Ofcom’s Public Service Media Review: Shaping the Future of UK Media Together
Ofcom’s ongoing Public Service Media (PSM) Review is a major opportunity for organisations like Better Media and its allies to shape the future of media in the UK. As the media landscape rapidly changes, this review is vital to ensuring that public service broadcasters (PSBs) continue to play a key role in providing diverse, trusted, and accessible content for all audiences, despite increasing competition from global digital platforms.
What Is the Review About?
The review is designed to assess how PSBs like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and others have served UK audiences over the last five years and explore ways to adapt to new challenges. These challenges include the shift towards online and on-demand media, financial pressures on PSBs, and the growing importance of media literacy in combating misinformation.
Key issues being explored include:
- Audience behaviour shifts: The impact of streaming platforms and online content on traditional viewing and listening habits.
- Sustainability of local and national news: How to support local journalism and investigative reporting in a digital-first world.
- Media literacy and misinformation: Ways to improve public understanding of media and reduce the impact of disinformation.
How Can Better Media Members Get Involved?
Ofcom is actively seeking input from stakeholders, and this is where Better Media members can make a real difference. Community and independent media play a critical role in providing local, diverse, and often underrepresented voices. By contributing evidence, sharing insights, and highlighting the challenges faced by smaller, community-driven media outlets, members can influence policy and funding decisions that affect the future of UK media.
Ways to get involved:
- Submit evidence: Ofcom has issued an open call for evidence, inviting organisations to provide insights on PSM sustainability, local content production, and more. Contributions can be sent to PSMReview2025@ofcom.org.uk.
- Advocate for community media: Emphasise the importance of community-led, local media in maintaining media plurality and supporting democratic engagement.
- Engage in consultations: Stay informed and participate in Ofcom’s ongoing consultations and discussions, which will help shape the regulatory and financial framework for PSM.
Why This Matters
This review could lead to significant reforms, especially around funding models and regulatory support for smaller media providers. Better Media and its allies have a unique opportunity to push for changes that protect and enhance community-focused media outlets, ensuring that a broad range of voices and local perspectives are preserved in the UK’s media ecosystem.
Let’s work together to make sure that community and independent media remain central to the future of UK public service media!
Become a member and supporter of Better Media, so you can share your thoughts and get involved in this crucial conversation!