The Open Source Consortium (OSC) has slammed the BBC after the news site announced that it plans to lock online TV viewers to Microsoft Windows. The BBC already has an agreement with Real over use of its RealPlayer software for radio broadcasting. The announcement of a tie in with Microsoft will be a boost to the company's visibility as the company is heavily investing in online TV for its worldwide audience. 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."
News source: vnunet.com
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