Ofcom has announced a consultation into proposals by the BBC to increase the amount of archive content on BBC iPlayer.
Since 2019, audiences have been able to access programmes on BBC iPlayer for 12 months from broadcast as standard. Older programmes are also available – for example, it’s currently possible to few episodes of classic 90s dramas This Life and Our Friends in the North – but the BBC currently limits their availability.
The BBC wants to remove the limits and bring up more from the archive.
Although some shows may also be available on commercial streaming services – and ITV will also be raiding the archive for its new ITV-X streamer – it’s generally accepted the impact on other services will be minimal.
Ofcom says it’s minded to agree with findings from the BBC Board, following its public interest test, that the proposals do not represent a material change.
Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 14 November 2022.
