Small Screen: Big Debate virtual conference – videos now available
Videos of the sessions from Ofcom’s Small Screen: Big Debate virtual conference, are now available to view on-demand.
Our virtual conference prompted an open and wide-ranging discussion about the future of public service broadcasting (PSB) within the changing media landscape. It explored a range of themes, including: what role PSB should play in future; how best audiences’ needs are met; and how PSB might be funded and supported in the future.
The event opened with an introductory address from Ofcom Chief Executive, Dame Melanie Dawes, and closed with Sky’s Adam Boulton hosting a live debate between the leaders of the UK's four largest public service broadcasters – Alex Mahon (Channel 4), Dame Carolyn McCall (ITV), Maria Kyriacou (Channel 5) and the BBC’s Director-General, Tim Davie.
Channel 4’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy also interviewed some of the most senior figures in UK broadcasting, the BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity June Sarpong; Minister of State for Media and Data, John Whittingdale; STV CEO Simon Pitts; BAFTA Chair Krishnendu Majumdar, and former BBC Director General, Mark Thompson.
A series of fascinating panel discussions saw:
- ITV News’ Nina Hossain explore the changing role of public service broadcasting in the UK’s creative industries with Richard Williams (Northern Ireland Screen); Sara Geater (All 3 Media), and Pat Younge (Cardiff Productions)
- Tina Daheley ask Anna Mallett (ITN), Zai Bennett (Sky), and Shaminder Nahal (Channel 4) what audiences want and value from PSB; and
- Cathy Newman quiz Mathew Horsman (Mediatique), Rasmus Nielsen (The Reuters Institute) and Dame Frances Cairncrosson on the future funding models for public service broadcasting.
Keep the conversation going by sharing your views on any of the points raised during these discussions, by using the hashtag #SSBD2020.
