(cc) by-sa Benjamin Thompson/flickr

Open access to online TV viewing just got a supporter from the strangest source: Disney. Why do I say the strangest source? Well, Disney are famous for their keen (read: 'obsessive') protection of their brand and product - some even blame the cuddly corporation for the continuous extension of copyright time periods (which mysteriously always manage to keep Mickey Mouse just inside the protected schedule). They've also got a strong incentive to divide and conquer - keeping their brand at the centre of the user experience, rather than co-operating and working with other providers.

The article from C21 does make clear that CEO Bob Iger is being fairly specific, arguing against forcing viewers to have a cable subscription before they can view video content online. Much like UK viewers all being able to watch the BBC iPlayer whether or not they have a TV Licence (though this may well change - stay tuned for more on that), Iger is arguing that online is a 'new place', not simply an extension of traditional cable TV. He's certainly not arguing for international barriers to be torn down as many would advocate, or for content to be available for free.

(cc) by-sa fhisa/flickr

Michael Grade (in his capacity as executive chairman of ITV) has called for better signposting for online TV. According to Broadcast viewers don't understand what they're getting themselves in for online, as they do with the clear watershed on linear TV.

I'm pleased to see him talking about content identification - and a viewer's trust in the broadcasters to make these calls - as part of the content provider's value. We too often set up false competitions between broadcasters trying to be cutting edge, and the boring editorial policy department telling them they can't be. Far from it, the reason to have editorial policy is so that we can identify boundaries, and when we need to alert viewers to difficult content, precisely so that brave decisions can be made, and content that is too shocking for children can be produced in the knowledge that adults will be able to choose to watch it.