Ofcom examines prospects for local digital content services

Ofcom has just published research and analysis into the future prospects of digital local content and interactive services as a component of public service broadcasting in the digital era.

The report, Digital Local, assesses the opportunities open to local content providers in the run-up to full digital switchover by 2012. This includes, for the first time, detailed economic modelling to assess the viability and sustainability of varying types of local services. Ofcom's research suggests that local issues continue to matter to people, and that digital local content could deliver a range of benefits in future:

• more relevant local news;
• improved access to local services;
• stronger involvement in community affairs;
• enhanced democratic participation;
• greater capacity for individuals and local organisations to
make and distribute their own content;
• support for local production and training; and
• advertisers' access to local markets.

The report shows that in a digital, broadband environment, traditional linear television services are not the only, or necessarily best, way of delivering video and interactive content to audiences. New and emerging technologies have great potential for providers of local news, entertainment and information content. Broadband, with its powerful interactive and on-demand capabilities, will be particularly important, with several providers, including Homechoice and ITV, already exploring the possibilities.

At present most broadband services are viewed through computers or other web-enabled devices, but the availability across the UK of services delivered via internet protocol to television sets over the next few years offers new opportunities for the future.

The UK is currently in the early stages of a period of experimentation with digital local content services. A wide range of organisations including local and national media groups, community organisations, national broadcasters, local authorities and regional development agencies (RDAs) are exploring the potential for digital technologies to deliver enhanced content services to communities ranging from local
neighbourhoods (a few thousand households) to relatively large metropolitan areas with a population of one million or more.

Ofcom welcomes the innovation and the diversity of approaches currently being explored by the market. It hopes and expects to see experimentation continue, with different services designed to meet the needs of different communities and new entrants adopting new approaches.

Ofcom will take forward its assessment of the prospects and potential role for local content and interactive services in its continuing work on the future of public service broadcasting.

A number of existing local television operators are currently
transmitting under analogue Restricted Service Licences (RSL). Ofcom has decided that these licences should be extended until near digital switchover in their particular area.

The Digital Local report is available from the Ofcom website at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/psb_review/digital_local/

DIGITAL DIVIDEND REVIEW(DDR)

Decisions affecting the release of spectrum afforded by digital
switchover will be addressed by Ofcom in its Digital Dividend Review (DDR). The terms of reference for a major consultancy project within the DDR are also being published today.

The terms of reference for the Digital Dividend Review consultancy work is available from the Ofcom website at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/spectrumawards/ddr_tor/

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