters - and not just ITV1, Channel 4 and five - would also be able to bid for additional funding.

What happens next?

Ofcom's PSB consultation closes on 4 December 2008 and we expect to publish a final statement in early 2009.

Government and Parliament will then make a final decision on the future funding of PSBs and, if appropriate, legislation by 2011.

Our consultation document includes an interactive executive summary where you can leave your comments.

You can also join in the debate on our PSB blog.

Read Ofcom's news release on today's PSB consultation.

Back to top