BBC told to make more shows for YouTube or risk irrelevance
Ofcom warned that the future of public service broadcasters (PSB) such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 was under 'serious threat' unless they were able to win over a young generation of disenfranchised viewers.
The watchdog said traditional channels would have to work much harder to create programmes specifically for online platforms as audiences increasingly turn away from TV.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom's head of broadcasting, said PSBs had a remit 'to make content that reflects the whole of the UK and it's important that they take their content to where audiences are'.
She added: 'If audiences are increasingly watching things on platforms like YouTube, then they need to work hard to make sure that their content is seen there.
'That's specifically the case for the BBC, to be honest. They are funded by all of us and at the end of the day they need to make content where people are viewing it.'
In a report published on Monday, Ofcom warned that the precipitous growth of streaming services and video apps such as YouTube and TikTok meant younger audiences may not form a connection with traditional broadcasters.
Netflix the go-to destination for under-35s
Research found that only adults aged 35 and older were most likely to turn to BBC One when seeking out things to watch. In contrast, Netflix is the most popular destination for 16 to 34-year-olds, while children aged between four and 15 are most likely to turn to YouTube.
The crisis for broadcasters is most acute among teenagers, with 13 to 15-year-olds spending nearly half their in-home viewing time on YouTube and TikTok.
In a speech earlier this year, BBC director-general Tim Davie said the corporation would start making news programming specifically for streaming platforms and social media apps.
Channel 4, which has a remit to serve young viewers, has already struck deals with both YouTube and Spotify to make online-specific shows, while ITV last year inked a deal to put hundreds of hours of programmes on YouTube.
The race to win back younger viewers has seen traditional broadcasters turn to shorter-form videos, while some have also signed up popular influencers and YouTube personalities.
But Ofcom warned traditional channels had more to do as they accounted for only a small proportion of Britons' online viewing. Only about a fifth of the time Britons spend on YouTube is spent on content made in the UK, while North America accounts for more than half.
Ms Nicolotti Squires insisted PSBs could branch out into different types of shows without overlooking their traditional programmes and audiences. She said: 'You don't have to dumb down ... Audiences are smart – they know when they're being talked down to – but it's perfectly possible to have the same standards across all different outputs.'
In addition to ramping up their programming, Ofcom urged broadcasters to work with YouTube to ensure their shows were prominent and easy to find on the platform.
While the regulator said this should be agreed under fair commercial terms, it said there was a strong case for the Government to intervene with new laws forcing the tech firm to show PSB programming prominently. This would build on legislation introduced last year to ensure shows from British broadcasters are easy to find on smart TVs and streaming devices.
Ofcom also warned of deep-seated financial challenges facing traditional broadcasters as audiences splinter and costs rise.
The regulator urged channels to forge more partnerships such ITV's recent streaming deal with Disney and a broader advertising tie-up between ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, while finding 'creative' ways to fund programmes amid strained budgets.
A BBC spokesman said: 'We welcome Ofcom's support and recognition that public service media is a vital part of the UK and its economy. We are also very clear about the challenges, with areas like local news and the TV production sector under particular pressure.
'The BBC will continue to focus on delivering value for all audiences and we look forward to working with other public service media to support the success and future sustainability of the sector.'
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