In the UK, a senior BBC executive has said he wants BBC shows to be given priority listing in EPGs., especially over Sky and Netflix programmes.
James Purnell, director of radio and education at the BBC, says that although the BBC occupies the first five slots in most EPGs, the current trend for showcasing highlights and promoting on demand services, means that the EPG position is less significant. Also, on the Sky box remote, there is no button that takes you to live TV as the home button only takes the you to Sky’s top picks.
Purnell also believes that if the rules are not changed, there is a “serious risk of losing something very special about British culture”.
Sky dismissed the comments as blatant self-interest. The issue is due to be debated in the House of Lords.
