BBC takes on Netflix as it calls for a dedicated on-demand button on ALL TV remote controls

The BBC has taken over Netflix after demanding a new ‘on-demand’ button on all UK TV remotes.

Manufacturers may soon be forced to add buttons for iPlayer, ITVX and Channel4 to TV controls as the broadcasting giant complained of “fierce competition”.

In a letter to the House of Commons, the BBC said the public service broadcaster (PSB) was ‘falling behind’ without a direct route to this content.

The bold move comes as Netflix branded buttons are widely used on TV remotes across the country, allowing viewers to jump to the popular service with the touch of a button.

“Remote controls are an important gateway to content on TVs and user interfaces – their importance is evidenced by fierce competition among the largest content providers for branded buttons,” the BBC wrote in the letter.

Without a legislative backstop, PSBs lose out to global platforms. France’s privacy laws, for example, set a clear precedent for this, and the UK risks falling behind in protecting the public’s ability to find PSB content.”

LG, Samsung, and Sony are among the manufacturers that sell remotes with a Netflix button, boosting their popularity.

While details are scarce, the BBC claims its action is not ‘protectionist’ or supported by ‘unjustified discrimination’, but instead has a ‘legitimate objective’.

It added: ‘There should be a dedicated PSB button on remotes in cases where there are similar buttons for non-PSB audiovisual services, or a direct route to PSB apps from the remote in other cases (such as a long press on a numbered button).’

These demands are part of a letter scrutinizing the proposed media law, published just three months ago.

If passed, it will “reform decades-old laws,” allowing public service broadcasters to better compete with Netflix and Disney+.

Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, explained: ‘The Media Act will reform decades-old laws to boost the growth potential of our world’s leading public service broadcasters (PSBs), enabling them to better compete with global giants.

“It gives PSBs the tools to adapt to changing viewing habits as people increasingly watch on-demand TV via Smart TVs and other connected devices rather than traditional “linear” services such as terrestrial TV.”

The BBC complained of “heavy competition,” which may be a nod to Netflix

The bill also aims to hold major streaming services more accountable through regulations that better protect children and vulnerable people from harm.

Ms Frazer added: “The draft legislation will bring video-on-demand (VoD) services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video under new Ofcom content rules, which will better protect children and vulnerable viewers from harmful material and keep them safe from harm. – require online-only streaming service platforms to be properly accountable to the UK regulator.”

However, it does not yet contain details about mandatory buttons on the remote control.

WHAT ARE THE VIDEO STREAMING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO UK CUSTOMERS?

Netflix

Price: from £4.99 per month (with ads) or £6.99 per month (without ads)

Hit Shows:

Amazon Prime

Price: £8.99 per month OR £95 per year

Hit Shows:

• Jack Ryan by Tom Clancy
• The boys

Apple TV+

Price: £6.99 per month

Hit shows:

• Ted Lasso
• For all humanity

Disney+

Price: £7.99 per month OR £79.90 per year

Hit shows:

• The Mandalorian
• The Simpsons

NOW television

Price: from £6.99 per month (6 months) or £9.99 (flexible)

Hit Shows:

• Game of Thrones
• Chernobyl

hurrah

Price: £4.99 per month

Hit Shows:

• Keeping up with the Kardashians
• Made in Chelsea

BritBox

Price: £5.99 per month OR £59.99 per year

Hit Shows:

• Spitting image
• Midsomer murders

Prices correct as of May 2023