Ofcom unveils results of first phase of PSB Review

Television viewers believe there is a lack of original and innovative programming on the main terrestrial channels, and value quality, impartial news coverage and children’s programming.

These were just some of the findings revealed by Ofcom, as it published the findings of the first phase of the Public Service Broadcasting Review.

The report, which could shape the future output of the BBC, ITV, Channel Four and Five, examines how much society gains from the five main terrestrial channels. More than 6,000 people were surveyed for the report and five years of programming were also analysed.

The survey revealed that broadcasters are spending less on arts, religion and children’s programming and many of the viewers surveyed agreed that arts, religion and some elements of regional programming are less important to them than quality news coverage and a safe environment for children’s programming.

However, Ofcom also said that the five channels were failing in some of their public service obligations. It warned ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 that they had to do more to justify receiving public funding, and also recommended that the BBC needed to “reaffirm its position” as the leader for delivering the highest quality public service broadcasting.

Ofcom warned that continued public funding for public service broadcasting would only be feasible in the long-term, if programmes were being produced that reached a significant audience.

Ofcom, which has been conducting extensive surveys and analysing data from broadcasters since last autumn, recommended in the review that “the central components of public service broadcasting on ITV 1 and Five should be news, regional news and original production”. These findings could also help ITV and Channel 5 to be relieved of some of their obligations towards providing religious and arts programming.

The review also suggested that the current method of measuring public service according to genre should be changed to “a new framework of remits, accountability, measurement and qualitative judgement”.

Ofcom praised Channel 4, calling its role “critical” given the public’s desire for original and innovative programming. However, the report contained a warning for the BBC, stating aims which included “supporting a strong BBC, but reviewing its wide range of activities against core purposes”.

Ofcom launched last December replaced the five media watchdogs, including the Independent Television Commission and Broadcasting Standards Commission.

The Public Service Broadcasting Review, which will be published in its final version this autumn, is being overseen by Ofcom senior partner Ed Richards and will lead into a review of the BBC’s charter, which is being conducted by Lord Burns.

(KmcA)