The battle for the future of public service media – a view from the Labour Party conference

We attended the Labour Party conference in Liverpool last week, where we met Ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and urged them to back our Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) and reinforce their obligations to international coverage. Our Director of Advocacy, Gareth Benest, reflects on what Ministers told him.

Public service media in the digital-first era

The Media Bill was passed by the last government in the final moments before the general election began.  The Media Act, as it is now, establishes a new regulatory framework for Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) as they fight for survival in the world of digital media.  The legislation was rushed through with cross-party support which meant many of the amendments that we, and others, were pushing for (e.g. naming of genres that PSBs must provide) fell by the wayside.  

Nevertheless, we are relieved that an updated framework is in place.  It is far from perfect, but we hope it will strengthen the position of PSBs and ensure their survival, for the time being at least.

Ofcom needs  to be a more effective regulator

Attention must now shift to the regulator, Ofcom, as it begins to monitor the performance of our public service media and enforces the new rules.  For example, PSBs are now allowed to deliver their obligations through online platforms such as iPlayer and ITVX.  Ofcom will be looking to see whether they continue to deliver the breadth and depth of programming we have grown to expect.

We are urging the regulator to go further and monitor the prominence of genres that embrace public service values: international coverage, current affairs, culture, social issues, the environment, etc.  It is not enough for Ofcom to know that such socially valuable content is available; they need to monitor whether it is being recommended and promoted to audiences.  

Only then, will the regulator be able to ensure that audiences are provided with the rich tapestry of content that characterises public service media, and reassure us that audiences are not just being fed the most popular and commercially-viable programmes.

Meanwhile, we are working with the University of Leeds to undertake our own, independent research into the availability and prominence of international coverage across the PSB’s platforms.  We hope this will help to raise awareness of the risks inherent in online public service provision and contribute towards the ongoing monitoring of this space.

What can the new government do?

We believe that the government needs to make radical changes to the governance and funding of the BBC, set a new tone, champion public service media, and send clear signals to all the PSBs and the regulator.  Here are some key changes we would like to see coming from the  government:

Champion and don’t attack

The BBC and Channel 4, in particular, would be more successful and productive given five  years (ideally, many more) free from being undermined and bullied by our political leaders.  We believe that our PSBs work hard to deliver on the ‘Reithian Principles’ (to inform, educate and entertain), are genuinely committed to serving audiences across the nations, and truly strive to achieve due impartiality across their news and current affairs.  

They should be supported to achieve their missions without politicians questioning their integrity at every moment.  So far, the tone from the new Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and her Ministers has been very positive and supportive.  Long may this last.

Provide sustainable funding

The BBC urgently needs a sustainable and predictable funding arrangement to ensure its long-term viability.  Without an adequate and reliable income, the corporation cannot deliver the services that audiences expect, and which it will need to provide if it’s to rebuild support amongst the population as a whole, and nurture new audiences of children and young people.  

There are strong arguments against the continuation of the licence fee but alternative arrangements need to protect the principle of universality (everyone must be able to access the services), be equitable in terms of costs, and ensure the continuation of the BBC as a cherished institution.  The government needs to be a champion of the BBC, making the case for resolving its long-term funding challenge.

Protect the World Service

The BBC World Service urgently needs to be returned to direct funding from central government.  The much-loved international service must be shielded from the swinging cuts facing the wider BBC, if it’s to continue to uphold principles of democracy and freedom of expression around the world in the face of competition from well-funded Chinese and Russian state broadcasters, among others.

Overhaul BBC governance

Recent events such as the controversy surrounding the appointment of former BBC Chair Richard Sharp have underlined the need for new governance at the corporation, and a shift away from government appointments.  The new Culture Secretary has expressed interest in mutualising the BBC, which might provide a mechanism for greater audience representation in its governance and control over its future direction.  

Whilst much more discussion and clarity is needed in this area, we are encouraged by the government’s willingness to explore radical and (potentially) progressive ideas.

Give clear signals

For many years, IBT has observed and called out the steady decline in the production, prominence, breadth, and quality of programmes about the wider world on our public service media.  We are calling on the government to send a clear signal to PSBs that this decline must be halted and reversed.  Legislation isn’t required but new direction and clarity about the important role played by international coverage.  PSBs need to be reminded that they are a window onto the world for mass audiences, and it is through that window that citizens understand the world and forces that shape our lives in the UK.  We want Lisa Nandy and her team to champion programmes about the world beyond our shores, and remind the media as a whole how important they are to our democracy and civil society.

Impressions from Liverpool

We spent our time at the Labour Party conference rushing between fringe events on important subjects such as the vital role of the BBC World Service in an age of disinformation, the myriad challenges facing investigative journalism, the need for politicians and the media to stop the culture wars, and how the government views international development.  There were fascinating discussions happening across the conference, involving many of our members like Islamic Relief, MAG, Save the Children, and Bond.

We attended several events at which the new Culture Secretary set out her priorities for the UK’s creative industries, as a whole, and the PSBs in particular.  Lisa Nandy said the Conservative government had engaged in “cultural vandalism” – that she linked to the rise of the far right – and deliberately “trashed our PSBs” which she described as providing the “drum beat by which we live our lives”.   It was very encouraging to hear such a positive endorsement of public service media and a recognition that strong PSBs provide a crucial bulwark against extremism and social division.

Our interactions with the DCMS team, and MPs deeply engaged with international development and foreign affairs, provided some reasons for optimism.  There was widespread acknowledgement of the need to support PSBs to strengthen their international coverage, and understanding from senior parliamentarians such as Emily Thornberry (Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee) of the urgent need to protect the BBC World Service in these uncertain times.  These were reassuring encounters but IBT knows it will need to continue to  maintain pressure for years to come.  

Gareth Benest is IBT’s Director of Advocacy