Christopher Wollard, group director of Ofcom, has written to ATVOD:
Two years ago, Ofcom designated ATVOD (the Authority for Television on Demand) as co-regulator of editorial content included in on-demand programme services (‘ODPS’).
Paragraph 13 of the Designation says that: The Designation shall be subject to a formal review by Ofcom at the expiry of two years from the date of this Designation taking effect [i.e. 18 March 2012].
We propose to take the opportunity of the formal review of the Designation to take a broader look at how co-regulation is working.
To this end, the terms of the review, which have been agreed by Ofcom’s Content Board, are to:
- (a) assess whether Ofcom’s tests for co-regulation are still being met, and that ATVOD remains an appropriate regulatory authority
- (b) consider how ATVOD is discharging the designated functions and whether it is meeting the obligations and conditions
- (c) identify any issues arising from the co-regulation of ODPS that would merit further consideration
- (d) consider whether to continue the designation, and if so, whether there are any aspects of the designation that may require amendment
Ofcom are keen to hear from stakeholders, particularly VOD providers. Contributions are invited up until 21st May 2012.
Ofcom expect to announce the results of the review in summer 2012.
