United Kingdom: Office of Communications closes consultation on code of practice for regulated television selection services

On 25 March 2026, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) closes the public consultation on the draft code of practice for regulated television selection services. The draft code aims to guide providers of regulated television selection services in meeting their statutory duties regarding appropriate prominence for designated internet programme services and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Under the proposed measures, providers must ensure that public service broadcasters, such as the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, are given an appropriate degree of prominence within app menus and primary content areas. The recommendations specify that designated apps should be visible without user navigation and appear within the highest nine positions on non-regionalised services. Additionally, the code outlines the accessibility duty, requiring providers to incorporate features that allow users with hearing or sight impairments to access services as effectively as those without disabilities. This includes providing assistance such as subtitling, audio description, and sign language. The code applies to both domestic and international providers offering services to the public in the United Kingdom. Following the recommended actions provides a legal presumption of compliance with the Communications Act 2003.