Learning a Media Industry

Role and function of the BBC
  • The BBC is a Public Service broadcaster
  • BBC Trust exists to work in the interests of the license fee payer
  • Their role is to 'Serve the public'
  • Their remit is to inform, educate and entertain
BBC charter and products
  • The charter is the constitutional basis for the BBC
  • The BBC produces a wide range of products to meet the needs of all areas of society in line with its remit
  • This outlines the duties of the trust and ensures that it acts within the public interest
  • Products include:
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Film
  • Websites
  • Publishing
  • Merchandising
Private Broadcasters
  • Private Sector Broadcasters are not constrained by the same guidelines as the BBC
  • They do not have a "Public Service" role and function
  • Are profit making organisations-but may still have a public service responsibility built into their licenses (ITV,Channel 4 etc.)
  • Are regulated by OFCOM
How they make money
  • Private broadcasters make money in a number of ways
  • Private broadcasters must make healthy profits in order to continue broadcasting as they do not receive revenue from the tax payer like the BBC does
  • They make their money from:
  • Advertising revenue
  • Sponsorship
  • Reality TV
  • Sale of programmes/productions
  • Merchandising
Regulation
  • In Britain broadcasting is regulated by an independent authority called OFCOM
  • Role and function laid out in the Communications Act 2003
  • Accountable to Parliament
  • Paid for by the industry and grants from government



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