Ofcom has issued new guidance designed to make the BBC communicates “more openly and consistently” with its competitors about planned changes to its public services.
It follows criticism of the messaging around recent reductions in regional news output.
The regulator said the requirement would ensure the BBC’s competitors were informed in enough time to comment on any changes.
“The new, enforceable requirement applies to any planned changes to the BBC’s public service activities which are likely to be subject to a “materiality assessment” under the operating framework,” Ofcom explained in a statement.
The regulator acknowledges the BBC needs to be able to innovate and respond to people’s tastes and preferences, but says there is a risk that these changes may unduly harm competition, investment and ultimately audiences. The concern is the BBC will crowd out commercial activity or harm competition elsewhere in the supply chain.
Ofcom was given regulatory powers over the BBC in 2017, prior to which the BBC was responsible for its own regulation and governance. Its part of the pressure the Conservative government has placed on the BBC that also includes the freezing of the £159 annual licence fee until 2024 ahead of a proposed abolition in 2027.
