ABSTRACT
The concept of public service broadcasting (PSB) in relation to television is a constant subject for discussion and debate in the media industry and in academic discourses. What is PSB for and how should it be funded in a less regulated digital media environment? PSB is a publicly funded not-for-profit broadcasting service for the benefit of everyone. Most developed countries have some degree of public service television funded by a form of licence fee and usually some advertising. PSB is seen by the public, as reported by a 2009 Ofcom report, as being both desirable and beneficial, and particularly in its independence: ‘The ultimate safeguard of broadcasting independence is that it has generally the support of the public’ (Curran 2002: 223).
