BBC Trust Delays Ruling on Project Canvas

LONDON: The BBC Trust has delayed its final decision on whether to approve Project Canvas, the joint-venture catch-up TV service from BBC, ITV and BT, citing a "significant gap" in information provided.

It had originally intended to make its final decision on whether the joint venture could go ahead by July 24. The Trust is now asking the project partners for more extensive information on areas such as the choice of technical standards, the way the BBC will work with industry bodies, control of the electronic program guide, governance arrangements and how editorial controls will be used.

The BBC Trust said it would publish a new timeline for the completion of its consultation after the corporation’s management has provided the information required.

In a joint statement, Project Canvas’s partners said they are hoping for a "timely conclusion" to the consultation. "We welcome the BBC Trust’s statement and the opportunity to publish more information and we are keen to support a timely conclusion of the BBC Trust’s consultation process."