Public Broadcasters

Public broadcasting is under threat. The BBC is facing its greatest challenge since its inception as satellite channels proliferate and private sector broadcasting becomes more cost effective. This book examines the trends in public broadcasting and assesses how public broadcasters can adapt to change. It suggests that public broadcasters will face a decade of reduced audiences and revenues and rising costs. Public and political support will be eroded as the range and choice of TV and radio programmes provided by the private sector multiplies. Public broadcasters will face pressures to cut costs and improve their public accountability. Against this pessimistic background the book examines the measures public broadcasters should take to improve their efficiency and accountability, and stresses the benefits of involving the public in the process of redefining aims and objectives. Finally, it assesses the potential benefits of privatization for public broadcasters.