The future for UK public service media: investment in content, remit delivery and policy options

With the Government recently publishing a White Paper outlining their proposals for the next BBC Charter, and as policymakers consider future funding options for Channel 4, this seminar will offer a timely opportunity for key stakeholders from across the audiovisual media sector to consider the future of UK public service media.

It is also timed to follow the publication of recommendations from the independent inquiry ‘A Future for Public Service Television’, chaired by Lord Puttnam, with recommendations on greater Ofcom scrutiny of PSBs, Channel 4 ownership, strengthened PSB commitments for ITV and Channel 5, and on copyright fees.

Delegates will consider the extent to which public service television and radio services across the UK are a vital resource and are delivering on their remits in the competitive multi-channel media market.

Sessions will particularly focus on:

- Levels of investment and ownership structures within the UK independent TV production sector;
- A devolved approach to funding and commissioning to reflect the changing constitutional shape of the UK;
- Systematic solutions for increasing diversity on and off screen and options for ring-fenced funding;
- Maximising employment and professional development opportunities;
- Priorities for supporting public service genres following the Government’s plans to pilot contestable funding over the next three years; and
- The development of on-demand services and digital-only channels to widen portfolios and meet the changing needs of audiences.

 
Guests of Honour are James Heath, Director of Policy, BBC and Ben Frow, Director of Programmes, Channel 5. Other speakers include Colin Callender, Chief Executive Officer, Playground Entertainment; Toby Coffey, Head of Digital Development, National Theatre; David Elstein, Chair, openDemocracy and Chairman, Broadcasting Policy Group; Professor Des Freedman, Professor of Media and Communications, Goldsmiths, University of London; Seetha Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Creative Skillset; Alistair Law, Head of UK Policy, Sky; and Matthew Littleford, Joint Managing Director, betty.

Find out more and register here.