Consultation: Ofcom Releases Proposed Guidance For On-Demand Services Relating To European Works
By Emmanuel Oluebube, Senior Correspondent UK
Ofcom is consulting on proposed new guidance to help on-demand programme service (ODPS) providers to comply with their ‘European works’ obligations.
The regulator’s proposed guidance reflects the requirements of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2018 and its implementation by the UK Government following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Under the regulatory framework – specifically ODPS rule 15 – on-demand providers must ensure that each year, at least 30 per cent of programmes included in their services are European works, according to Ofcom.
Ofcom’s proposed guidance is designed to help ODPS providers understand and comply with these new requirements, in particular:
- the definition of European works;
- calculation of the new 30 per cent quota; and
- the applicable exemptions from these requirements.
The guidance also sets out the regulator’s proposed approach in securing providers’ compliance. This includes issuing requests, beginning next year, for information and data on how the requirements are being met.
“We are inviting feedback on our proposals from ODPS providers and other interested parties by 5pm on 22 March. Subject to responses, we plan to issue our final guidance this summer,” Ofcom said.
