BBC to examine YouView participation

The BBC’s governing body, the BBC Trust, has launched a review into the BBC’s involvement in broadband TV service YouView.

The review will focus on topics such as whether the BBC’s involvement in the scheme has impacted on other public service broadcasters’ approaches to making their content available to other platforms, and the way in which YouView is promoted by its partners.

It will also look at the use of use of ‘editorial signposting’ to allow audiences to make informed choices about the content they watch, and at the access and usability features  for those who are blind or partially sighted.

“We put in place conditions to ensure the public got the greatest possible benefit from YouView. Now almost 400,000 YouView boxes have been sold, this review is an opportunity to check that the conditions are working as they should,” said BBC Trustee Diane Coyle.

In June 2010, the Trust approved the BBC’s involvement in YouView, subject to a number of conditions that it said it would review 12 months after launch. The service, which is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, BT, TalkTalk and Arqiva, launched in July 2012. The Trust’s review is due to conclude this autumn.