Streaming platforms failing to reflect public service values, Faculty researcher finds

While BBC iPlayer stood out as the strongest performer, the research found that all four platforms limited the visibility of content central to the public service mission

Public service streaming platforms in the UK are failing to make key genres such as the arts, religion and belief, and international issues visible and accessible to audiences, new research by a professor in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures has found.

The study, led by Professor Catherine Johnson (School of Media and Communication) and carried out in partnership with the International Broadcasting Trust, the Sandford St Martin Trust and the Campaign for the Arts, assessed the discoverability of public interest genres on streaming platforms operated by the UK’s public service broadcasters: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Programmes about the arts, religion and belief, and international affairs, the authors argue, are essential to a healthy democratic culture, building empathy, broadening understanding, and helping audiences make sense of the world.

While BBC iPlayer stood out as the strongest performer, the research found that all four platforms limited the visibility of content central to the public service mission. These genres were typically absent from homepages, poorly recommended by algorithms, and difficult to find via search tools. In many cases, there was a lack of diversity in the content available. In some cases, there was a lack of any relevant programming at all.

“These findings raise serious concerns about the accountability of public service broadcasters,” said lead researcher Professor Catherine Johnson. “Little is being done to broaden people’s viewing, and critical genres that reflect public service values are being left in the shadows.”

Gareth Benest from the International Broadcasting Trust said: “For decades, our PSBs have helped us understand the world and each other. This report reveals that unless urgent action is taken, these programmes may be lost forever in the streaming era.”

The researchers make a series of urgent recommendations to safeguard the values of public service broadcasting in the digital age. They argue that:

• Public service broadcasters must be more transparent about the principles and values behind their algorithms
• Ofcom should explain how it intends to regulate the availability and promotion of public service content online
• Civil society must be enabled to monitor streaming platforms through access to relevant data
• Government should incentivise PSBs to promote socially significant programmes.

The report is published as Ofcom begins implementation of the new Media Act 2024 – the most significant update to UK broadcasting and media regulation in over two decades. While the Act empowers Ofcom to regulate video-on-demand platforms, it also removes previously defined public service genres such as the arts, religion and international issues from the public service remit.

Professor Johnson and the research team launched the report, which is available to read in full on White Rose, at the House of Lords on Monday 21 July.