Ofcom has warned that British public service television is becoming an 'endangered species' in the streaming era, urging the government to legislate to make UK-focused content more prominent on platforms like YouTube. The regulator's report highlights the threat to broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, and Channels 4 and 5 as viewers shift to global streaming services.
The report calls for legislation to ensure public service media, including news, children's shows, and original programmes reflecting British culture, is easily discoverable on third-party platforms. Ofcom emphasises the need for urgent collaboration with YouTube, which dominates streaming on devices and smart TVs, particularly for news and children's content.
Ofcom notes that while non-PSBs like Netflix contribute to British culture with shows such as Adolescence, they are not required to invest in UK productions or make content universally available. The Media Act 2024 gave prominence to PSB streaming services on TV platforms but did not extend to video-sharing sites.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom's broadcasting and media group director, said: 'Public service media is stitched into the cultural fabric of UK society... but in a world dominated by global streaming platforms, public service media risks becoming an endangered species, and time is running out to intervene to protect it.'
Ofcom research shows 43% of children aged 4-17 watch YouTube weekly, and fewer than half of 16-24-year-olds watch broadcast TV weekly. PSB streaming services account for only 9% of all viewing, compared to 15% for subscription services and 19% for video-sharing platforms.
The regulator recommends additional public funding for socially valuable genres like news and children's content, and plans a fundamental review of broadcast TV and radio regulation, launching a call for evidence in autumn.
