ABSTRACT
The concept of public service broadcasting (PSB) has been central to the idea of broadcasting in Britain since its very earliest days. The concept, developed by the BBC’s first director general, John Reith, has served as a model for both radio and television broadcasting in Britain, and in many other parts of the world. Central to the concept of public service broadcasting in Britain is the notion of the government licensing not just broadcasters, but also listeners and viewers, through the television licence fee payable by everyone who owns a television set.
