The terrified BBC is calling for legislation to ban the sale of TV sticks, because it loathes the idea of consumers having a free choice of rival services.
Smart TVs traditionally have an electronic programme guide (EPG) that gives BBC One and BBC Two top billing on the list of available channels.
However, the booming sale of TV sticks, which plug into the rear of a non-smart TV and effectively convert it into one, are giving the national broadcaster serious cause for concern, because they allow viewers to bypass the EPG and directly choose the programmes they want to watch. This means that fewer viewers are subliminally flicking to the BBC's dismal offering.
Speaking in response to Ofcom's Public Service Broadcasting Review, Clare Sumner, BBC Director of Policy, called for "for urgent legislation to update the 2003 Communications Act to modernise the regulatory framework to ensure public service broadcasters (PSBs) are prominent and available on all major TV platforms."
The new law would "prevent providers of TV user interfaces (for example, smart TV manufacturers or global tech providers) from releasing products in the UK without complying with these rules."
There could be "financial sanctions" for TV manufacturers which refuse to comply.
"This would ensure original British programming and trusted news is universal, available to all and easily accessible," Sumner said.
South Korean electronics giant Samsung, one of the market leaders in smart TV technology, has voiced opposition to the BBC's idea, saying it "could stifle the ability of TV manufacturers to develop new models and introduce different types of technology to improve the viewer experience."
Stifling the opposition is a damning indictment of the arrogant way the BBC operates. We are reminded of the way the BBC effectively rigged Freeview as a means of guaranteeing the TV licence fee for years to come.
Instead of getting its own house in order, it would rather throw stones at others providing a far superior service.
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