Behind the Screen – How streaming is changing public service media

In this report we examine the availability, prominence, and discoverability of programmes that support the civic function of public service media across four platforms: iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and 5. Here we focus specifically on television programmes about the arts, international issues, religion and belief. These are amongst a number of ‘at-risk genres’ that were removed from the public service remit in the Media Act 2024. We set out a series of recommendations that reflect our findings and concerns, and respond to the challenges of monitoring on-demand services.