Public service broadcasting

In the last month we have published four consultations, as we continue to implement the new provisions in the Media Act 2024.

The public service broadcasters (‘PSBs’) hold a unique place in UK society. Their role includes providing a wide range of informative and entertaining programmes that reflect the diversity of the nations and regions of the UK and are freely available to all.

In this consultation, we welcome input on our proposed framework and the methods we intend to apply when deciding whether to designate an IPS. We also seek views on our proposed processes for IPS providers to follow when applying for designation, and for Ofcom to revoke designation.

As part of the 2019-23 Public Service Media Review, this Economics Discussion Paper uses a survey conducted in 2022 by Ipsos for Ofcom to assess the relationship between the use of PSBs for news by survey participants and a range of societal outcomes which are related to effective participation in a well-functioning democracy.

Since our last review in 2020, Small Screen: Big Debate, the broadcasting industry has witnessed and reported on unprecedented national and international instability.

In response to the Media Act’s new transparency measure, we are further proposing to make provision in our Guidance to ensure that independent producers are aware of the PSB’s Code ahead of negotiating a commissioning contract with that PSB.

Information about how we regulate Channel 4 in the UK, including our latest reports and reviews.

As part of our role to support and strengthen the quality of public service broadcasting (PSB), Ofcom has a duty to periodically review how television services provided by the BBC, ITV, STV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and S4C have delivered against the PSB purposes and objectives set by Parliament.

How well public service broadcasters met their programming quotas in 2024.

A list of the programmes produced by the PSBs outside the M25, and criteria against which each programme qualifies as made outside London.