The BBC has opened a consultation on the future of the BBC iPlayer as it looks to build the service with more boxsets and a greater archive offer.
The launch of the Public Interest Test follows last month’s announcement by the BBC to improve its digital offer and deliver more value to audiences. It says that audience expectations have continued to grow and it is essential “the BBC responds and that BBC iPlayer can continue to evolve in line with these market norms”.
The BBC wants to be able to publish any title that it has access to, subject to agreements with producers and underlying rights holders, including returning series that would be presented as full series boxsets.
While the proposals will give the BBC greater freedom, it also raises potential competition issues, which will be examined through the public interest test.
This consultation runs for six weeks from 23 June 2022 to 4 August 2022, during which time the BBC will also carry out market research and economic analysis to assess both the public value and market impact of the proposals.
The Public Interest Test submission and supporting evidence will then be passed to Ofcom.
