A FUTURE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TELEVISION CONTENT AND PLATFORMS IN A DIGITAL WORLD

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A FUTURE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TELEVISION So it is felt that diversity, rather than niche programming, is needed. Reasons given for this include the concern that specialised channels, catering to specific interests, may lead to audiences missing out on alternative programming that challenges their views and broadens their information horizons. Respondents also expressed concern that if the BBC does not continue to make a full range of programmes, it would become a fringe channel. “This would give rise to its value, and so become a selffulfilling prophecy of its demise,” writes one respondent. Another adds that: “It is vital that the BBC make a broad and diverse range of programmes as this reflects the diverse audience of licence payers.” 4. Governance: “Don’t concentrate power in fewer and fewer hands” Many respondents express concern about the internal and external governance of public service broadcasting, and the impact this has on content. There is a widely held view amongst respondents, that multiple layers of management within broadcasting institutions can stifle creativity. Comments include: “Get rid of consensus decision making, get rid of a middle management that strives for mediocrity”; “More development and consultation with programme makers”; “A quicker commissioning process and more money and time invested in the development of projects and scripts.” It is also suggested that the power to green light projects is currently in the hands of too few individuals and needs to be more evenly spread. One respondent articulates a view that is echoed by a great deal of survey participants: There seems to be a notion that finer and finer filters will produce better and better programmes. This is not the case, as creatives become disillusioned and it fosters “look alike” programming and “second guessing” dominates submissions. A policy of “let a thousand flowers bloom” would be better, to see which unusual programmes would be successful. The process has become far too top down and driven by “channel profiles” and “channel requirements” instead of seeking out quality whatever form it takes. The vast majority (77.6%) of respondents also express unease about the current discussion surrounding the privatisation of Channel 4. Of specific concern is the possibility that a change in ownership may lead to more emphasis on generating profit, and decrease the amount of revenue available for UK originated content. As for external governance, many respondents highlight how vital it is to safeguard the independence of the BBC from Government and, as one respondent puts it: “get rid of culture ministers who don’t understand the industry they serve.” There are also suggestions that the Government engenders a climate of fear and uses, “the licence fee as a stick to beat the BBC with”. This, alongside financial constraints, is felt to lead to the kind of timidity in commissioning highlighted in the “Risk” section above. The following point from one respondent captures the view of many: The BBC must be protected financially and given sufficient money to compete in a competitive market with less interference from Government, as it seems to have to spend so much of its time justifying itself and cutting costs. 170
CONTENT AND PLATFORMS IN A DIGITAL WORLD Conclusion We believe that each and every one of the above comments and recommendations from BAFTA members must be taken seriously, as they are vital to ensuring public service television content continues to be effectively nurtured now and in the future. As such, the opinions expressed here are an invaluable part of the Inquiry’s findings. “It’s extremely important that leading creative voices in the UK should be heard and their views reflected, in this wide-ranging review of public service television,” says Lord Puttnam, chair or the Inquiry. “BAFTA members will be crucial in delivering our internationally admired television service for many years to come.” 171
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A FUTURE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TELEVIS
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Contents Foreword by David Puttnam
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To instruct democracy, if possible
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Welcome Television is leading a cha
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CONTENT AND PLATFORMS IN A DIGITAL
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PSB channels 71.9% All other channe
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Why television matters Television i
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1982 1990s 2012 The BBC-ITV duopoly
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Time for action Today’s policymak
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Basic principles At the core of pre
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The multichannel revolution Perhaps
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The BBC For most people, the BBC is
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Channel 4 If the BBC is the most im
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Only 8% of Channel 4’s total spen
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ITV and Channel 5 The focus of atte
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The changing face of ITV 1993-2002
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New sources of public service conte
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Television and diversity We have ea
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THE PEOPLE SHOULD BE TELEVISED If t
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Nations and Regions Public service
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Page 119 and 120: CONTENT AND PLATFORMS IN A DIGITAL
Page 129 and 130: Content diversity One of the key wa
Page 135 and 136: Sports content now accounts for som
Page 145 and 146: Talent development and training In
Page 153 and 154: Conclusion Television is changing.
Page 155 and 156: Recommendations General The UK’s
Page 161 and 162: Appointing the BBC board Sir David
Page 163 and 164: APPLICATION OF THE NOLAN PRINCIPLES
Page 165 and 166: BAFTA members’ survey delivered i
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Page 173 and 174: Public service broadcasting, public
Page 177 and 178: Inquiry events Do we still need pub
Page 179 and 180: Acknowledgements Inquiry Report Con
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A FUTURE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TELEVISION CONTENT AND PLATFORMS IN A DIGITAL WORLD

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