BT TV IP Channel EPG Listing Policy (“Policy”)
Published 20 November 2012
Edition 3 (Updated 11th November 2013)
1.
Introduction
1.1.
BT TV is BT’s digital IPTV service that combines digital terrestrial television (“DTT”)
delivered Freeview television channels (“Freeview Channels”) and IP delivered
television channels (“IP Channels”) with a digital video recorder and a comprehensive
selection of Video On Demand (“VOD”) programming and interactive services.
1.2.
BT provides IP Channels on the BT TV service using the capability of BT’s underlying
broadband network wherever customers can access an appropriately enabled
exchange. BT TV customers are able to view the Freeview Channels and the IP
Channels offered on the BT TV service when accessing the electronic programme
guide (“EPG”). BT does not allocate logical channel numbers (“LCNs”) for the
Freeview Channels. The allocation of LCNs for Freeview Channels is controlled and
managed by DMOL and replicated on the BT TV service. Therefore, the listing of
Freeview Channels, and the positioning of VOD programming on the service are not
the subject of this Policy. For the avoidance of doubt, this Policy only covers the
listing of IP Channels within the BT TV EPG.
1.3.
This Policy sets out the methodology for allocating listings for IP Channels on BT TV
and conforms to Ofcom’s Code of Practice on Electronic Programme Guides (the
“Code”). In line with the requirements of the Code, listings are allocated within the
EPG on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis.
1.4.
BT will apply this Policy in accordance with its regulatory obligations and consistently
with the long-term interests of the BT TV platform and in the interests of BT TV
customers.
1.5.
This Policy first took effect on 20th November 2012 and was updated on 9th
September 2013, and further on 11th November 2013.
2.
Launch of New Channels
BT will allocate a listing on the BT TV EPG for IP Channels carried on the BT TV service
upon the completion of an IP Channel carriage agreement between BT and the IP
Channel provider. BT will determine listings in accordance with this Policy.
3.
Public Service Broadcasters
In accordance with the Code and section 310 (2) of the Communications Act 2003, BT
is required to give relevant public service broadcasters, as defined from time to time,
“appropriate prominence” in allocating an EPG listing on BT TV. In deciding how to
give “appropriate prominence” to public service broadcasters, BT recognises that
prominence is not a defined term and that public service content varies greatly in
terms of the target audience, the nature of the content and the date of launch into
the EPG.
4.
Genre
4.1.
Within the IP channel range BT will group channels together using genres in order to
assist viewer navigation of content. BT reserves the right to periodically review the
presentation of genres, change the order of genres or change the characterisation of
content included in genres on the BT TV EPG.
4.2.
Initially the genres will be general entertainment, film, children’s, music, and sport.
BT may however add additional genres or split a pre-existing genre into subgenres
(for e.g. where the number of channels in a genre has made navigation unwieldy).
4.3.
In determining which genre (or sub-genre if applicable) an IP Channel will be
allocated to, BT will consider a range of factors, including but not limited to the
following:
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4.4.
The channel genre indicated on the IP Channel’s Ofcom licence;
The nature of the IP Channel’s programming schedule having regard to the
proportion and balance of content over time;
The genre allocation for the IP Channel and channels of the same brand on other
television platforms;
Any marketing material and publicity relevant to the IP Channel; and
Any other information provided by the channel provider to support a request for
listing in a particular genre.
BT reserves the right to change any IP Channel listings, including but not limited to
where the nature of the content or the programming schedule of any listed IP
Channel changes in such a way that BT believes it is more appropriate for the IP
Channel to be listed in another genre. Where this occurs, BT will contact the IP
Channel provider to explain the rationale for and details of any proposed move and
will give the IP Channel provider 30 days in which to make representations on the
subject. BT TV will give due consideration to any representations made by the IP
Channel provider but the final decision shall be made by BT in its sole discretion.
Where BT moves an IP Channel into a new genre, the position of that IP Channel will
be decided in accordance with the criteria in section 5.
5.
Allocation of EPG Slots
5.1.
BT will list IP Channels in either the number range 851-998 or 400 -599 on the BT TV
EPG for an interim period. Currently only some Sport channels are listed 400-599. We
will be migrating all channels to 400-599 apart from PSB HD channels, which will be
moved 101-120.
5.2.
Technical considerations
BT will take into account the operational requirements of the BT TV platform, the
underlying broadband network, set top box capability, and future technological
developments and enhancements of the EPG product and software in allocating
listings within the EPG.
5.3.
Policy considerations
When allocating an EPG slot within the EPG, BT will have regard to the following
policy considerations:
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Viewing data relevant to the IP Channel’s performance;
The brand/family connections between the IP Channels (demonstrable by
branding, scheduling or cross promotion) such that IP Channels will be placed
adjacent to an existing principal or sister channel where appropriate;
The listing allocation of the IP Channel on other UK television platforms;
Information about audience reach and ratings for the IP Channel on other
platforms; and
The likelihood of any future anticipated IP Channel or interactive services
launches.
5.4.
BT will reserve listings in each genre to accommodate future IP Channel launches in
accordance with the allocation methodology of this Policy. However, BT is not able
to reserve or guarantee that a particular listing will be allocated to a particular IP
Channel.
5.5.
BT does not permit any swapping, trading or sale of IP channel listings between
channel providers.
5.6.
All listings are subject to change from time to time in accordance with this Policy. In
particular, this Policy is subject to any changes that may be required for regulatory,
technical, security or commercial reasons, for example:
(i)
(ii)
as part of BT TV’s migration to the YouView platform;
to ensure alignment with the published YouView EPG policy for the listing of IP
Channels as amended from time to time ; or
(iii) to implement any other changes to BT’s regulatory requirements whether
under the Code or otherwise.
6.
Changes to This Policy
6.1.
BT will carry out periodic reviews of this Policy and will take steps to consult
stakeholders where necessary.