The BBC and other UK public service broadcasters have united to demand new regulations forcing platforms like YouTube to give them greater prominence, warning that failure to do so will exacerbate misinformation.
Public service broadcasters (PSBs) face mounting pressures as viewers shift to digital platforms. In a joint statement, the BBC, S4C, STV, and Alba said: 'We need our public service broadcasters to stand out in a crowded online world. That means action to ensure our content is prominent on devices and platforms where audiences spend their time – not just smart TVs but also video-sharing platforms like YouTube, and on fair commercial terms.'
Ofcom has signalled readiness to act, as YouTube becomes the second most-watched service in the UK, behind the BBC but ahead of ITV. Viewers spend an average of 39 minutes daily on YouTube, and it is the top first TV destination for four- to 15-year-olds.
Broadcasters also criticise YouTube's revenue-sharing model, which sees the platform keep about 45% of advertising revenue. ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said: 'There’s no point us being told we have to go on platforms when actually the payaways are so high that it makes it completely uneconomic.'
Channel 4 interim chief executive Jonathan Allan added: 'We’re very happy to work with YouTube on that without regulation, but in the end, we probably do need some regulation.' Insiders highlight the lack of prominence for trusted news compared to misinformation, which has fuelled unrest.
