Institution: Public service broadcasting

Public service broadcasting is an important aspect of the institution key concept for TV drama.

Public service broadcasting refers to TV channels that are designed for public benefit rather than just to make money. 

The media regulator Ofcom requires certain TV and radio broadcasters to show certain programming as part of their license e.g news, documentary, sport etc. 

All of the BBC's television and radio stations have a public service remit. Indeed, the BBC is the best example of public service broadcasting. It was set up in 1922 with a famous mission statement it retains to this day:

“To inform, educate and entertain.”

The license fee

All BBC content (and some of Channel 4’s funding) is paid for by the License Fee, which costs £147 a year. 

You need a TV Licence to:

- watch or record live TV programmes on any channel

- download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand.

Some politicians want to scrap the license fee and change the BBC’s funding model.

Public service broadcasting: blog task

Complete the following tasks on TV drama and institution:

1) What is the difference between public service broadcasting and commercial broadcasting?

2) What type of TV programme does each of the following channels usually offer: 

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

ITV2

Channel 4

Channel 5

3) Choose three of the channels above and find a TV drama that is broadcast on that channel that you feel represents the type of channel it is. Embed a clip or trailer in your blog and explain why it fits the channel it is broadcast on.

Example: BBC1

Doctor Who is the perfect fit for BBC1 as it is a long-running, much-loved mainstream series aimed at a family audience. It has been running for over 50 years and is considered a national treasure in the UK. It is generally quite innocent, family-friendly and features highly regarded British actors.

Make sure you've also completed the last work on institution - Netflix and the impact of new/digital media on TV.