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