Ofcom’s second report on the future of Public Service Broadcasting is full of implications for kids’ TV in the UK. It sets the agenda for the political debate on how PSB should go forward in the digital future. It’s also the launch of a final consultation on the three remaining options for PSB as Ofcom sees it.
Ofcom have ruled out the BBC “going it alone” as the only Public Service Broadcaster - a position SKTV felt would lead to reduction in choice and potential decrease in quality. They have refined the models they outlined earlier in the year and now they come down to: An “Enhanced Evolution” model in which ITV, C4 and Five would retain their public service obligations, but with replacement funding needed for ITV’s regional news output, for innovation on Channel 4 and Five would concentrate on UK originations, particularly children’s programming.
A refined BBC/Channel 4 model in which they would be the main recipients of public funding and what Ofcom call “regulatory assets” which means advantageous positions on the Electronic Programme Guides and free spectrum rights. There could be some competition for nations and regions news in this model.
A refined competitive funding model in which the BBC would be the major provider of public service content, but areas of content could be bid for by a range of organisations including Channel 4. This model would also have to see a funding method created to finance regional news, children’s and other public service genres.Ofcom have identified the need for £145 - £235m of funding to be replaced by 2012 if we are to be able to continue to finance public service content and they outline a number of ways that could be achieved. This backs up the SKTV analysis all along that children’s programming is £30m - £40m light on funding – and that needs to be replaced somehow.
Full details here: Ofcom consultation report.
The timetable of events is clearer now, with Ofcom closing this final consultation on December 4th, and making recommendations to the Government in January. Since the report the Culture Secretary Andy Burnham has said that the Government would announce its reactions and implementation strategy early in the year. Many, including Save Kids’ TV are concerned that this will remain a drawn out process when action is needed urgently – especially in the kids’ sector, but Burnham has said in public: “I think it is right that we should be stepping up the pace in the interests of viewers and the whole of the television industry” and there is some thought that the changes needed may not require a full-scale Broadcasting Act which would probably not find the Parliamentary time between now and the next election.
With the BBC Trust also announcing the results of its review into children’s services before the end of the year, and the BBC entering the debate about the funding possibilities, this is a crucial time to step up the lobbying pressure on politicians. At last there is no doubt they are aware of the issues (thanks to the untiring efforts of SKTV and its campaign partners). Now the question is are they prepared to act, to spend or arrange a funding mechanism, and will they do this quickly?
