Sky criticises BBC Trust consultation on Project Canvas

BSkyB has written to the BBC Trust expressing “serious concerns” over the consultation process for next-generation TV platform Project Canvas.

The Trust has been conducting a market impact assessment and public value test on Project Canvas since February, intending to see whether the platform is a suitable use of the licence fee.

However, Sky has come out with sharp criticism of the process. Graham McWilliam, Sky group director of corporate affairs, said: “The combination of a wholly unrealistic timeframe for responses along with a failure to seek an independent and comprehensive market impact assessment from Ofcom demonstrates disregard for the principles of good regulation.

“If the Trust continues to pursue its current course of action, it will only serve to undermine further industry confidence in its ability and inclination to act as a genuinely independent regulator of the BBC.”

Five signed up to Project Canvas at the end of July, joining the BBC, ITV and BT in their attempt to bring on-demand viewing to digital TV services Freeview and Freesat.