Ofcom has published a consultation on its proposals to update the quota framework for public service broadcasters (PSBs).

As the consultation explains, the existing quota framework was designed for an age of linear TV. However, the changes contained in the recently-enacted Media Act 2024 mean that PSBs can now use their on-demand programme services to meet their quota obligations.

As a result, Ofcom is consulting on a number of changes that will bring the PSB quota framework up-to-date and reflect the recent legislative changes:

1. Calculating the quotas

Currently, quotas are set as a proportion of the total relevant output on a linear television service. However, in light of the changes which allow PSBs to use on-demand programme services to deliver their obligations, Ofcom proposes converting the current quotas into absolute numbers in order to provide regulatory certainty. What this will mean is that the new quota will be calculated by multiplying the average of the past five years of each broadcaster’s total qualifying hours and spend by the existing proportional quota level.

2. Original Productions

Under Ofcom’s proposals, PSBs will be allowed to count linear repeats towards meeting their original production quotas. However, on-demand ‘catalogue’ and catch-up programming will not be counted. As such, online releases which have already had a linear broadcast cannot count towards the quota, but those that originate online can. The consultation also includes proposals for the original production quotas for the various PSBs, as well as draft guidance on what constitutes an original production.

3. Regional productions

Reginal productions are those that are made in the UK outside the M25 area. Again, Ofcom’s consultation includes draft guidance on what programmes can count towards the regional production quota, as well as proposed quotas for each PSB. The consultation also proposes that, unlike original productions, only the initial release of a qualifying programme  – whether on a linear or on-demand service – should count towards meeting the regional production quota. According to Ofcom, this helps “to secure a supply of new productions made in the nations and regions of the UK, reflecting the country back to itself, as well as continued investment across a range of production centres”.

4. Independent Productions

Finally, the consultation outlines the quota levels for independent productions as set by the Secretary of State in Schedule 1 to the draft Broadcasting (Independent Productions) Regulations 2025 SI.

The consultation closes on 10 July 2025, and can be read in full here.