Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Paragraph: 80
We are not persuaded by arguments that prominence can be left to the market simply...
Conclusion
We are not persuaded by arguments that prominence can be left to the market simply because PSB content is popular and if an organisation such as Freeview, which represents the interests of over 70 TV channels, finds it difficult to negotiate with global platforms and TV manufacturers, it is unlikely that individual PSBs will find it any easier. As we touch on later in the Report, competition policy authorities are currently evolving their approach to platforms and applications with ‘strategic market status’ and how these can act as gatekeepers in online markets with potential for anti-competitive exercise of market power. Manufacturers of TV hardware (and their operating systems and consolidator TV apps) should be thought of in exactly the same way.
Paragraph Reference:
80
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As set out previously in our written submission to the Committee, the Government recognises the importance of high-quality PSB content being discoverable and widely accessible to UK audiences as far as possible. That is why the Government required Ofcom to undertake a review of this area through the Digital Economy Act 2017. Ofcom published its Prominence review in July 2019 and since then the Government and Ofcom have worked closely together and engaged with industry including with the international manufacturers of connected TVs to understand the impact of Ofcom’s proposals. It is important to ensure that prominence, and the balance of benefits and obligations, support a sustainable future for public service broadcasting. This work is ongoing and is also being considered as part of the Government’s strategic review of PSB. The Government has committed to acting on Ofcom’s prominence recommendations including through legislation and will do so as soon as the legislative timetable allows. We expect to set out next steps later this year.