The Media Act – update on our progress

The Media Act represented the first major update to UK media legislation for 20 years and kicked off a huge programme of work for Ofcom.

It introduced new rules, modernised many of the existing ones, and reflects significant changes in audience habits, with on-demand platforms, streamers, and connected devices now central to how people access and enjoy content.

It will help to deliver benefits for viewers and listeners as well as helping the broadcasting sector to thrive and evolve.

Protecting audiences on more platforms

As video-on-demand (VoD) services have grown in popularity, the Media Act introduced a new framework to make sure audiences are protected from harm wherever they choose to watch. While UK-based on-demand services have been regulated since 2010, the rules that Ofcom enforces cover a narrower range of issues than those in our Broadcasting Code. The Media Act will apply to the largest VoD services in the UK, adapting the Broadcasting Code rules designed for broadcast programming to ensure they are suitable for on-demand services.

What we've done

• In May 2025 we sent a report on the UK market for on-demand programme services to the Government. This will help them to designate the services that the new rules apply to.
• In November 2025, we published a review of audience protection measures such as age ratings and content warnings provided by VoD services, alongside research to understand what audiences think about them.

What's next?

• Today the Government has confirmed that services which havemore than 500,000 average monthly users in the UK will be in scope of the new rules. Following their designation on 1 April, we will consult on a proposed VoD Code.

Ensuring disabled people can access and enjoy content

Audiences have more choice than ever when it comes to content and how to access it. Under the Media Act, we have duties to make sure content is accessible to disabled audiences on newer services, mirroring existing regulations for traditional broadcast services. These access services are vital to many disabled viewers.

What we've done

• In our January 2026 consultation we proposed how providers of connected TVs can improve the experience of disabled people when they are using on-screen menus and finding shows that are accessible to them.

What's next?

• We will publish a consultation on a new Accessibility Code for VoD services, setting out the level of accessible programming they are expected to provide and how they should do so.

Ensuring public service media continues to deliver for audiences

Public service media (PSM) is highly valued in the UK for trusted and accurate news, distinctive storytelling, and programming that brings people together across the country. But the market and audience expectations have changed dramatically over the last two decades. Viewers now have easy access to global services like Netflix and YouTube for vast content libraries and personalised experiences, and to watch content whenever they choose.

At the same time, the public service broadcasters (PSBs) - the BBC, ITV, STV, S4C, Channel 4 and Channel 5 - face rising content costs and declining income from advertising and the TV licence fee.

The Media Act made important changes to ensure PSBs can continue to connect with audiences. It brought in new rules to make them prominent on connected TVs, and updated long-standing regulations to support the PSB system into the future.

What we've done

• In 2025 we updated our rules for PSBs, so they can now use their on-demand players and online services to deliver public service content. This included:
  • updates to how the PSBs can meet programme quotas;
  • updated guidance on commissioning from independent producers; and
  • updated guidance on how the PSBs report on their delivery.
• In October 2025 we finalised guidance for Channel 4 now that it can produce content in-house for the first time.
• In December 2025 we made recommendations on which connected TVs should be in scope of new requirements to make PSB players and their content prominent.
• In January 2026 we launched a consultation on a new code of practice and guidance for how providers of services can comply with the new prominence requirements.
• Also in January 2026 we published updated rules for 'listed events' (certain sporting and other events of national interest).

What's next?

• It is our job to designate the PSB players in scope of the new prominence rules. Following our assessment of applications, we will consult on our decisions.
• We will publish our final code of practice and guidance for providers in scope of the new prominence rules later this year.

Ensuring regulation reflects modern listening habits

Listening habits have also changed dramatically. The Media Act brings voice-activated platforms, such as smart speakers into regulation for the first time. It also made changes to remove outdated rules for commercial radio services, while protecting and strengthening local news.

What we've done

• In October 2025 we published draft recommendations on which voice-activated platforms should be in scope. These followed the principles and methods we developed earlier in the year.
• Today we've published a statement on the new local news requirements that apply to local commercial radio. We will now update and re-issue all relevant licences.

What's next?

• In the spring we will publish our final recommendations on which platforms should be designated under the new regulations for voice-activated platforms.
• We will then consult on a new draft Code of Practice for the designated platforms on how they can comply with their new duties.

2026 Roadmap