Talking of government regulation for the good of our combined cultural future - UK media regulator OfCom has published its final report on the future of public service broadcasting.
In it the regulator says that as the multi-channel digital age takes hold expenditure on 'public service' broadcasting will fall by £300-£400 million as TV networks deal with declining budgets and the need to commission crowd pleasers.
As a summary OfCom boss Stephen Carter said the growth of multi-channel telly was in danger of undermining "the historic foundations of public service broadcasting" in the UK.
The
OfCom report was good news for the Beeb, whose charter is currently being reconsidered by the government. OfCom say the BBC should remain the "cornerstone" of British public service broadcasting, stressing that it should remain strong, independent and properly funded by a licence fee. The report also said OfCom had no wishes to take over the regulatory role currently undertaken by the Corporation's Board Of Governors, though it argues
OfCom should oversee competition issues relating to the whole industry, including the BBC.
On other issues the report commended new Channel 4 boss Andy Duncan's bid to revitalize that network's public service commitments, though added that, while the fourth channel faces obvious financial difficulties in the digital age, OfCom didn't see the need for direct government funding just yet, instead urging the channel to pursue "further operational efficiencies and market-based initiatives". However OfCom say they will bring forward a review of Channel 4 finances to 2006/7, and did not rule out the possibility of funding their digital roll our or giving the network exemption from costly 'spectrum charges' in the future.
The report also discussed OfCom's plan to launch a new government funded public service organisation outside the BBC, providing content for digital TV and new media. Word is this organisation would be split into two - one half providing home grown comedy and drama a little like America's HBO network, the other concentrating on local news and information. OfCom suggest a top up on the licence fee could fund this body.
On
ITV the report says the main commercial network should be allowed to cut its local programming in England, but should increase it in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It also said the network should ensure at least half its output is produced outside
London.