British-made TV programmes under threat

The future of British-made TV programmes is under threat according to an Ofcom report.

The report says that unless a new broadcasting model is introduced in the next three years, some types of UK programming might only be available on the BBC.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said: "Public service broadcasting is at a crossroads.

"Viewers still want a mix of high quality UK-made content, but the traditional television model is not enough to meet all their needs.

"Today's proposals outline options for a securely-funded PSB future. Now is the time for a wide-ranging debate looking carefully and dispassionately at all the options."

Channel 4's financial future looks uncertain while ITV could be forced to give up its public service broadcasting (PSB) obligations entirely, it says.

Ofcom warns that viewers could see investment fall in UK-made sitcoms, children's programming, current affairs, films, comedy, and single dramas.

It says that British-made soaps, drama, factual entertainment, and sport are likely to remain profitable for commercial public service broadcasters.

But public service broadcasting is under threat on Channel 4, ITV1, and Five from the explosion of digital channels.

Investment in original programming by the BBC, which receives a regular income from the licence fee, would not be expected to decline.

The report comes amidst a 17 per cent decline in the public service channels' share of viewing between 2003 and 2007, rising to 22 per cent amongst 16 to 24-year-olds, who have grown up with multichannel TV and the internet.

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