Consultation: Tier 1 Standards Code

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Cymraeg

TV, radio and on-demand Video on-demand Media Act Implementation Consultations and statements

Published: 14 May 2026

Consultation closes: 7 August 2026

Status: Open

Part 4 of the Media Act 2024 amends the regulation for on-demand programme services (“ODPS”) under Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 by creating a new regime for services called “Tier 1 Services”.

These will be the most watched video on-demand services that meet a threshold of viewership set by Government and will also include ODPS used by public service broadcasters to deliver their public service remit. These services will be regulated in a way that is much closer to our regulation of linear television broadcasting and will be subject to a new Tier 1 Standards Code and a new Tier 1 Accessibility Code.

In this consultation we set out our proposals for the Tier 1 Standards Code. This includes rules on: protecting the under-eighteens; harm and offence; crime, disorder, hatred and abuse; religion; due impartiality and due accuracy; elections and referendums; and fairness and privacy. We are also asking for views to inform our thinking as we consider procedures for investigating possible breaches of the Tier 1 Standards Code.

Please submit responses to this consultation using the consultation response form no later than 5pm on 7 August 2026.

Ofcom is also consulting on its proposals for the Tier 1 Accessibility Code.

Main documents

Consultation Tier 1 Standards Code • PDF • 714 KB • 14 May 2026

Annex 2 - Draft Tier 1 Standards Code • PDF • 762.76 KB • 14 May 2026

How to respond

Address

Content Standards and Enforcement Team
Ofcom
Riverside House
2A Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA

Email: vod@ofcom.org.uk

Related content

Consultation: Tier 1 Accessibility Code

This consultation explains how we have developed the Tier 1 Accessibility Code and invites views on our proposed approach.

Statement: Guidance for ODPS providers on obligations relating to European works

We have published our statement on how on-demand programme service providers should comply with new requirements with respect to European works.

Future regulation of on-demand programme services

From 1 January 2016, Ofcom will be sole regulator (other than in relation to advertising) for on-demand programme services (“ODPS”) under Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 (the “Act”).

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