Ofcom: BBC isn’t reaching new generation of viewers
Fewer than half of 16- to 24-year-olds tune into BBC TV channels as Auntie loses appeal with Gen Z
THE BBC is at risk of losing a “generation of viewers”, Ofcom has warned as it revealed fewer than half of young people now watch its TV channels.
The regulator said the broadcaster’s “future sustainability” is under threat unless it finds a way to engage with younger audiences.
Just 49 per cent of 16- to 24-year-olds said they tuned into BBC TV channels in the past week, research for Ofcom published as part of its second annual review of the broadcaster revealed – a record low.
The figure was even lower among men of that age group, as only 46 per cent said they watched BBC programming.
The average time young people are spending with the BBC per day across TV, radio and online – one hour and 12 minutes – is also down on the previous year, and is about half that spent by the average viewer – two hours and 33 minutes.
“Like all public service broadcasters, the BBC is vulnerable to the rapidly changing media landscape, particularly in its struggle to attract and retain younger audiences,” the report said.
Earlier this year the watchdog approved the extension of the BBC’S streaming service, iplayer, to allow shows to remain on the site for up to 12 months, rather than 30 days.
It is hoped that the move will attract younger audiences who are increasingly turning to subscription on-demand services, such as Netflix, which has 10million UK subscribers and hit shows such as Stranger Things.
Teenage audiences are also watching more content on Youtube, with vloggers such as Zoella attracting millions of viewers.
This month, Nicky Morgan, the Culture Secretary, said she was “open-minded” about scrapping the BBC television licence fee altogether and replacing it with a Netflix-style subscription service.
Yet, the Ofcom report revealed the percentage of 16- to 24-year-olds watching iplayer has declined, from 28 per cent in 2017 to 26 per cent in 2018.
A BBC spokesman said they welcomed the watchdog’s recognition that audience satisfaction remained high, adding that the BBC had a clear plan in place to meet the needs of younger and more diverse audiences.
The spokesman said: “Our most up-to-date data shows that our plan is delivering, with iplayer’s reach to young audiences up by around 20 per cent in the last year.”