DYKE DEFENDS PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

DIRECTOR-General Greg Dyke has defended public service broadcasting at the recent United Nations Television Forum.
Dyke said: “In the developed world we are now faced with greater choice than ever before and in the media world the digital revolution makes that choice even broader and more exciting – but more complex for the consumer. This growth in digital choice means people are now questioning the role of public service broadcasters in a way we have not seen before.”
Dyke defended the future of public service broadcasting as they move into the digital age. Dyke’s speech aimed to tackle the questions of why public service broadcasters are needed and the justification for taxpayers having to pay for their broadcasters.
Dyke said: “I believe public service broadcasters can play a significant role in minimising the emergence of a digital divide, an information underclass in the countries in which we serve. By being universal and free at the point of delivery, public service broadcasters serve everyone, not just those who can afford to pay.”
Dyke stated there is increased pressure from international competitors with particular reference to Disney, Fox and Nickelodeon, who compete in the same market and believe that public funding therefore undermines their international business models.
Dyke said: “Public service broadcasting is vitally important to us all, and will become even more so as the digital age spreads across all our nations.” (CMcL)