Ofcom has introduced a new requirement and supplementary guidance to help ensure that the BBC communicates more openly and consistently with its competitors about planned changes to its public services.

The new, enforceable requirement applies to any planned changes to the BBC’s public service activities that are likely to be subject to a “materiality assessment” under the operating framework. It will ensure that the BBC’s competitors are informed about such plans in advance, so that they have fair opportunity to comment during the process.

Ofcom has also introduced additional guidance setting out its expectations on how the BBC should communicate and engage with stakeholders in relation to the changes. This includes measures to ensure greater transparency and consistency in its dialogue with them. To access Ofcom’s full Statement, click here.