BBC's Freeview marketing attacked as being irresponsible

LONDON – The BBC has been criticised by electronics manufacturers for distorting the market for Freeview boxes by pushing the message that they can be bought for £40.

IT and electronics trade association Intellect has told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that this was making it more difficult to sell more expensive and higher specification Freeview boxes.

"Intellect believes that it is outside the BBC's remit to set price points in the market and the BBC should take a more responsible approach that does not inhibit consumer choice," it said.

Tim Davie, BBC director of marketing, said: "Our research shows that licence fee payers want choice and affordable options."

Despite this criticism, the association has welcomed the BBC's efforts to promote Freeview, especially its support for integrated digital TVs, which include built-in digital boxes.

Freeview marketing efforts are likely to soon receive a boost from ITV and Channel 4, which last month joined the BBC, National Grid Wireless (formerly Crown Castle) and Sky in the Freeview marketing consortium.

Sales of Freeview are see seen as key by the government in the march towards the terrestrial switch-off date in 2012. According to Ofcom's latest figures Freeview now reaches more than 5m households, while digital TV overall reaches 15.7m households.

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