Saving Local Content in the UK

Thankfully British media authority Ofcom has summarized on one single webpage how they will save local news and bloody underwear content in the regions of the nations that constitute the United Kingdom.

The Problem

Without this balance, there is no incentive for commercial public service broadcasters to retain their public service licences. This is particularly the case for ITV plc. The licences it holds retain significant public service obligations, including the regional obligations rooted in Channel 3s original federal structure. If the obligations of ITV plcs licences significantly outweighed their benefits, ITV plc could feasibly surrender its public service licences and pursue an entirely commercial strategy using broadcasting spectrum through an alternative multiplex (such as SDN, which it owns). In such a scenario, much of ITV plcs public service content would be likely to be lost completely, including regional programmes.

The Solution

In formulating proposals based on this underlying analysis, we listened to what ITV network audiences told us they valued most namely regional news gathering and programmes transmitted at times when most people were watching. Accordingly, we concentrated the declining available benefits of public service status on maintaining journalistic resources in the field, maximising the level of localness in programmes and maintaining the volume of public service programmes broadcast in peak-time, when most people watch.

The consequences

While RTL Germany, depending on the interpretation of different sources has harvested a loss of 60 to 90 million Euros in the first two quarters of this year and Swiss Public Television has lost money in the league of ORF rather uninformed members of the elite sit in the Austrian parliament and discuss the differences and commonalities of airlines, broadcasting and the web. At the same time the real discussion takes place at the responsible ministry department where officials fix details with the emissary from brussels to find compromises of the sort only lawyers and justices have the sick knowledge to really appreciate. Small wonder, the population never checks, the union has more benefits than disadvantages.

Careers in TV are at stake. That used to be hot but only for birdies any longer. Where have you gone Mr. Idle, we need you, now. Please repeat: These enquiries led to certain changes at the BBC.

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