BBC slammed for Microsoft lock-in

The Open Source Consortium (OSC) has slammed the BBC over plans to lock online TV viewers into Microsoft products. 

The accusations come after the BBC announced that its new on-demand services will be limited to Microsoft Windows.

A report from the BBC Trust said that services will be unavailable to consumers who do not use Microsoft software or have an up-to-date version of Windows.

But the OSC believes this is anti-competitive, and would be in breach of the broadcaster's charter by using public funds to develop and promote the service.

OSC chief executive Iain Roberts said: "Our members are competing hard in a fast-moving market and winning new customers every day.

"Seeing their licence fee going to advertise one of their largest competitors is not acceptable, especially from the BBC which has a duty to be unbiased. We want the BBC to reject any moves that restrict consumer choice."

The BBC already has an agreement with Real over use of its RealPlayer software for radio broadcasting, and the announcement of a tie in with Microsoft will be a boost to the company's visibility, as the BBC is investing heavily in online TV for its worldwide audience.

• BBC on-demand TV gets go-ahead

See also:

BBC and YouTube discuss content deal

Auntie in 'advanced discussions' with YouTube owner Google  24 Jan 2007

Open Source Consortium sends Becta back to school

Government's schools IT quango must try harder to offer open source software  17 Jan 2007

BBC launches video podcasts

12-month trial for downloadable video reports  27 Jul 2006

BBC embraces on-demand world

New strategy vital to keep young audience  27 Apr 2006

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!