Ofcom to assess impact of digital TV on watershed regulations

An Ofcom report has highlighted potential ways in which the advent of digital TV could be undermining the watershed.

Ofcom will be carrying out a review to assess the potential impact of digital TV on the watershed and other existing models of broadcast regulation.

According to a 2011 survey from the regulator, 77 per cent of people in the UK believe the 21:00 timing of the watershed - the period in the TV schedule during which adult-oriented content can air - is currently about right.

However, the advent of digital TV, on-demand options and audiovisual services beyond traditional linear broadcasts is changing viewing habits in a way that could render the watershed irrelevant.

Ofcom is therefore seeking to carry out studies to assess the impact of this change in order to see what action needs to be taken, if any.

The regulator said it will be "conducting audience research to explore attitudes and expectations in a world where content can be accessed in such a broad range of ways".

According to a recent study from Starcom MediaVest Group, the recent London 2012 Olympics have created a significant change in viewing habits, with many people across the country exploring digital services and multi-screen viewing for the first time during the Games.