Ofcom has told the BBC to conduct a public interest test (PIT) over plans to expand the BBC iPlayer.
The BBC wants to extend the period in which a programme can be viewed, beyond the standard 28-days. This would put it in line with services such as Netflix that themselves sometimes carry BBC content.
The regulator says the PIT is needed to properly assess their value and potential impact on other broadcasters.
In an earlier decision, Ofcom gave the BBC permission to go ahead with the extended windows for shows commissioned before November 2018, where the show had been commissioned on the basis that it would be made available on the BBC iPlayer for longer than the Standard Period.
The precise number of programmes has been redacted in Ofcom’s published decision.
The BBC has requested clarification that any content which the BBC already normally makes available for longer than a 30 day period and is outside of the 2018/19 proposals is therefore not placed under the restrictions.
A BBC spokesman said: “Audiences today want and expect great UK programmes to be available to watch for longer than 30 days – that’s why we want to reinvent BBC iPlayer to make it a great home for UK content. Young audiences in particular tell us they like the changes we’ve been making and want us to do more. While we share the public’s disappointment that we won’t be able to offer the full range of content we were hoping to, we’re pleased we will still be able to offer some programmes for longer than 30 days and we’re still able to offer more than 100 boxsets we know audiences will love this Christmas. The media market is moving incredibly quickly, and the BBC needs to keep up. We’ll consult on our plans to improve iPlayer in the new year and hope Ofcom can make a speedy decision that allows the BBC to give audiences what they expect. New global players risk crowding out the public service broadcasters. We hope that Ofcom will take this in to account in their approach on regulation.”
