Broadcasting Subsector Series: A radical shakeup -Why Ofcom’s focus on PSB prominence rules matters for the whole industry

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has warned that without a “radical shakeup”, traditional UK public service broadcasting (PSB) is “unlikely to survive” in the digital age. However, the implications of Ofcom’s consultation on how to assist public service broadcasters (PSBs) in reaching their audiences will ripple industry-wide and go far beyond just giving PSBs a helping hand. Combined with long-flawed rules for electronic programming guides (EPGs), we will look at whether the UK risks making changes which will stifle innovative new services and make the UK less attractive for vital investment by OTT market leaders. UK PSBs may have good grounds to call for change, but is Ofcom in danger of choosing the wrong tools for the job?