Public Value Tests

A Public Value Test (PVT) is a way of weighing public value against market impact. The Trust uses PVTs to help us work out the value to the public of, say, a proposed new BBC service and also to work out the impact it could have on the wider market. For example a new BBC radio network might produce value for the public by giving them more choice and something new to listen to paid for by the licence fee, but damage existing commercial radio networks by reducing their number of listeners and therefore possibly their advertising income.

Only if we see evidence that the new public value is likely to outweigh any potentially damaging impact on the market will we allow the proposal to go to consultation. When the public consultation is over, the full Trust will make a decision.

The PVTs that we have conducted to date can be found below.

  • On-demand television (2007)

    On-demand television (2007)

    In April 2007, following completion of the Trust's first Public Value Test, the BBC Executive's on-demand proposals were approved.

  • High Definition television (2007)

    High Definition television (2007)

    In November 2007, following a Public Value Test, the Trust approved a proposal from the BBC Executive for a high definition television service.

  • Gaelic Digital Service (2008)

    Gaelic Digital Service (2008)

    Following a full Public Value Test, the Trust gave its approval in January 2008, subject to certain conditions, for the BBC, in partnership with the Gaelic Media Service, to launch a Gaelic Digital Service.

  • Local video (2009)

    Local video (2009)

    Following a Public Value Test, the Trust in February 2009 rejected the BBC Executive's local video proposal.

  • Changes to BBC television and online services (2015)

    Changes to BBC television and online services (2015)

    Following completion of a Public Value Test, the Trust published its final decision in November 2015 on a range of proposals for BBC Three, CBBC, iPlayer and BBC One.