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The BBC’s distribution arrangements for its UK public services A study examining whether the BBC’s distribution arrangements represent value for money By Mediatique on behalf of the BBC Trust November 2013 Mediatique Limited is a registered limited company in England and Wales. Company No. 4575079. VAT registration 927 5293 00 Contents 1. Overview of key findings and recommendations ........................................................................................ 4 Distribution expenditure measured against universality obligations and commercial benchmarks .................................... 4 Decision-making in relation to key principles and objectives: Governance and internal reporting lines ............................. 7 Fit for future purpose ........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Summary of key recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 10 2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 11 The BBC’s current distribution footprint ............................................................................................................................ 12 Television ........................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Radio .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Online ................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Viewing, listening, usage and appreciation ........................................................................................................................ 18 3 Universality and cost effectiveness ........................................................................................................... 24 The BBC’s obligations on access and cost effectiveness..................................................................................................... 24 The BBC’s obligations on spectrum efficiency .................................................................................................................... 25 Approach to ensuring cost effectiveness ........................................................................................................................... 27 The BBC’s current distribution expenditure ....................................................................................................................... 28 Cost benchmarks ................................................................................................................................................................ 33 Future distribution costs, 2013-2017 ................................................................................................................................. 37 Concluding remarks: Universality and cost effectiveness .................................................................................................. 39 4 Governance, accountability and internal reporting lines ........................................................................... 41 Internal structures at the BBC ............................................................................................................................................ 41 Review of internal decision-making processes ................................................................................................................... 44 Principles framing decisions on distribution ...................................................................................................................... 47 Communicating distribution policy to external parties ...................................................................................................... 52 Key metrics considered when measuring distribution outcomes ...................................................................................... 53 Concluding remarks: Governance, accountability and internal reporting lines ................................................................. 54 5 Fit for future purpose ................................................................................................................................ 57 Assumptions on market developments – how are they established and reviewed? ......................................................... 58 Tracking of consumer behavioural trends .......................................................................................................................... 59 New technology assessments ............................................................................................................................................ 60 Identification of enabling partnerships to ensure future preparedness ............................................................................ 60 Medium-term distribution issues ....................................................................................................................................... 61 Ensuring that public purposes are met in future ................................................................................................................ 62 Concluding remarks: Fit for future purpose ....................................................................................................................... 64 6 Appendix A: Note on methodology and key interviews ............................................................................ 66 7 Appendix B: Key sources consulted ........................................................................................................... 68 8 Appendix C: DTT Multiplex map ................................................................................................................ 69 9 Appendix D: Glossary ................................................................................................................................ 71 Mediatique Limited is a registered limited company in England and Wales. Company No. 4575079. VAT registration 927 5293 00 2 Important information This report is one of a series of reviews undertaken by the BBC Trust on Value for Money of the BBC’s activities. It was prepared by Mediatique Limited for and only for the BBC Trust, in line with our engagement letter dated 31 January 2013 and for no other purpose. Our sole duty of care is to the BBC Trust. This report represents Mediatique’s view of the relevant BBC operations, and of companies, platforms and markets at the current time. Any opinions, forecasts or estimates herein constitute a judgement as at the date of this document. There can be no assurance that future results or events will be consistent with any such opinions, forecasts or estimates; no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding future performance. The text of the present report was being finalised as the BBC announced (8 October 2013) a number of new initiatives following a review instigated by the incoming Director General. These included the potential launch of a BBC One +1 channel, the extension of the iPlayer catch-up window from 7 to 30 days, the creation of a BBC Store for the purchase of TV programmes and various upgrades to the iPlayer to enhance personalisation. The implications of these initiatives on the BBC’s distribution expenditure have not formed part of the present study. The sources used by Mediatique in the compilation of this report are believed to be accurate but Mediatique takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information derived from third-party sources. Our work has been based primarily on internal management information, which we have not independently verified or corroborated, and on interviews with key BBC staff and, where relevant, staff at other companies and organisations. Mediatique has not undertaken legal, contractual or technical due diligence of any kind (for instance of the technical operations of BBC distribution or of specific contract terms between the BBC and third parties). The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice, its accuracy is not guaranteed, it may be incomplete or condensed, and it may not contain all material information concerning the relevant markets in the UK. The information and opinions expressed in this report have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable but neither Mediatique, nor any of its directors, officers, or employees accepts liability from any loss arising from the use hereof or makes any representations as to its accuracy and completeness. Some information contained in the report is of a commercially sensitive nature, and redactions have been made where necessary (as indicated by []). While we have consented to allow this report to be made public, we have not in so consenting extended our duty of care beyond that to the BBC Trust. The views, analyses and conclusions expressed herein are those of Mediatique and no other party, and should not be construed as representing, in whole or in part, the opinions of the BBC Trust. Mediatique Limited November 2013 Mediatique