• Subscribe
  • Advertise
    • Media Info
    • Terms & Conditions for Advertisers
    • Mechanical Data

Broadband TV News

Independent. Since 2003

  • Home
  • News Line
    • Central & East Europe
    • People
  • TV
    • On Demand/VOD
    • IPTV
    • Cable
    • Satellite
    • Terrestrial
    • Distribution
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Columns
    • Chris Dziadul
    • Julian Clover
    • Robert Briel
  • Events
    • Events Diary
    • BTN Events
    • Events Coverage
    • Submit the details of your event
  • Features
  • Resources
    • White Papers

UK government seeks to level the playing field between linear and on demand

September 1, 2021 12.35 Europe/London By Julian Clover

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ could be brought under UK governance as part of stricter rules to protect audiences from harmful material.

It says the proposals would mean audiences, particularly children, would receive a consistent level of protection on video-on-demand services as they do on traditional broadcasters. In a consultation it wants to see how the content standards currently applied to the BBC and Sky might be extended to on demand.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We want to give UK audiences peace of mind that however they watch TV in the digital age, the shows they enjoy are held to the same high standards that British broadcasting is world-renowned for.

“It is right that now we have left the EU, we look at introducing proportionate new rules so that UK audiences are protected from harm.”

Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ are not regulated in the UK to the same extent as UK linear TV channels – even though the shows might appear in the same programme guide – such as on Sky Q.

The government says this means there is a gap for existing protections for audiences watching traditional TV and those watching VOD. There are some protections for under-18s but minimal rules exist to regulate content. There are very few rules to protect audiences, for example, from misleading health advice or pseudoscience documentaries.

Some service providers have taken steps to introduce their own standards and procedures for audience protection, such as pin codes and content warnings, but this varies between services, and can be inconsistent.

The consultation will seek views on whether UKI audiences watching ‘TV Like’ VOD should be subject to the sane protections as when watching traditional television. It will also consider whether mainstream VOD services not currently regulated in the UK by Ofcom should be brought within UK jurisdiction to provide accountability to UK audiences who use them.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Editor's Choice, Newsline, TV Edited: 2 September 2021 12:38

About Julian Clover

Julian Clover is a Media and Technology journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He works in online and printed media. Julian is also a voice on local radio. You can talk to Julian on Twitter @julianclover, on Facebook or by email at jclover@broadbandtvnews.com.

Latest News

  • Poland to lose cable subscribers
  • 5G broadcast tests continue in Czech Republic
  • EBU president and VP re-elected
  • Turkey blocks Deutsche Welle and VoA
  • Canal+ Austria added to Apple TV

Watch Video

Amino supporting RDK & Android platforms – ANGA COM Roundup Video

Julian Clover speaks to Amino's Jonny McKee about the company's transition towards standards platforms to support the launch of OTT services. Recorded at ANGA COM in Cologne. … [Watch Now ...]

24i on app development and viewer recommendations – ANGA COM Roundup Video

Julian Clover speaks to 24i's Sales Director Operator Solutions, Lennart Broers, about how apps are becoming more important to pay-TV operators, and the recent acquisition of recommendations company The Filter. … [Watch Now ...]

Free Ebook

eBook: Overcoming the Top 5 Challenges in Server-side IP Ad insertion

IP video is a game-changer for advertising. However, unlike traditional television, IP video is more dynamic, with new devices, formats, content and services to consider. … [Download the eBook...]

Broadband TV News

  • Subscribe
  • About us
  • Contacts
  • Logos & Pictures
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Advertising

  • Media Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Mechanical Data
  • Video Services

News

  • Latest
  • Central & East Europe
  • TV
  • Tech
  • Streaming
  • Cable
  • Satellite
  • Terrestrial
  • IPTV
  • Business
  • People

Events

  • Events Diary
  • BTN Events
  • Submit the details of your event
  • Media Meet & Greet

Broadband TV News

PO Box 499
Cambridge
United Kingdom
CB1 0AH
news@broadbandtvnews.com

Connect with Us

 

Copyright © 2022 Broadband TV News LLP · Log in

 

Loading Comments...