Advanced Television

Ofcom

Research: BBC programme-making should be riskier

The BBC should take more risks when producing new programmes if it is to reconnect with viewers and listeners on lower incomes, according to new audience research from UK broadcast regulator Ofcom. In recent years, Ofcom’s research has shown that people in lower socio-economic groups – who account for almost a quarter of the UK […]

November 30, 2023By Colin Mann

Vorboss sets new gender parity standards

Vorboss, the dedicated fibre network for London businesses, is joining Ofcom’s pledge; committing to improve representation for women in the telecoms sector. Women have been historically under-represented in the tech industry, and particularly in telecoms. Vorboss is proudly transforming the sector with the highest rate of women in engineering and field roles: over a third […]

November 23, 2023

Ofcom sets out online safety plans

Tech firms must use a range of measures to protect their users from illegal content online – from child sexual abuse material and grooming to fraud – under detailed plans set out by the new online safety regulator. Ofcom is exercising its new powers to release draft Codes of Practice that social media, gaming, pornography, search and […]

November 9, 2023By Colin Mann

UK announces C4 production protections

The UK’s TV production industry will benefit from a package of new safeguards as the government proceeds with reforms – including via the Media Bill introduced in Parliament on November 8th – to support Channel 4’s long-term sustainability. Earlier in 2023, the government committed to giving Channel 4 the ability via the Media Bill to […]

November 8, 2023

Ofcom sets out 5G spectrum auction method

UK comms regulator Ofcom has set out the design of the auction for awarding licences for millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum. In September 2023, Ofcom confirmed that it will open the 26 GHz and 40 GHz spectrum bands to mobile technology, including 5G services. According to Ofcom, as well as improving mobile services – particularly capacity […]

November 8, 2023By Colin Mann

Study: ‘More enlightened’ TV portrayals of sex welcomed

Viewers feel that the portrayal of sex and sexual relationships in programmes has improved and modernised, according to Ofcom’s latest study into audience attitudes towards sex and violence on television. Participants in the research generally consider that the level of sexual content on TV has remained high but steady in recent years. But many viewers […]

October 31, 2023By Colin Mann

Research: UK prefers Whatsapp to phone calls

While mobile phone calls are still a popular way to keep in touch with friends and family, most adults would rather go without them for a day than forgo their favourite messaging apps if they had to choose between them, according to research published by Ofcom. Online communication services like WhatsApp and Snapchat have become […]

October 25, 2023

Ofcom updates on GB News cases

An investigation by UK broadcast regulator Ofcom has concluded that a programme presented by Martin Daubney (standing in for Laurence Fox), which aired on GB News on June 16th, breached due impartiality rules. Separately, Ofcom has published its assessment of an episode of Lee Anderson’s Real World which aired on September 29th, featuring an interview […]

October 23, 2023By Colin Mann

Ofcom: BT, Virgin draw most pay-TV complaints in Q2

Media regulator Ofcom has published its latest complaints figures for broadband, landline, mobile and paid-TV services, covering the period from April to June 2023. Vodafone is the most complained about broadband provider, with 24 complaints per 100,000 customers, mainly driven by experience with faults, service and getting services connected. This is an increase compared with […]

October 19, 2023

Ofcom considers Rivada application for NGSO licence

Ofcom is proposing to grant an Earth Station Network Licence to Rivada, a satellite communication service, for its non-geostationary orbiting (NGSO) satellite system. Ofcom has received an application from Rivada to allow it to deploy user terminals, which are the dishes and antennas used by customers to connect to a satellite network. These can be […]

October 19, 2023