ndustry regulator Ofcom, which yesterday launched the first phase of its review into public service broadcasting (here), is threatening to impose "levies" (a tax) upon UK ISP's to help resolve funding problems. The review covers all public service broadcasters, both publicly-owned (the BBC, Channel 4 and S4C), and commercial (ITV1, five and Teletext): Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: “Public service broadcasting is at a crossroads. Viewers still want a mix of high quality UK-made content, but the traditional television model is not enough to meet all their needs. Today’s proposals outline options for a securely-funded PSB future. Now is the time for a wide-ranging debate looking carefully and dispassionately at all the options.” However, levies ("Industry funding") are just one of four options being proposed as new sources of funding.
