The BBC has submitted proposals to Ofcom to allow BBC iPlayer to make programmes available for longer and offer more box sets and archive titles.
The BBC is proposing that programmes should be available on BBC iPlayer for at least 12 months after they are first shown; selected returning titles should be available as full box sets of all series; and BBC iPlayer should showcase more content from the BBC archive.
The proposals have been sent to Ofcom for consideration after the BBC carried out a Public Interest Test. The BBC argues that the proposed changes will “not have an adverse impact on fair and effective competition” and will “bring BBC iPlayer into line with the industry standard.” The BBC is also arguing that without the changes, there is a risk of “undermining the BBC’s ability to continue to innovate and evolve its service in line with changing market norms and audience expectations.”
Charlotte Moore, Director, Content, said: “Audience expectations have changed dramatically, viewers are now used to being able to watch what they want, when they want, and they expect much more from BBC iPlayer.
“We want to make the best UK programmes available to audiences for longer and provide a range of series and box sets for everyone to enjoy. This will bring the BBC iPlayer in line with what other services already offer and give audiences even greater value for their licence fee.
“The media landscape is changing rapidly, and global media giants are increasingly dominant. We hope Ofcom can consider these plans quickly and enable us to deliver what UK audiences want and expect.”
Following the submission of the BBC plans, Ofcom will complete a BBC Competition Assessment before making a decision on whether these changes can go ahead.
Staff Reporter
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