Fears pay-tv ‘drowning out’ public channels

SKY and Virgin Media could be forced to give more prominence to BBC shows to help protect public service broadcasting from being “drowned out” as audiences shift to on-demand services.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Kevin Bakhurst, Ofcom’s content group director, said the media watchdog will examine whether programmes from Britain’s public service broadcasters are becoming more difficult to find as pay-tv operators redesign their menus to cater to on-demand viewing.

The issue is a major source of tension between Sky and the BBC. It fears losing touch with audiences as Sky gives greater prominence to its own box-set series and exclusive US imports.

The tensions have escalated as Sky rolls out its new set-top box, which puts the traditional channel guide behind layers of menus. Smartphone and tablet apps, and catch-up services will also come under scrutiny. Mr Bakhurst said: “We’ll consider whether traditional channels are easy to find for people who value their programmes. Viewers are used to flicking up and down the TV guides on their remote control to find their channels. But how will viewers find them in a world that’s becoming increasingly on-demand and personalised?

“For example, how many clicks does it take viewers to find their favourite programmes? We must consider these questions to ensure the public service broadcasters are not drowned out, while allowing the services that host these channels the chance to innovate.”

He said Ofcom could tighten regulations that govern the menus of pay-tv platforms to guarantee more prominence for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Tensions between pay-tv and public service broadcasters are growing as competition puts pressure on traditional broadcasters.