The BBC is expected to consult with stakeholders over plans to develop next generation services to support the gradual migration of its output to internet-only delivery.
The broadcaster’s annual plan, published this week, confirmed the BBC would be continuing to work towards the launch of the next generation of internet-enabled, free-to-air ‘experiences’ across a wide range of television devices with other Public Broadcasters and Everyone TV, the platform manager behind Freeview and Freesat.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, used a speech in December to set out the BBC’s desire to move to online-only distribution of services.
But while pay TV operators Sky, Virgin Media and BT have in the past year launched internet-based TV services, there is still no ‘free’ equivalent that delivers all services via the internet. IP-fallback for viewers unable to receive Freeview channels terrestrially, a functionality introduced in newer Freeview Play devices, is not yet available.
However the BBC has indicated that its proposals for the development of next generation services are likely to constitute a material change to its activities, which will need to be subjected to scrutiny.
Archive service changes
The BBC also pledged to continue to “improve the way that audiences discover and watch [its] archive content, including for those who prefer to watch linear channels.”
This follows last year’s announcement that the BBC plans to make its archive TV channel BBC Four and archive radio station Radio 4 Extra online-only services in 2024. The statement confirms rumours that the BBC could be poised to rethink its plans for BBC Four.
While it wouldn’t spell out any further details at this stage, the broadcaster said it would keep its plans under review “and if necessary carry out a materiality assessment”. This raises the possibility of a full consultation if the BBC does proceed with an online move and is unable to convince Ofcom that the changes are business-as-usual.
▶ Context: to consult or not to consult?
Under the current regulatory regime, the BBC is less likely to be forced to consult over changes to its services than it used to be. The broadcaster has greater leeway over making changes to services that in the past would have required approval from the BBC Trust (pre-2017) and/or Ofcom.
For example, it is no longer required to consult over changes to hours or content mix of a service. Contrast that with last year, when the BBC had to ask Ofcom for permission to screen more cartoons on CBBC. And it had to approach Ofcom over changes to BBC Four’s output. Broadcast hours of BBC TV services were also once subject to regulatory scrutiny, notably when BBC Three extended for the 2012 Olympics, and BBC Four for the 2016 games.
Iain Hatton