BBC’s Money programme available on iPlayer
If you wonder why much broadcast TV seems formulaic, this programme explains why: it’s supposed to be, because the TV formula is an essential part of the business. A TV formula is valuable intellectual property, Who wants to be a millionaire? is a global brand.
This programme explains the importance of the formula in raising money and the reduced role of direct TV production funding as a proportion of costs. Charts the decline in TV ad revenues as advertisers migrate to the internet – down £100 million in a few years- and the appeal of internet distribution for advertisers and some programme makers.
Covers the usual broadcasters’ claim that file sharing distribution only represents lost revenue, and contrasts the internet-aware view that file sharing tells programme makers where there is a new audience and new revenue opportunities.
Some sections of the industry look to targeted ads based on your viewing history as the future business model for programme makers. Also, introducing product placement (currently illegal under UK broadcast regulations, but legal for internet distribution). Others, and a majority of the viewing public, value public service funding as an important factor in the quality of UK programme making
The economic value of TV programming to the UK economy is clearly a major factor in the way the Carter report Digital Britain approaches copyright regulation. Programme makers and the public need to make their views known through the consultation process and MPs if the public interest in diverse and high quality programme making is to be protected by legislation.
Watch via iPlayer
Money Programme – Media Revolution: Tomorrow’s TV
Download Digital Britain report Download the report for print and offline reading
Comment on Digital Britain writetoreply.org
Your MP They work for you