Digital-TV take-up in UK is over 80%, over half of UK adults have broadband at home, linear viewership is reducing, time-shifting & personal scheduling is increasing, popularity of YouTube, Joost or Babelgum is on rise and last year’s UK online revenue has crossed £2billion.
The question is - what is the future role of PSBs and nature of government funding.
Government and Ofcom are set to review (independently) the funding mechanisms for PSBs in digital future, particularly after 2013. However, as of now government seems will continue funding short-term needs of PSBs, e.g. £14million for Channel 4 from BBC funds to help address digital-switch over woes.
With changing consumer behavior and increased preferences for broadband/IPTV television – what is the role of PSBs? How government can use or support technology/telecom companies whose audience reach is growing day by day? Does PSBs continue receiving funding where consumer s’ spend on catch-up and VOD services is increasing?
As the final control of content consumption choices lies with customer (not a viewer anymore) one of the ways the government can regulate and effectively implement The Communication Act – is via funding and regulating at content level. This content can be sourced and distributed by likes of BT or Joost along with Channel 4 or BBC. BBC & Channel 4 may continue receiving government funding for creation of content and make additional revenues of licenses and non-linear services.
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