By: Luke
Voice of the Listener and Viewer - Ofcom’s PSB Research Flawed
The Voice of the Listener and Viewer has posted its submission to Ofcom�s first phase consultation on public service broadcasting on its website.
It�s a strong submission, raising important issues, identifying flaws in Ofcom�s approach and research, and really adds something to the debate. VLV state, �Ofcom, despite it�s attempt to be impartial has willed the figures [of its research] to justify its faith in the market.�
I have pulled out what are the key points below. But take a proper look if you get a moment.
VLV support digital switchover and welcome new research.
However�
VLV is concerned about the assumptions underlying Ofcom�s propositions as taken from the regulator�s own research.
VLV believes Ofcom is over-enthusiastic about the ability of an unregulated market to sustain and strengthen PSB.
VLV feel Ofcom may be in danger of ignoring its statutory duty to ensure that PSB is maintained and strengthened.
VLV notes that PSB�s provide the bulk of the revenue for original UK cultural production � with pay channels out of annual revenues of �3.5 billion investing �150 million � with �50 million of that figure spent on repeats. Ofcom fails to mention this in its consultation paper.
VLV believes Ofcom�s propositions ignore its own research � attempting to objectively quantify the subjective impact of television content.
VLV question Ofcom�s assumption that early adopters are a surrogate for the nation�s digital viewing habits as a whole � this makes a lot of sense since early adopters have switched to digital platforms to receive sport and movies.
VLV point out that non-adopters have probably been reluctant to switch because they get what they want from existing services � there is a different value system in play.
VLV suggests Ofcom is leading the debate rather than holding it.
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