Ofcom rejects top-slicing the BBC’s funding
The BBC should be at the heart of public service broadcasting in the UK and take on a key role of pioneering new digital platforms, according to Ofcom’s new report published today.
Ofcom’s much-anticipated public service broadcasting blueprint suggests that the BBC should focus on the development and take-up of content across new platforms but rejects the idea of top-slicing the BBC’s funding for programmes and services.
Both commercial networks, ITV and Five, will be “freed up” to concentrate on “making entertaining, engaging UK content, including national and international news, but with limited public service commitments,” according to the media regulator.
Ofcom’s long-awaited recommendations also suggest that Channel 4 should “create a strong, alternative public service voice to the BBC,” preferably through partnerships, joint ventures or “even mergers”.
The report said: “A new remit, governance and accountability will be essential [for Channel 4].”
Ofcom’s review didn’t rule out the possibility of Channel 4 joining forces with BBC Worldwide or merging with Five or other companies.
The report pushes Channel 4 to develop a “deeper and more integrated partnership” with BBC Worldwide or a “partnership with another commercially owned broadcaster, such as Five,” competition issues notwithstanding.
In addition, Ofcom is pushing for the establishment of an “independently funded consortia” to deliver news to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and England regions.
Ofcom’s review also said that competitive funding could be a solution to the delivery of PSB content, as “rising costs mean that commercial stations like ITV may stop making PSB programmes altogether unless there are major changes to the way it is funded”.
“If action is not taken now then programmes such as regional news, current affairs, children’s programming and some types of drama and documentaries will in the future only be available on the BBC,” the report added.
Ed Richards, Ofcom’s chief executive, said: “Our proposals aim to sustain the quality and creative spirit of public service broadcasting while capturing the opportunities of broadband distribution, mobility and interactivity.
“These proposals set out what we believe is required to fulfil a vision of diverse, vibrant and engaging public service broadcasting content across a range of digital media.”
Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk