Ofcom published a draft Code on Electronic Programme Guides on 15 January 2004, setting out its proposals for giving effect to the requirements under section 310 of the Communications Act 2003 and for securing fair and effective competition in accordance with section 317. A significant number of bodies and individuals responded to the consultation, and we considered all the comments carefully before finalising the Code at Annex 1.
Ofcom's response to those comments is summarised in Annex 2. We have also supplemented the regulatory impact assessment in the light of additional and updated information, and this is set out in Annex 3.
The Code sets out requirements on EPG providers to provide information for viewers with hearing and / or visual impairments on how to use the EPG, and to promote awareness amongst such viewers of the information and facilities available on the EPG relevant to them. EPG providers are expected to work with disability groups, broadcasters and set top box manufacturers on ways of improving the usability of their EPGs by viewers with hearing and / or visual impairments over time, and to this end, to publish annual statements of what they are doing, and what plans they have for further improvements.
The Code also requires EPG providers to devise arrangements for giving appropriate prominence to public service broadcasters that are objectively justifiable, and to publish them. They are also required to publish and comply with an objectively justifiable method of allocating listings for other channels, as part of broader obligations to deal with channels listed on their EPGs in a fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory way.