Ofcom is consulting on its proposed code of practice setting out the recommended actions that connected TV providers can take to ensure that public service broadcasters’ (PSBs) online players, and the public service content and public service channels they include, are prominent on their platforms. The code of practice also includes recommendations on the actions providers should take to make their platforms accessible for disabled people.
The PSBs provide trusted, accurate news and a diverse range of quality content that is highly valued by UK audiences. But as viewing migrates online, it is becoming more difficult for the PSBs to reach audiences as they have in the past.
The Media Act 2024 introduced new rules to make designated public service broadcasters’ content easier to find and discover on designated connected TV platforms, which are increasingly used by audiences to choose and access programmes. Ofcom has previously set out its recommendations to the Secretary of State on which connected TV platforms should fall in scope of the regime.
The proposed code of practice includes:
Giving an appropriate level of prominence to PSB players, their public service content and any public service channels included in the players
Ofcom is proposing a range of actions for providers to take regarding the user interface that people see and navigate on connected TV platforms. These include that designated PSB player apps should be immediately visible and generally appear within the first nine tiles on app menus; when public service content is most relevant to a user search, it should be the most prominent result; and public service content should be clearly attributed to the relevant PSB player.
Making their services accessible to disabled people – particularly those with sight or hearing conditions
Ofcom’s proposed recommended actions include providing a voice guidance function, or similar, as an alternative to visual information; making sure that users can enlarge text and images through a ‘magnification’ or ‘zoom’ function; and making sure accessible content is labelled as such, for example indicating where a programme has subtitles.
Ofcom is also consulting on its draft guidance on how providers of designated connected TV platforms and PSBs can comply with their new duty to act consistently with statutory agreement objectives when entering into contractual arrangements with each other to include designated PSB players in designated connected TV platforms.
The consultation ends on 25 March 2026. Ofcom says that it expects to finalise its code of practice and guidance later this year.
