Ofcom kicks off PSP consultation

Ofcom has today (24 January) launched a consultation into its proposed online public service publisher (PSP), which if given the go-ahead will compete with Channel 4 and the BBC.

Ofcom has today (24 January) launched a consultation into its proposed online public service publisher (PSP), which if given the go-ahead will compete with Channel 4 and the BBC.

While Ofcom recognises that Channel 4 is already beginning to provide such services through FourDocs and that the BBC is likely to play a material role in the digital media world of the future, it believes that for a 'public service culture to flourish, effective competition is needed'.

The media regulator feels that for an initial budget of between £50m and £100m per annum, the PSP could offer 'a rich new media experience' for users. It also believes the service is likely to be based outside London and would use platforms such as broadband, mobile and digital broadcasting 'to deliver distinctive, high quality, UK-originated public service content'.

Ofcom adds the PSP could: allow users to re-use content; place participation at the heart of much of the content; include quality audio and video content developed for new media distribution rather than traditional broadcasting and; drive community activity, including location-sensitive content and the ability to collaborate with third parties.

The regulator first raised the idea in 2004 and recently installed Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards, has since said he is 'absolutely convinced' about it.

The deadline for responses is 23 March 2007.

What the PSP would do:

Commission new forms of digital content and linear video content
Support factual, narrative, regional and local content
Make content available across a number of platforms
Commission content
Have a number of centres across the nations and regions of the UK
Aim for broad appeal
Seek to address the under provision of public service content in digital media

What the PSP would not do:

Seek to replicate traditional PSB
Support high end drama
Operate a television channel
Produce content
Be based in London
Target particular groups
Rely on traditional reach and audience metrics
Limit itself to the genres under threat on traditional PSB channels