Ofcom has a number of duties in relation to online audiovisual content. It regulates on-demand programme services (ODPS) that are notified and based in the UK, to ensure that providers apply the relevant standards. Ofcom also has a duty to advise the Government on the need for protection of consumers and citizens in their consumption of audiovisual services, and in particular the need to protect children.
Ofcom seeks to understand people’s use of, and attitudes towards, notified ODPS in the broader context of all on-demand and online audiovisual services in the UK.
Ofcom commissioned Kantar Media to conduct a series of qualitative workshop groups and in-depth interviews with members of the public to help explore viewers’ behaviour and attitudes towards accessing on-demand services using different TV platforms and service providers.
In these reports we examine the use of on-demand and online audiovisual services in the UK. Our research provides detailed evidence about users’ perceptions of content standards in audiovisual content and their concerns about those standards.
On-demand and online research: consumption and concerns Feb 2016
On demand and online research data table 2015 Dec 2015
Beyond Broadcast consumer research Jul 2015
Adults media use and attitudes report 2015 May 2015
Attitudes to online and on-demand content - 2014 report Apr 2015
On-demand services: understanding consumer choices (PDF, 1.7 MB) Oct 2012
This 2014 research by Kantar Media examines audience views of protections for audio-visual (AV) content delivered across different platforms and connected devices.
In 2012, we commissioned Ipsos MORI to research the ways audience protection is affected by a ‘converged world’, in which traditional broadcast television programming will be available alongside content delivered through the internet on the same screen.
Industry Perspectives on the Future of Commercial Communications on TV and TV-like services is an independent report by Jon Gisby, commissioned by Ofcom and published August 2013.
This 2013 report, carried out by Turner Hopkins, considers the value of user-generated content to the UK, the opportunities it presents and the resulting implications for policymakers, including Ofcom as the UK's communications regulator.
Prior to the launch of BBC iPlayer in 2007, Ofcom worked with the BBC to explore their proposals for providing an on-demand content platform.
BBC iPlayer Market Impact Assessment: Consumer Survey 2006
Assessing Indirect Impacts of the EC Proposals for Video Regulation Sep 2006
Information seminar: Market Impact Assessment of the BBC’s new on-demand proposals Sep 2006
Market Impact Assessment: new on-demand proposals Sep 2006
BBC new on-demand proposals - Market Impact Assessment Sep 2006
BBC new on-demand proposals - MIA Stakeholder Questionnaire (PDF, 54.3 KB) Sep 2006
The BBC’s new on-demand proposals (PDF, 2.2 MB) Sep 2006
BBC new on-demand proposals MIA - Terms of Reference (PDF, 42.7 KB) Sep 2006
BBC new on-demand proposals - Market Impact Assessment (PDF, 2.2 MB) Jan 2006
