So scarce, in fact, that this year we’ve seen a phased reduction of broadcast Red Button services, as part of our Delivering Quality First strategy.” Why? “Because it relies entirely on broadcast technologies, Red Button competes with other channels for spectrum, writes Daniel Danker, General Manager, Programmes & On-Demand at the BBC. Whilst it has already transcended its TV roots by landing on Virgin Media, it inherently has limitations as things stand. Now, the BBC is looking to bring the Red Button well and truly into the modern digital era. Today, the Red Button gets you alternative broadcasts, say, during sporting events, or text-based information on the day’s biggest sports or news stories.

But what about the BBC Red Button?įirst introduced in 1999 as BBC Text, the Red Button constitutes part of the BBC’s digital TV offering, replacing its analogue Ceefax service.

When discussing the BBC’s digital services, iPlayer and its website will likely feature highly in the conversation agenda.

Bbc red button stream