The regulation of electronic programme guides

EPGs are electronic on-screen guides, enabling viewers to browse through listings of programmes and select those they wish to watch. EPGs are available for most multi-channel television services which are broadcast in digital form, including Sky, Freeview and the digital services provided by NTL and Telewest.

Ofcom is required under the Communications Act 2003 to publish a Code which would apply to all EPG providers. The Code must explain how public service channels (the BBC's public services, ITV1, Channel 4, Five and S4C) should be given `appropriate prominence' on each television service accessed through an EPG. As there are different ways this could be done, Ofcom will ask EPG providers (such as Sky, Freeview, NTL and Telewest) to make their own judgements. Ofcom will intervene only if there are complaints, or if it is not content with the way public service channels are displayed.

The draft Code also sets out what EPG providers should do to enable people with visual or hearing impairment to benefit from the services on offer. This includes the provision of information making it clear which programmes are broadcast with subtitling, signing or audio description (an extra soundtrack where a narrator describes events for people). Separately, Ofcom is currently consulting on a draft Code on television access services to help people who cannot hear or see, or have difficulty with hearing or seeing, to better enjoy television services.

The consultation also proposes that BSkyB should continue the current arrangements under which it is required to offer listings on the Sky EPG to satellite channels whether or not they are part of a Sky package. This arrangement is important as many satellite channels which can be seen by satellite television viewers are not part of any Sky package.

Notes to Editors

1. The closing date for the consultation is 25 March 2004. Comments should be sent by e-mail to peter.bourton@ofcom.org.uk by visiting our website www.ofcom.org.uk ; by phoning 0845 456 3000; by textphone at 0845 456 3003; or by writing to: Peter Bourton, Ofcom, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA. A Braille or taped copy is available on request from the Ofcom Contact Centre Phone: 0845 456 3000; Fax: 0845 456 3333.

2. Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. Ofcom exists to further the interests of citizen-consumers as the communications industries enter the digital age.

Our duties include:

• The promotion of choice, quality and value in electronic communications services, where appropriate by encouraging competition between the providers of those services
• Ensuring the most efficient use of the radio communications spectrum - the airwaves used for the transmission of all non-military wireless communications services
• Ensuring a wide range of electronic communications services, including broadband, is available across the UK
• Ensuring a wide range of TV and radio programmes of high quality and wide appeal Maintaining plurality in the media by ensuring a sufficiently broad range of ownership
• The protection of audiences against offensive or harmful material, unfairness or the infringement of privacy on TV and radio