UK releases policy statement on new prominence framework

Thursday, October 24th, 2024 
UK Government logo

Prominence – specifying internet television equipment: a policy statement

The Media Act received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, and has introduced a new online prominence framework. This framework will require particular TV platforms – provided in connection with ‘internet television equipment’ – to carry and give appropriate prominence to designated public service broadcaster (PSB) TV apps and the content the PSBs provide to support the delivery of their remits.

The UK Government has released a statement setting out the Government’s policy thinking around what categories of TV devices are to be considered as internet television equipment.

For the purpose of the new prominence framework, a TV platform (referred to in the Act as a ‘television selection service’) is the user interface of any service which:

  • enables users to select and access PSB TV apps, or between programmes provided by those apps;
  • is provided by means of the internet; and
  • is provided in connection with ‘internet television equipment’.

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s policy intention is that smart TVs, set-top boxes and streaming sticks should be considered internet television equipment for the purposes of the new online prominence framework.

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, PCs and video games consoles are devices not seen as internet television equipment.

The department is in the process of implementing the new online prominence framework. The relevant regulations needed to specify internet television equipment set out in this statement have been laid on 24 October 2024. Ofcom will now consult with industry to inform their advice to the Secretary of State on what television selection services – used in conjunction with specified internet television equipment – should be regulated under the new prominence framework.

Links: UK Government