Mind the funding gap
The potential of industry levies for continued funding of public service broadcasting

Author: ippr
Contributors:
Price: Free
Publication Date: 27 April 2009

An ippr report for BECTU and the NUJ

Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) – television content funded either directly or indirectly by the state and designed to meet specific societal and cultural objectives – is a culturally and economically valuable part of the UK’s media landscape. It is popular and valued by citizens, and public service brands – such as the BBC and Channel 4 – are internationally respected.

The digital revolution has presented PSBs with huge challenges. Following digital switchover in 2012, the decline in value of spectrum gifted to PSB providers will cause a funding gap of between £145 and £235 million to emerge.

The continued popularity and desire for PSB among British citizens means that addressing the funding gap and ongoing financial pressures is a matter of great urgency and importance. This report provides analysis of the current challenges facing PSBs and the various different methods and models that have been suggested to bridge the funding gap.