Decentered Media is partnering with Better Media to host consultation sessions for Ofcom’s Public Service Media (PSM) Review. This review is a critical examination of how public service broadcasters (PSBs) like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 are adapting to the rapid changes in media consumption and the rise of digital platforms. Ofcom’s review will focus on key issues such as:
- Audience Shifts: The move from traditional broadcast TV and radio to online platforms and streaming services.
- Financial Sustainability: The challenges faced by PSBs in maintaining funding while competing with global platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
- Trusted News: How public service media can continue to provide trusted, accurate information in an age of widespread misinformation.
- Diverse Content: Ensuring that PSM continues to reflect the diversity of the UK’s population, including underrepresented communities and regions.
While the Ofcom Public Service Media (PSM) Review addresses several pivotal aspects of contemporary media consumption and the challenges faced by public service broadcasters, it is imperative to recognize that certain critical elements appear to be missing from the review’s scope. These elements are essential for a comprehensive understanding of public service media’s role in society and ensuring that the media landscape serves all facets of the community effectively.
Firstly, the review should incorporate a stronger focus on community-based media. Community media plays a crucial role in promoting local journalism, fostering democratic engagement, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. It is vital that the review considers how public service media can support and integrate with these smaller, often volunteer-driven media outlets.
Additionally, the concept of media for public purpose needs to be explored in greater depth. Public service media is uniquely positioned to provide content that serves the public good, beyond commercial imperatives. This includes educational programming, content that promotes civic engagement, and media that supports public health and well-being.
Furthermore, the review should address the role of media in promoting social cohesion. In an increasingly fragmented society, media has the power to bring people together, promote understanding, and foster a sense of shared identity. It is important to examine how public service media can contribute to this goal and what measures can be taken to enhance this role.
Cultural democracy is another crucial aspect that appears to be underrepresented in the review. Media has the potential to democratize culture by providing a platform for diverse cultural expressions and ensuring that all cultural groups have a voice. The review should consider how public service media can support cultural democracy and ensure that the cultural landscape is inclusive and representative of the entire population.
Place-based belonging is an essential factor in creating strong, resilient communities. Media that reflects the unique characteristics and concerns of specific locations can foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents. The review should explore how public service media can support place-based media initiatives and ensure that content is relevant to local audiences.
Lastly, there is a need to consider media for diversified social markets. The media landscape is not monolithic; different demographic groups have different media needs and preferences. The review should address how public service media can cater to these diverse markets and ensure that content is accessible and relevant to all segments of the population.
Questions for Consideration
Community-Based Media
- How can public service media better support and integrate with community-based media outlets?
- What measures can be taken to ensure that community media receives adequate funding and resources?
- How can the review ensure that the voices of community media practitioners are included in the decision-making process?
Media for Public Purpose
- In what ways can public service media be leveraged to produce content that serves the public good beyond commercial interests?
- How can public service media contribute to public health, education, and civic engagement?
- What policies are needed to ensure that public service media remains focused on its public purpose?
Media for Social Cohesion
- How can public service media promote social cohesion in an increasingly fragmented society?
- What types of content are most effective in fostering a sense of shared identity and understanding?
- How can public service media address issues of social fragmentation and polarization?
Media for Cultural Democracy
- What role can public service media play in promoting cultural democracy and ensuring diverse cultural expressions are represented?
- How can public service media platforms be used to amplify underrepresented cultural voices?
- What strategies are needed to ensure that public service media content is inclusive and representative of the entire population?
Media for Place-Based Belonging
- How can public service media support place-based media initiatives and ensure content relevancy to local audiences?
- What are the benefits of media that reflects the unique characteristics and concerns of specific locations?
- How can public service media foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents through localized content?
Media for Diversified Social Markets
- How can public service media cater to the diverse media needs and preferences of different demographic groups?
- What measures can be implemented to ensure content accessibility and relevance across various social markets?
- How can public service media address the challenges of serving a diverse population with varying media consumption habits?
It is essential for the Ofcom Public Service Media Review to expand its focus to include these critical aspects. By doing so, the review can ensure that public service media continues to serve its vital role in society, supporting local journalism, fostering social cohesion, promoting cultural democracy, and catering to the diverse needs of the population. This holistic approach will help create a media landscape that is inclusive, representative, and equipped to meet the challenges of the digital age.
The outcomes of this review will influence future policies on how public service media operates, the type of content produced, and how it is funded and accessed by audiences.
Why is this important?
Public service media plays a vital role in supporting local journalism, democratic engagement, and providing content that reflects the diversity of UK society. As the media landscape shifts, there are concerns about the financial viability of these services and how they can continue to meet their public obligations in a highly competitive and digital-first world.
By organising consultation sessions, Decentered Media aims to ensure that voices from community and independent media are included in this debate. These smaller media organisations often represent local communities and offer perspectives that may not be captured by larger broadcasters. This is an opportunity for community media practitioners and supporters to contribute their insights on how to sustain local news, media literacy, and the diversity of content that serves all parts of society.
We invite all interested parties to join us in these sessions and share their views on the future of public service media in the UK.
Join Better Media and support Decentered Media to be part of these conversations.
Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved.