Why we're consulting again on BBC Three

Today we launch a public consultation on our provisional decision on proposed changes to BBC Three, BBC One, BBC iPlayer and CBBC. We began our assessment back in January when we asked the public and stakeholders what they thought about the proposals from BBC management. While the proposals were for a package of changes, the one that most people knew about (and cared about) was the proposed closure of BBC Three as a broadcast channel and its relaunch online.

For the first time in its history the BBC was proposing to close a television service and it attracted a lot of attention. Over 23,000 people responded to our first consultation, and 300,000 people signed a petition protesting about the closure.

We took this into account when we published our provisional conclusions in June, and the feedback from January’s consultation has helped us to highlight concerns we share and come up with conditions to help reduce the impact of such a large change.

The move online could save £30m a year in a difficult financial climate and allow the BBC to develop new ways to serve younger hard-to-reach viewers. Those aged 16-34 have a high level of internet access and are more likely than any other group to use online video services. So we can see potential in moving online. But we had some concerns about the short-term impact of the change, particularly on those without a reliable internet connection. We were also concerned that the closure of the broadcast channel would make it harder for the BBC to try out new ideas and we know from the feedback we received that others felt the same way.

Our provisional decision to approve the proposal has some conditions designed to address these issues. The conditions mean that all BBC Three programmes half an hour or longer would still be shown on television (on either BBC One or BBC Two) after premiering online. We have also asked BBC management for a clear commitment to make programmes for younger audience and for slots on broadcast TV where risks are taken with new talent and ideas.

On the other proposals, we decided that BBC One +1 offered little benefit to the public and would have an adverse impact on commercial channels. The service would not be available to everyone from launch and around 24% of households would need to upgrade their equipment to receive it. Also BBC One +1 would not be able to show ‘opt out’ programmes for the nations and regions, and this weakened its value to audiences.

We’re in favour of the proposals to allow BBC iPlayer to premiere some television programmes and include selected third party content (although we have asked BBC management to create clear and objective criteria for choosing partners) and we can see value in extending the hours of CBBC and believe it will expand choice for younger viewers.

So what happens next? The provisional decision we have reached was shaped by feedback from the public, discussions with stakeholders and our own extensive research. But the process still has some way to go and we’d like to know what you think. Do you agree with the decision we have reached so far? Have we identified the right issues? Are our conditions appropriate? Is there anything we have overlooked?

The Trust has not made up its mind and won’t reach a final decision until the autumn. Your views will play a part in that and we would really like to hear them.