Broadcasting Finance and Programme Quality: An International Review

Abstract

This article was originally a report for the British government's Peacock Committee on Financing the BBC. Comparative conclusions concerning the impact of different funding arrangements for the range and quality of television programming are drawn from analyses of broadcasting systems in Britain, the United States, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and West Germany. Common trends and pressures are identified. Prime-time television schedules are compared. British programme performance is evaluated. A purpose for public service broadcasting in a period of telecommunications change is proposed. The principal options of broadcasting finance are reviewed in the light of international experience: full advertising; limited advertising; sponsor-ship; co-production finance; and the licence fee.