Ofcom confirms outcome of consultation that will result in fewer Freeview streaming channels needing to show warnings to viewers.
- Viewers accessing Freeview’s hybrid streaming channels are warned that content may not be regulated.
- Licence conditions were not updated after Brexit, so broadcasters still had to display the warning, even if the content being shown was subject to Ofcom’s rules.
More hybrid streaming services on Freeview will be allowed to load more quickly after Ofcom confirmed a rule change.
At present, many streaming channels have to display a pop-up warning message before the channel starts playing. The warning alerts viewers that content on the channel may not be regulated in the same way as regular channels. However, a failure to update broadcasting rules after Brexit has forced channels with British broadcasting licences to display the message as well.
The rules originally stated that the message was only needed if the channel was covered by a regulator outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). Brexit saw the UK depart both the EU and EEA. Ofcom became a regulator outside of the EEA and messages had to be displayed on most streaming channels.
Channels like Together TV, which is licenced in both Luxembourg and the UK didn’t need to show a warning message on its streaming service on Freeview 270. It would have been exempt due to its EEA licence issued in Luxembourg.
Following a consultation on the matter earlier this year, Ofcom has confirmed the rules will be updated. Everyone TV, the platform manager that operates Freeview, Freely and Freesat, supported the rule changes. It said the move would “reduce confusion”.
Some warnings will continue
However, channels that aren’t licenced in the UK or EEA will still need to carry a warning, even once Ofcom updates the rules. This includes services such as the right-leaning US news channel Newsmax, which streams on Freeview channel 273.
This has led to some concern that, despite Everyone TV’s opinion, the situation will remain confusing to viewers, who will continue to navigate through channels with, and channels without warnings.
The changes also maintain the loophole that allows controversial channels to reach UK viewers. China’s CGTN continued to reach Freeview viewers via this method for a time after its Ofcom licence was revoked.
▶ Glossary: Hybrid streaming channels on Freeview
Hybrid streaming services, which are found on Freeview between channels 251 and 299, consist of channels accessed via an HbbTV app broadcast over the digital terrestrial TV network. The app then points TVs to an internet stream.
It’s a hybrid service because your TV needs reception of the signal delivered via your TV aerial as well as a fast broadband internet connection.
The provider of the app will require a valid broadcast licence so it can be included on Freeview’s channel list. The channels carried via the app may hold either an Ofcom licence or a licence issued by a foreign regulator.
By: Marc Thornham