In January 2019, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ set out plans to transform Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer, from primarily a catch-up and linear TV service into a destination for audiences, where the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s programmes would be available for longer, both for individual programmes and box sets.
This was the first step of a Public Interest Test. This test, set out in our , is designed to ensure that when the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ makes material changes to its , we are able to demonstrate that the additional public value outweighs any potential adverse impact on our competitors or the market.
Following extensive audience research, economic analysis and a period of consultation, the has concluded that the proposals for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer satisfy the Public Interest Test criteria.
The Public Interest Test submission and the main supporting evidence used to inform the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Board’s decision are published below.
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has now referred the proposal to Ofcom who, as , will decide whether the proposal can proceed or not. .
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer Public Interest Test submission
This document describes the proposals for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer and an explanation of why the proposals satisfy the Public Interest Test. As described in the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s submission to Ofcom, the proposals would allow:
- A new standard availability of at least 12 months for all commissions;
- Full box sets of selected returning titles; and
- A selection of non-returning programmes extended for longer or brought back from the archive.
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is satisfied that the proposals will deliver high public value by improving the quality of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer, ensuring that we deliver a universal service that meets their current expectations and will increase the value audiences receive for their licence fee. By having more diverse British content conveniently discoverable in one place, the proposals will help us to better deliver the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s , especially to:
- Support learning for people of all ages;
- Show the most creative, high quality and distinctive output and services; and
- Reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all of the UK’s nations and regions.
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s findings also conclude that the proposed changes will not crowd out competition. They simply bring Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer into line with the industry standard and will allow the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ to stop the continued decline of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer we would otherwise expect to see over the next five years.
Supporting evidence
Audience research
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ commissioned independent quantitative and qualitative audience research from MTM.
Economic modelling and analysis
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ commissioned Communications Chambers and Frontier Economics to model the predicted reach and share of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer after the changes, and examine the impact on fair and effective competition.
Consultation feedback
On 7 January 2019, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ opened a six week consultation on its plans to transform Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer. We received 32 responses from stakeholders. Where permission has been given, these are published below. We also received 51 responses from members of the public. A summary of those responses is included in Annex 2 of the Public Interest Test submission.
Consultation (now closed)
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s consultation on the proposals to improve Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer was open from from 7 January to 15 February 2019 and is now closed.