Ofcom Publishes PSP Discussion Document
Ofcom has today published its discussion document on a new public service publisher, or PSP, furthering the regulator’s initial views as outlined in its review of public service broadcasting.
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, announced that the communications regulator would publish a discussion document on a new PSP this week in a speech at the Oxford Media Convention (see Ofcom Set To Pave The Way For New Media Entity).
Today’s proposals suggest that the PSP, which would act as a commissioner of new media content focused on meeting public purposes, could offer a rich new media experience for users.
Ofcom says that the prospective PSP could allow audiences to re-use content as well as view it and place participation at the heart of much of the content.
In addition, the PSP could include high-quality audio and video content delveloped for new media distribution and use rather than traditional broadcasting and drive community activity, including location sensitive content and the ability to collaborate to create new material.
Ofcom believes that there are valid arguments both for the creation of a new organisation and for the PSP to be linked to an existing media provider.
It also believes it could be based outside London to help reflect the diversity of viewpoints around the UK and to encourage a wider spread of investment in digital media.
Ofcom is seeking views on the exact amount, and source, of the PSP’s funding. At present, production and distribution costs for new media content are lower than for conventional television.
This suggests, says the regulator, that the PSP could make a significant impact for an initial budget of £50-100 million per annum. Larger scale, more ambitious proposals could be made as digital media enters the mainstream, as expected, later this decade.
The deadline for responses to Ofcom’s initial views on the PSP is 23 March 2007. These will be incorporated into Ofcom’s preparatory work on the next PSB Review, which is expected to begin in 2008. Ofcom will provide a summary of responses later in the year.
Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk