Ofcom Urges YouTube Support for UK Broadcasters

Media regulator Ofcom has urged that YouTube better promote videos UK public service broadcasters, like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. Ofcom has warned that the broadcasters face a significant risk because children are watching significantly more YouTube than traditional television. If public service media doesn't engage young audiences in the near term, it risks its future.

Ofcom suggested YouTube can do more to engage with public service broadcasters to make their videos easier to find and engage with. The regulator suggested that there is a strong case for the UK government to legislate for these changes.

However, the responsibility is not just on YouTube. Ofcom also stated that broadcasters significantly improve their content to engage with younger audiences across the platforms.

The BBC, ITV, STV, Channel 4, S4C, and Channel 5 are considered Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs). Ofcom's report also showed that if children do not engage in this content as they grow up, public service media (PSM) will be irrelevant.

Currently, only 20% of YouTube content viewed in the UK is actually produced in the UK,. Ofcom suggested that YouTube highlight more UK news and the children's programming from PSBs to promote cultural storage.