UNIT 7NDCMP Year 1

“BBC vs SKY” Debate

1. Ownership model :

BBC- The BBC is the oldest and largest national broadcasting organisation in the world. It is a public service broadcaster, which means it was set up to represent the voice of the people whilst being educational and entertaining to the general public. It is publicly owned and will be forever answerable to the public whilst the TV licence fee system is still in place.

SKY- Sky Television PLC is a public limited company set up in 1989. It was born out of the emergence of Sky TV and British Satellite Broadcasting to make BskyB. Key players in the ownership of Sky are Rupert Murdoch, Brain Haynes and Andrew Neil.

2. History of Company :

BBC- The BBC was founded on the 18th October 1922 and was established under a royal charter. After initial problems in setting up the organisation, their first broadcast was from the Marconi factory in Chelmsford, which was sponsored by Lord Northcliffe. Broadcasting was suspended from 1st September 1939 to 7th June 1946 during the Second World War.

SKY- Sky television PLC was born from a consortium set up by Brian Haynes called Satellite Television Ltd (SATV) in November 1980. However it wasn’t until a merger with Rupert Murdoch’s Sky TV in

1989 that the company really took off and changed the fortunes of both companies.

3. Key Players :

BBC- The BBC has had many people contribute to what it is today over its long and illustrious history. Its founder at the beginning was John Reith a Scottish broadcasting executive. He was appointed the Director General in 1927. Current Chairwoman is Rona Fairhead, who has returned a level of stability to the organisation after several controversies and high profile resignations in recent years.

SKY- Sky TV’s most famous and well known owner and founder (for better or for worse) is Rupert Murdoch. The Australian / American business magnate built his empire through the newspaper industry

and Sky TV was born from his wealth and determination to offer the public a broadcasting system to rival all others.

4. Technologies of production / Emerging Markets :

BBC- Due to the ever-changing landscape of media production and how we as viewers watch and access media, the BBC has been forced to break from the normal and look at innovative ways to change how their material is viewed. One major change in recent years is the introduction of the BBC iplayer system. It is an online website that allows the user to catch up on recent BBC productions they might have missed. They also have a back catalogue of older programmes that can be watched, however most users feel this section could be broader in the choice they offer.

SKY- This is an area that Sky are well on top of. From their innovative introduction of the Sky+ recording system in 2003, to the arrival of their Sky-go app that allows any user to watch TV on their mobile phone or tablet. The company have also incorporated an on demand system in which is available through the menu page. This features a wide choice of movies and programmes the viewer can record and watch at a later date. Sky TV have been quick to keep up with the likes of Netflix and You-tube in this area.

5. Income Generation :

BBC- The organisation is funded primarily through revenue generated by the Television Licence fee. It is a mandatory fee aimed at anyone that is in possession of a TV set. The BBC is required to issue TV Licences and collect the licence fee under the Communications Act 2003. The price of the fee currently stands at £145.50.

SKY- Sky TV’s income is generated mainly through subscription and advertising revenues. Sky customers can choose from a basic package which will include free-view and terrestrial channels, or if they desire can sign up for sport and movie channels. The fees Sky charge for these add on package is a subject of debate due to the increasing costs to acquire them. A typical Sky package with a sports and a movie package can cost anything from £60 per month. HD and on demand services can also increase this cost.

6. Programing Platforms / Flagship Programme :

BBC- Because of their long history, the BBC hold a slight advantage when it comes to flagship programmes in this regard. Down the years they have consistently produce some top quality TV and programming. Fawlty Towers, The Office, Doctor Who, Sherlock, The Apprentice, Match of the Day and Top Gear are just few examples that have a large audience and following around the world.

SKY- Sky TV have produced some top quality programmes during their short history. They have also be own the pay out some ridiculous prices for the rights to broadcast some of the biggest TV series and sporting events from around the world. Game of Thrones and Sky Sports coverage of the Premier League are just two that spring to mind. Because of their endless array of channel space, they can tailor these channels to be dedicated to different genres and styles. Sky Arts and Sky Movies are prime examples of this.

7. Regulations :

BBC- The BBC are obliged to operate within The Public Contracts Regulations 2006 which follow EU Directives that govern the purchase of supplies, services and works by public sponsored organisations. Because they’re a public service they are also obliged to be accountable to the general public.

SKY- As well as the BBC, Sky TV are regulated in part by Ofcom, the UK’s Leading communications regulator. A recent investigation by Ofcom has deemed that Sky must offer its Sky Sports 1 & 2 channels to other pay to view TV providers like Virgin Media. BT has recently acquired key sports rights to compete against them.

8. Criticisms & Controversies :

BBC- Throughout its long history, the BBC has been no stranger to controversies both on screen and within its organisation. Just a few that spring to mind are the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, staff gagging orders, reports on ageism and sexism in the company, Top Gear comments on different nationalities, Russell Brand’s prank phone call row, and the Blue Peter phone in rigging. These are just criticisms that they have had to deal with within the last decade! SKY- Many would say that Sky TV’s Rupert Murdoch is in the position he is in due to dodgy dealings in the past. From his involvement in the phone hacking scandal to his cutthroat business acumen, it is said that he will not let morals get in the way of making millions. Sky itself has been relatively free from major controversies in its short history,

but many criticise their unwillingness to discuss a matter if they haven’t got exclusive coverage of it, and their shameless self -promotion.

9. Audience Feedback:

BBC- The BBC is at an important crossroad in its history. After a bumpy few years which has seen the co-operation fall out of favour with the general public, it is widely agreed that the organisation need to be more transparent in their dealings, and more unbiased in their news reporting.

SKY- Sky TV is viewed as the main television provider these days, however this does not make them exempt from negative audience feed back. Many feel that they charge the general public too much, and catch many people with hidden fees and rolling contracts. It is also felt they hold too much of a monopoly over other broadcasters when it comes to signing up the latest hit TV shows or sporting events.

Conclusion:It is difficult to choose between these two television providers. Although Sky is relatively new, it has produced some top quality programming, and of course all BBC’s packages are included in Sky’s package. However, it is difficult to dismiss the impact the BBC has had on television throughout its near century in existence. It has produced some classic viewing and it has set the standard, which all other TV channels aspire to. Both have their faults no doubt, but these two organisations set the benchmark in the programming and coverage they produce. Personally I would have to give the BBC a slight edge, as it is the provider I have turned to most down the years.

Jonathan FultonND year 1Media ProductionNWRC

Links:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBChttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_(United_Kingdom)http://www.bbc.co.uk/http://www.sky.com/products/sky-tv/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/