Public service broadcasting is facing an existential threat – former ITV chairman

The former chairman of ITV has said “the public service broadcasting system is undoubtedly facing an existential threat”.

Sir Peter Bazalgette, who recently stood down as chairman of ITV after six years in the role, delivered a speech discussing the future of public service broadcasters (PSBs) at the Voice of the Listener & Viewer’s Jocelyn Hay Lecture.

Speaking about the impact of international streaming platforms on the PSBs – now referred to as Public Service Media, or PSM, by media watchdog Ofcom – Sir Peter, 69, said: “In a nutshell, how can the PSMs survive in an era, a post-network era, when their TV services are mostly streamed via foreign-owned internet platforms?

“BBC iPlayer, All4 and the imminent ITVX all have to negotiate carriage with the likes of Amazon, Apple, Samsung and LG, as well as Sky and Virgin.

“These are all powerful, foreign-owned platforms who can take shares of PSM revenue and withhold PSM viewer data, in the largely unregulated arena of the internet.”

Sir Peter also addressed comments made by Prime Minister Liz Truss in regard to economic growth being a priority under her government.

He questioned how PSBs are expected to deliver and contribute to such economic growth if they are not given “a level playing field” from which to do so.

“We’re told that economic growth is the number one priority of our current government,” he said.

“Don’t forget what I said earlier about the PSM’s core role in the screen sub-sector, growing fast at the moment.

“So the danger here is not just the loss of cultural value but a deficit in economic growth which the PSMs can deliver, given a level playing field.”

To stress the importance of, and need for, clear terms from government on the future of PSBs, Sir Peter noted the difficult decision ITV is currently facing on whether to confirm its position as a PSB when its current licence expires next year.

“These are all powerful, foreign-owned platforms who can take shares of PSM revenue and withhold PSM viewer data, in the largely unregulated arena of the internet.”

Sir Peter also addressed comments made by Prime Minister Liz Truss in regard to economic growth being a priority under her government.

He questioned how PSBs are expected to deliver and contribute to such economic growth if they are not given “a level playing field” from which to do so. Independent UK