1.4
The growth of digital television and the internet has broken down geographic boundaries and allowed audiences to see much more of the world’s best content. Digital channels offer acquired programming with high production values, often from the US. The internet creates a platform for new talent, and for niche providers and individual voices to reach an audience. Consumers and citizens today have a huge digital opportunity: greater access than any previous generation to information from around the world and about the topics that interest them.
Liam H on 13 April 2008 at 5:06pm
US content is often excellent. I am worried that OFCOM seems to be saying that the most important criterion is that programming should come from the UK. Why is this? Is that to say that "The Wire", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and "The Sopranos" are somehow inferior to "Ready Steady Cook", "I'd Do Anything" and "Bargain Hunt" purely because they have been produced abroad. Whilst I may not be comparing like with like it is fair to say that the amount of high quality material produced by the BBC does not even begin to compare with the output of HBO. I would suggest that only BBC4 is producing content that is of any real quality.
Lorraine P on 25 April 2008 at 2:55pm
I am worried that OFCOM seems to be interpreting the role of the BBC and other PSB providers purely through the prism of consumer choice.
Paul Evans on 10 June 2008 at 8:57pm
"Is that to say that "The Wire", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and "The Sopranos" are somehow inferior to "Ready Steady Cook", "I'd Do Anything" and "Bargain Hunt" purely because they have been produced abroad."
Yes - that is a ludicrous comparison. Why make it?
There is no danger of UK viewers ever being deprived of the opportunity to watch 'The Sopranos' or 'The Wire', and it is a constant theme that - whenever someone suggests that UK broadcasters have an obligation to produce strong local content - someone suggests that it is either a slight on premium US programmes, or an attempt to stop people from watching them.
There is, however, a danger that quality UK drama will be stymied if channels are able to largely source their quality content from low-risk sources rather than to occassionally take risks themselves.
The exporting of US content has many of the effects of what economists describe as 'dumping' on entrepreneurship in other countries. Unlike most countries, the UK has had a powerful counterweight in PSB channels (though it hasn't done much for Children's TV - a huge regulatory failure that can be laid at OFCOM's door).