TO BE PUBLISHED March 2025
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This conference will examine the future of public service media in the UK. It will be an opportunity to discuss key considerations for Ofcom’s Review of Public Service Media.
Stakeholders and policymakers will discuss latest thinking on strategic options for supporting future sustainability, looking at the way forward for navigating financial pressures including rising costs, an increasingly fragmented and competitive media marketplace, and volatility in revenue streams such as linear advertising. The future position of the BBC will also be discussed, with the DCMS announcing a license fee increase from April 2025 alongside commitments to consider funding options in the upcoming Charter Review.
With continuing evolution of audience viewing habits, delegates will assess the way forward for ensuring sustained quality, production and delivery of UK content, as well as opportunities for content diversification and the use of video-sharing platforms in connecting with younger audiences.
The conference will also be an opportunity to assess next steps for PSBs in delivering updated remits, including the way forward for meeting regional and independent production quotas, as well as the role of on-demand and third party services in meeting obligations. Those attending will assess implications for the independent production sector, including support that may be needed in different nations and regions.
Delegates will consider policy frameworks, support and sector action that will be needed to ensure the free availability of public service media for UK audiences across all ages and community groups, including promotion and access to high-quality news, strategies for broadcasters to tackle the impact of misinformation and disinformation, and the role of PSBs in media literacy education.
Next steps for investment in digital platforms and online rollout of services will also be discussed. Delegates will examine PSB transition strategies, such as the BBC’s Digital-First approach and Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy, looking at diversifying content production and connecting with younger audiences, as well as tackling challenges around ensuring universal access.
Sessions in the agenda will examine key issues for the implementation of the Media Act 2024, with Ofcom currently consulting on the designation of television selection services that must carry on-demand players offered by UK PSBs. Delegates will consider how the methodology of designating platforms might function, as well as implications for the prominence and availability of PSB apps on connected TV platforms.
With the Government having requested a report from Ofcom on the state of the UK VoD market, delegates will also consider priorities for the design and implementation of the new VoD Code, including implications for services operated by PSBs.
We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Mark Griffin, Deputy Director, TV Policy, DCMS; Khalid Hayat, Director, Strategy and Consumer Insight, Channel 4; and a senior speaker confirmed from the BBC.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- policy and regulation: key considerations for Ofcom’s Review of Public Service Media - assessing implementation of the Media Act 2024 - design and implementation of the VoD Code and guidance
- public service remits: meeting quotas on regional and independent production - assessing revised remits - delivery via linear and on-demand services - implications for the wider TV sector
- prominence: priorities for the designation of television selection services - principles and methods used - implications for online platforms in ensuring PSB availability and prominence
- audiences: strategies for adapting content to changing viewing habits - protecting and supporting digital literacy for younger audiences - role of video-sharing platforms
- news: the way forward for supporting audiences in accessing high-quality news - role of PSBs in tackling misinformation and disinformation - addressing algorithmic impacts
- funding: ensuring financial sustainability of public service media - assessing commercial revenue options - support needed for delivery of UK content - assessing alternative funding models
- independent production: impact of changing viewing habits on the independent production sector - key considerations for sustainability - next steps for the development of Channel 4 in-house production
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates.
