MPs say streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video should be obliged to provide viewing data on British-made shows to UK broadcasters and Ofcom. The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS), has said that UK broadcasters have a right to know how shows that they commissioned are performing on streaming platforms. The comments […]
Following a public consultation, Ofcom has approved a request from Bauer Radio Limited to change the Format of one of its Greater London licences, which broadcasts as Absolute Radio on 105.8FM. A station’s Format describes the type of programmes it is required to provide under its licence. This includes a description of the ‘character’ of the service. […]
Sky has announced the launch of‘Sky Connect, a new entrant in the UK B2B telecoms market focused on partnering with small businesses to provide them with a better broadband experience. Sky’s entrance to the business broadband market follows its success in residential broadband. With over 6 million customers, Sky Broadband is the second largest residential […]
Ofcom has published its statement on the Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (WFTMR) that sets out how Ofcom will regulate telecom fixed access services for the five years from April 1st. The statement sets out how the media regulator will stimulate next generation Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband investment across the UK. Dame Melanie […]
Virgin Media, like BT, has responded positively to Ofcom’s Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (WFTMR). Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media, commented: “This is a resounding sign of support and longer-term clarity from Ofcom for those rolling up their sleeves to build the nation’s next-generation digital infrastructure. As Britain looks towards bouncing back, it’s vital […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom has announced the outcome of the principal stage of its auction to release more airwaves to improve mobile services and support 5G. A total of 200 MHz of spectrum was available to bid for in the auction, split across two bands: 80 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band. These airwaves […]
Mobile operators will begin bidding in the UK’s next spectrum auction from Friday March 12th, comms regulator Ofcom has confirmed. A total of 200 MHz of spectrum is being released through the auction, which will help improve existing mobile services and also support the continued rollout of 5G across the UK. After a pause in […]
Clare Sumner, Director of Policy at the BBC, has called for a radical reappraisal of the role the Corporation plays in shaping the wider broadcast market to inform the debate about its future. Delivering a keynote speech – The evolving role of the BBC – to the Westminster Media Forum policy conference on ‘The future […]
On February 4th, UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom revoked the transmission licence of China’s CGTN news channel alleging that it had not held a lawful licence. February 11th saw the Chinese retaliate. A statement from China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) said BBC World News’ reporting on China had “seriously violated” regulations, including that news […]
UK broadcast regulator Ofcom has imposed fines totalling £50,000 (€57,000) on Khalsa Television Limited (KTV) for serious breaches of its broadcasting rules. KTV broadcasts a range of cultural, religious and educational programmes to the UK’s Sikh community. Ofcom’s first investigation found that KTV aired a music video on three separate occasions, which indirectly encouraged Sikhs […]