THE BBC are planning a game-changing extra button for your TV remote to take on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+.
The proposed new feature will rival streaming services in a bid to modernise and stay relevant in today’s digital age.
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In a letter to the House of Commons, the BBC said public service broadcasting (PSB) was “falling behind” without a direct route to this content.
The proposed bill will compel TV manufacturers to ensure that the main broadcasters’ streaming services appear at the top of their menus.
If approved, the new regulation could see a shortcut button dedicated to BBC iPlayer showing up on, potentially, the remote of every streaming device sold in the UK.
The BBC’s letter read: “Remote controls are a major gateway to content on TV sets and user interfaces – their importance demonstrated by fierce competition between the largest content providers for branded buttons.
“Without a legislative backstop, PSBs are losing out to global platforms.
“For example, French prominence legislation sets a clear precedent for this, and the UK risks falling behind in protecting the ability of audiences to find PSB content.”
LG, Samsung and Sony are among the manufacturers to sell remotes with a Netflix button, bolstering its popularity.
Furthermore, companies that have their own streaming service, like Apple with Apple TV+ and Amazon with Prime Video, often give prominence to their own content on these devices’ home screens.
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But the rise of these streaming platforms and devices has meant public service content has been challenged.
And traditional broadcasters are concerned about the impact expensive deals struck between streaming giants with device manufacturers will have if no changes are made.
The BBC added: “There should be a requirement for a dedicated PSB button on remote controls in instances where there are similar buttons for non-PSB audio-visual services, or a direct route to PSB apps from the remote in other instances (such as a long press on a numbered button).”
However, details are still scarce about the specific screen that viewers would be directed to if policymakers heeded the demand.
Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, explained: “The Media Bill will reform decades-old laws to turbocharge the growth potential of our world-leading public service broadcasters (PSBs) allowing them to better compete with global giants.
“It will give PSBs the tools to adapt to changing viewer habits as people now increasingly watch TV on-demand via Smart TVs and other connected devices instead of traditional “linear” services like terrestrial TV.”
The Bill also intends to hold big streaming services more accountable through regulations that better protect children and vulnerable people from harm.
Ms Frazer added: “The draft legislation will bring video-on-demand (VoD) services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video under new Ofcom content rules.
“This ensures children and vulnerable viewers are better protected from harmful material and that these on-demand online-only streaming services platforms are properly accountable to the UK regulator.”
