Ofcom launches probe into Chinese state broadcaster over Hong Kong coverage September 23, 2019 Ofcom has launched an investigation into Chinese state broadcaster CGTN over concerns its coverage of protests in Hong Kong broke the regulator’s impartiality rules. Ofcom is understood to be probing four separate news programmes aired on the station in August and early September. Read more: Ofcom gives green light to BBC’s Britbox push CGTN, which [...]
Ofcom gives green light to BBC’s Britbox push September 19, 2019 Regulator Ofcom has given the thumbs up for the BBC’s investment in Britbox – a new streaming service to rival the likes of Netflix. The regulator said that there is no “significant risk” that Britbox, a collaboration with ITV, will distort the market and create an unfair advantage. Read more: Britbox: BBC and ITV reveal [...]
Rural areas ‘left behind’ as government fails to bridge digital divide, MPs warn September 18, 2019 Rural communities are being left behind due to the government’s failure to address gaps in the UK’s mobile and broadband coverage, MPs have warned. A report published today by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee said the digital divide between urban and rural areas was marginalising communities and hindering rural business. Read more: [...]
Sky and Channel 4 sign advertising deal as streaming threat looms large September 17, 2019 Channel 4 has signed a deal to use Sky’s advertising technology as the broadcasters strengthen ties amid growing competition from streaming rivals. The two companies today announced a multi-year deal that will see Channel 4 use Sky’s Adsmart platform to deliver targeted ads on its linear channels. Read more: Ofcom clears Channel 4 News over [...]
Government drops probe into Saudi investments in Evening Standard and Independent September 16, 2019 The government has decided not to pursue a probe into Saudi investments in the Evening Standard and the Independent, despite concerns they could harm freedom of expression. Culture secretary Nicky Morgan today said she will not appeal a court ruling that blocked the government from forcing a full public interest inquiry. Read more: Independent and [...]
Love Island stars describe struggles after show as MPs probe reality TV September 4, 2019 Two former Love Island contestants have told MPs about their struggles in dealing with life in the spotlight after leaving the ITV show. Yewande Biala and Marcel Somerville appeared in front of a parliamentary committee today as part of a government probe into reality TV and broadcasters’ duty of care. Read more: Ofcom sets out [...]
5G fisticuffs: EE files complaint over Three’s ‘real’ network advert August 19, 2019 Mobile operator EE has fired the latest salvo in an escalating clash between telecoms firms, filing a complaint with the advertising watchdog over a campaign promoting Three’s 5G network. EE has raised concerns about newspaper and social media adverts that claimed Three’s network provided the only “real” 5G service. Under advertising rules, a brand must [...]
Broadcasters push for longer ad breaks as streaming competition heats up August 19, 2019 UK broadcasters are consulting with the government on plans to extend TV advert breaks as they look to stave off growing competition from online streaming rivals. Public service broadcasters (PSB) such as ITV and Channel 4 are in talks with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) over proposals that could see the [...]
Three switches on 5G for wireless home broadband August 19, 2019 Mobile network Three today switched on its 5G network, launching its wireless home broadband service to customers across London. Three has become the latest UK operator to launch the new high-speed network, following rollouts by EE and Vodafone. Read more: O2 complains 5G spectrum auction unfairly favours rival Three Three’s launch is focused on its [...]
O2 complains 5G spectrum auction unfairly favours rival Three August 12, 2019 Mobile operator O2 has warned Ofcom that its plans to auction spectrum for the UK’s 5G network unfairly favour rival Three. O2 has urged the regulator to change the conditions of its auction to ensure mobile companies can compete fairly and consumers have access to the highest-quality network. Read more: O2 will launch 5G network [...]