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Ofcom consults on TV advertising rules

UK media regulator Ofcom is conducting research to help determine whether there is a need to reform rules that restrict the amount of advertising shown on public service broadcasters ’ TV channels .

All UK broadcasters are subject to restrictions on the quantity and scheduling of advertising on their channels . But under rules introduced over 30 years ago , ITV , STV , Channel 4 , S4C and Channel 5 are subject to tighter advertising restrictions than non-PSB channels .
Ofcom wants to hear from broadcasters , advertising and sales organisations , audiences and consumer groups about whether these stricter rules on the PSBs ’ main TV channels , remain justified .
According to Ofcom , there have been significant changes in how television is distributed and watched since these rules were first introduced three decades ago . Notably , viewers now benefit from a much wider range of non-PSB channels as well as
Ofcom wants to hear from broadcasters , advertising and sales organisations , audiences and consumer groups about whether these stricter rules on the PSBs ’ main TV channels , remain justified .
a host of on-demand television and online streaming services .
Ofcom says it needs to strike the right balance between protecting viewers ’ interests and sustaining traditional broadcasters , which includes helping them compete with global streaming platforms .
As Ofcom set out in its review of public service media – Small Screen : Big Debate – advertising regulation is an important area affecting the financial sustainability of the PSBs . Against this backdrop , it is important to review whether TV advertising rules for public service broadcasters remain effective and proportionate .
Before Ofcom makes any decisions , it says it will carefully consider all responses and supporting evidence , and that includes listening to what TV viewers say .
The deadline for responses to this call for evidence is October 7 th , 2022 .
Later in 2022 , Ofcom will publish responses to this consultation and outline next steps – including whether it intends formally to consult on proposals to change TV advertising rules so they apply equally to all PSB and non-PSB UK TV channels .
Industry veteran Ball to head Airties
As private equity firm
Providence Equity Partners
completed its acquisition of
cloud-based managed Wi-Fi
solutions provider Airties ,
it confirmed that Tony Ball ,
former chairman of Kabel
Deutschland and CEO of
BSkyB , and current senior
advisor of Providence Equity
Partners , would serve as new
chairman of the Airties board .
Philippe Alcaras will continue
as CEO of Airties . The
company also confirmed that
its corporate headquarters is
moving to Paris to support its global expansion plans .
“ We are excited to embark on this new stage in Airties ’ growth , working with Providence as we look to expand our market position and further delight our customers , partners , and
employees ,” declared Alcaras . “ We are also particularly fortunate , and grateful , to have Tony Ball serve as chairman of the board . Tony ’ s established record of leadership within the industry will be invaluable as we seek to accelerate growth globally and serve our worldwide
customers .”
“ Airties is renowned for delivering among the best managed Wi-Fi solutions that enable exceptional end-user experiences to many of the most respected broadband service providers around the world ,” added Ball . “ I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Philippe , and his team , to expand upon that success and explore new business opportunities . Millions of homes rely upon Airties to stay connected , productive , and entertained , and it ’ s exciting to believe we are still in the early stages of market penetration and global adoption .”
8 EUROMEDIA