Ofcom to review the regulation of Electronic Programme Guides

Ofcom has published a consultation The Regulation of Electronic Programme Guide on the regulation of Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs).
The consultation seeks views on a proposed EPG code, as well as proposals to continue access regulation on the EPG provided by British Sky Broadcasting Limited (BSkyB) for satellite television viewers.
EPGs are electronic on-screen guides, enabling viewers to browse through listings of programmes and select those they wish to watch. EPGs are available for most multi-channel television services which are broadcast in digital form, including Sky, Freeview and the digital services provided by NTL and Telewest.
Ofcom is required under the Communications Act 2003 to publish a Code which would apply to all EPG providers. The Code must explain how public service channels (the BBC's public services, ITV1, Channel 4, Five and S4C) should be given "appropriate prominence" on each television service accessed through an EPG. As there are different ways this could be done, Ofcom will ask EPG providers (such as Sky, Freeview, NTL and Telewest) to make their own judgements. Ofcom will intervene only if there are complaints, or if it is not content with the way public service channels are displayed.
The draft Code also sets out what EPG providers should do to enable people with visual or hearing impairment to benefit from the services on offer. This includes the provision of information making it clear which programmes are broadcast with subtitling, signing or audio description (an extra soundtrack where a narrator describes events for people). Separately, Ofcom is currently consulting on a draft Code on television access services (link to consultation on draft Code on providing television access services) to help people who cannot hear or see, or have difficulty with hearing or seeing, to better enjoy television services.
The consultation also proposes that BSkyB should continue the current arrangements under which it is required to offer listings on the Sky EPG to satellite channels whether or not they are part of a Sky package.
This arrangement is important as many satellite channels which can be seen by satellite television viewers are not part of any Sky package.
(GB)