Review of Public Service Broadcasting

Ofcom has begun its second review of public service broadcasting. It has issued a consultation document - available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/psb_review/  Responses are required by June 19th.

This is a really crucial moment. As we approach digital switchover Channel 4 says it cannot continue its PSB programming without public subsidy and ITV and 5 both appear to be wanting to opt out of all (or most) of their PSB commitments. The obvious answer is to top-slice the licence fee, or is it?

Ofcom suggests four possible PSB funding models

1. Direct public funding: possible sources of funds include direct taxation; or hypothecated proceeds from spectrum auctions or spectrum charging;
2. The licence fee: options include retaining the excess licence fee funding currently ring-fenced for the Digital Switchover Help Scheme and Digital UK's market costs, opening up core licence fee funding to other providers, or using BBC assets to support other providers; and
3. Regulatory assets: these could include access to spectrum at below-market prices, revised advertising minutage rules, or public service broadcaster status for additional channels;
4. Industry funding: a wide range of industry levies could be considered, similar to the proposals currently under consideration in France.

What do you think? If you are a VLV member you can send us your views to inform our response to the PSB consultation. Contact us at info@vlv.org.uk and address your message - Ivor Gaber PSB Consultation. If you are not a member, why not join now and then you can send us your views.