Communications minister Ed Vaizey has told broadcasters the government is exploring ways to encourage investment in UK content through the electronic programme guide. Vaizey told the Oxford Media convention that such a plan could ensure a vibrant production sector.
EPGs are currently subject to a Code of Practice, watched over by Ofcom, though with some platform discretion. Public Service Broadcasters receive some prominence, though this largely means their established channels, rather than those introduced in the digital format.
Vaizey wants the forthcoming Green Paper to discuss the possible new regime. “Many non-PSB channels invest in UK content that could fall within the traditional definition of public service content – obvious examples are news, current affairs, children’s television, documentaries and quality drama. So we need to look at whether the prominence rules could be used to reward those who invest in that kind of content”.
The question is how platforms might react to this potential interference to their line-up. When government mooted proposals to place local TV at No. 6 in the Freeview EPG, DTT Multiplex Operators Ltd (DMOL), the organisation set up by the operators of the six DTT multiplexes, launched a consultation that resulted in local TV being allocated places on the 200s.
No. 6 is occupied by ITV2, they and any other broadcaster facing being moved down the EPG may not react too kindly.
