Ofcom has opened a consultation on a draft code of practice setting out how connected TV platform operators can meet new prominence requirements for public service broadcasters’ online players under the Media Act 2024, alongside recommendations to improve accessibility for disabled users.
Under Ofcom’s proposals, designated PSB player apps should be “immediately visible” in platform app menus and generally appear within the first 9 tiles, in a set order: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 player, Channel 5 player, S4C Clic and STV Player (with positioning able to vary depending on the user’s location). Ofcom also says public service content should be the most prominent result when it is the most relevant response to a user search, and should be clearly attributed to the relevant PSB player.
The draft code also covers prominence for live “listed channels” presented in Live TV areas or guides, proposing that BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C and STV appear in the first 7 slots (with other listed channels subject to minimum position thresholds).
On accessibility, Ofcom’s recommended actions include voice guidance (or similar) as an alternative to visual navigation cues, magnification/zoom to enlarge text and images, high-contrast settings, and clearer labelling of accessible content such as subtitles, audio description or signing, including within search results.
Ofcom notes the code of practice is not mandatory, but platform providers that adopt the recommended actions would be treated as compliant. The consultation also includes draft guidance on the “agreement objectives” that apply when designated platforms and PSBs enter into contractual arrangements for carriage of designated PSB players.
Responses are due by 17:00 on 25 March 2026, with Ofcom expecting to publish the final code and guidance later in 2026.
The consultation follows Ofcom’s December 2025 report to the Secretary of State on which connected TV platforms should be designated under the regime, covering services including Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple tvOS, Google TV, LG webOS, Roku OS, Samsung Smart Hub (Tizen), Sky Q, Sky Entertainment OS, Virgin Media and Freely.
