This report is the first one in fulfilling our new duty under the DEA and provides an assessment of the availability and discoverability of PSB and local TV content. It considers the range of TV platforms and devices that are available, how people watch TV, and how PSB content is discovered – including through channels, video on-demand players (such as BBC iPlayer or All 4) and through individual pieces of content available on-demand, for instance through recommendations or ‘top picks’.
In 2017, Ipsos MORI was commissioned to undertake qualitative research to explore the public’s views of the BBC, and their views on the BBC’s public purposes, with a particular focus on distinctiveness.
Under the Communications Act 2003, certain television broadcasters licensed by Ofcom are required to provide a proportion of their programming with access services (subtitling, signing and audio description).
Our media use and attitudes research explores people's perceptions and behaviours around TV broadcasting, including their devices and their viewing habits.
Our annual Made outside of London TV programming report sets out the titles of programmes that the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 certified were ‘Made outside London’ (MOL) productions broadcast during the previous year.
One of Ofcom's important responsibilities is to set standards for offensive language in TV and radio content. Our research aims to assess how perceptions of this language differs based on context, and by different demographic groups.
In carrying out its duties Ofcom seeks to ensure that sexual material is editorially justified, appropriately scheduled and, where necessary, access is restricted to adults.
We have researched the frequency of disruption experienced by viewers across all platforms, as well as the type of disruption experienced by DTT viewers (using rooftop aerials).
Ofcom commissioned consumer research into UK adults’ consumption of the the London 2012 Olympic Games on different media and devices, and their reasons for using specific devices.
In accordance with our duty to protect young people, we have conducted research into the effects TV broadcasting can have on children, such as privacy considerations and quality of content.
The Public Service Broadcasting annual report provides information about how the television public service broadcasters are performing in terms of delivering public service programmes.
In 2008, Ofcom commissioned Holden Pearmain to conduct a programme of qualitative research among broadcasters and other key stakeholders with an interest in training in the broadcasting industry (PDF, 88.9 KB).
The aim of this 2006 Programme Information Research was to provide evidence of consumer needs and preferences, and to inform Ofcom’s thinking in this area so as to give guidance to stakeholders.
These documents are intended to help consumers make better informed decisions, especially those who are thinking about changing provider or purchasing a new service. We also believe that publication of provider-specific complaint volumes incentivises providers to improve their performance.
