In January 2019, the ±«Óãtv set out plans to transform ±«Óãtv iPlayer, from primarily a catch-up and linear TV service into a destination for audiences, where the ±«Óãtv’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 ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv iPlayer satisfy the Public Interest Test criteria.
The Public Interest Test submission and the main supporting evidence used to inform the ±«Óãtv Board’s decision are published below.
The ±«Óãtv has now referred the proposal to Ofcom who, as , will decide whether the proposal can proceed or not. .
±«Óãtv iPlayer Public Interest Test submission
This document describes the proposals for ±«Óãtv iPlayer and an explanation of why the proposals satisfy the Public Interest Test. As described in the ±«Óãtv’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 ±«Óãtv is satisfied that the proposals will deliver high public value by improving the quality of ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv’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 ±«Óãtv’s findings also conclude that the proposed changes will not crowd out competition. They simply bring ±«Óãtv iPlayer into line with the industry standard and will allow the ±«Óãtv to stop the continued decline of ±«Óãtv iPlayer we would otherwise expect to see over the next five years.
Supporting evidence
Audience research
The ±«Óãtv commissioned independent quantitative and qualitative audience research from MTM.
Economic modelling and analysis
The ±«Óãtv commissioned Communications Chambers and Frontier Economics to model the predicted reach and share of ±«Óãtv iPlayer after the changes, and examine the impact on fair and effective competition.
Consultation feedback
On 7 January 2019, the ±«Óãtv opened a six week consultation on its plans to transform ±«Óãtv 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 ±«Óãtv’s consultation on the proposals to improve ±«Óãtv iPlayer was open from from 7 January to 15 February 2019 and is now closed.