Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards has told the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics that the current system of broadcast regulation is one linked to the era of analogue spectrum constraints.
In written evidence published following his appearance before Lord Leveson’s committee on Wednesday, Richards said the system has developed effectively to accommodate the development of multichannel television.
“Whilst we expect viewing of live multichannel television to remain very popular over the next decade, viewing of content will increasing take place in the future through a number of new platforms and services, live, streamed and on demand, at home and on the move.” Richards said the speed of change around technology, service and product development is increasing, adding that with the number of different devices being used for reception of video services, it may become more difficult for consumers to understand which audiovisual services are regulated under which regulatory regimes.
Ofcom is currently considering the potential shape of the future of broadcast and audio-visual regulation. Currently Ofcom has effectively sub-contracted the responsibility for VOD regulation to ATVOD and questions have to be asked as to whether the regulator might look to bring this back in house should the proportion of on demand viewing continue to increase.
However, Ofcom remains a ‘backstop’ regulator and must approve any guidance issued by ATVOD. So far Ofcom has not imposed a sanction on an on demand provider, but is currently considering a number of appeals from ATVOD.
