So, is it all over for our national broadcasters like the BBC and ITV? Not so fast

Around a decade back, I happened to sit beside Lord Puttnam at a breakfast seminar, which marked the start of an investigation into the future of public service television. That esteemed film producer passionately advocated for maintaining traditional broadcasting and everything it encompassed. I wondered what we’d lose if it weren’t around, to which he responded, “Just like how we enjoy desserts, we need our vegetables too.

Currently, streaming platforms are brimming with a wide variety of content, ranging from dramas, true crime series, sports documentaries, and even more true crime shows. In July, Ofcom found that YouTube has become the second most-watched media service in the UK, trailing only behind the BBC. Meanwhile, Netflix, a dominant player in the US, is still synonymous with high-quality, bingeable content on an user-friendly platform.

Could it be that our national broadcasters are facing an end? Not quite yet. In fact, just last week, Everyone TV – the operator of public service broadcasters’ free-to-view TV platforms – commemorated the first birthday of its own streaming service, Freely. Boasting over half a million weekly users, Freely is poised to take the top spot as the UK’s leading television platform within the next five years. Already pre-installed on half of all newly sold TV sets in the country, it’s clear that Freely is making significant strides. Most intriguingly, its primary early adopters hail from the often elusive 16-34 age group.

What’s the significance behind this? Multiple households across the nation concurrently confirmed the results from an individual study, demonstrating that even in today’s digital age, we still prefer tuning into national broadcasters for shows like “The Traitors” and “The Great British Bake Off,” as well as significant events such as the Women’s Euros finals, which has attracted the largest TV audience this year so far.

In simpler terms, when discussing topics that significantly influence public discourse, it’s often remembered that BBC’s Gavin & Stacey and ITV’s Mr Bates are comparable to unforgettable events such as the killing of a zombie or the appearance of an avenging dragon. These shows leave a lasting impression on people.

While Netflix and Amazon Prime focus on depicting the elaborate murders or betrayals of the rich and famous in the Hamptons, many people trust national broadcasters to portray stories more relatable to their own lives, especially those from outside London with lower incomes. This helps create a sense of unity among the nation. Interestingly, the BBC, despite being weathered, still receives 69% of viewers’ trust compared to social media posters who only have 29%.

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One reason Freely has gained widespread appeal is its user-friendly and visually appealing interface. Although these features may seem unnecessary for some, the importance of a user-friendly design and branding in today’s digital age cannot be overstated. For instance, younger generations might turn their noses up at iPlayer or live linear TV, considering them “uncool.” On the flip side, our editor received a new podcast recommendation from his daughter – Desert Island Discs – which shows that even traditional media can still appeal to audiences today.

It’s reasonable to say that every generation seeks their personal entry point to cherished cultural items – I was no exception with the gems saved on my Sony Walkman. However, it’s heartening to see that, in a display of cultural martial arts, our public service broadcasters are employing the strategies of streaming platforms to compete effectively.

Despite the challenge of capturing the attention of the next generation beyond a brief instant on their devices, it’s crucial that the fight continues. This struggle is not just about winning over minds, but also about fostering appreciation for nature, or simply put, it’s a fight to preserve our environment.

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2025-09-09 10:04