UK MPs want a new button on every smart TV sold in the UK
Key Points
- MPs want a public service button on every UK smart TV remote
- Netflix and Amazon already pay for their own remote buttons
- The committee wants Media Act prominence rules in force quickly
- MPs also want YouTube to give UK broadcasters prominence
- Freeview could switch off in 2034 or 2044
MPs want every smart TV sold in the UK to come with a remote button for public service broadcasters such as the BBC.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee recommended the change in its BBC Royal Charter review report, published on Thursday (1 October).
It called on the government to legislate for a remote control shortcut that takes viewers straight to public service media on a smart TV’s home screen.
Netflix and Amazon currently pay smart TV platforms to put buttons for their services on remote controls.
Smart TV owners currently have to navigate the on-screen interface to find BBC iPlayer.
David Abraham, founder and CEO of Wonderhood Studios, told the committee that watching TV in 2026 had become far more confusing than it was 30 years ago. He said a public service button on the remote would definitely help.
The Media Act 2024 already requires smart TVs and other connected devices to give prominence to public service broadcasters’ apps, and Ofcom is implementing those rules.
The committee said the government must fully implement the regime as soon as possible.
It warned that the BBC cannot presume viewers will easily find its content on a smart TV, particularly once the UK switches off Freeview.
The government is consulting on switching off digital terrestrial TV in either 2034 or 2044, which would move all viewing onto internet-delivered TV.
Ofcom figures show the BBC accounted for 19% of all in-home video viewing in 2024, ahead of YouTube on 14% and ITV on 12%.
YouTube was the most-watched service among viewers aged 16 to 34 and children aged 4 to 15.
The committee also wants the government to keep pressing YouTube to give UK public service broadcasters prominence on its platform. It said legislation should remain an option if the two sides cannot reach a deal.
