Cookies Policy

This Cookies Policy was last updated on 8 October 2026.

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognise your device and store information about your preferences or past actions. Similar technologies include pixels, web beacons and local storage. These tools can record details such as your browser type, operating system, IP address, pages visited and time spent on those pages. They do not contain personal information in themselves but can be linked to other data we hold about you.

Why the site uses them

We use cookies and similar technologies to make the website function correctly, to remember your settings, to measure how visitors use our service and to improve the quality of our media feed operations. Without these technologies many features would not work as intended. We only process the data for the purposes described in this policy and in line with UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to operate. They enable core functions such as page navigation, access to secure areas and the operation of our live signal management tools. We do not require consent for these cookies because they are strictly necessary. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as filling in forms or setting privacy preferences.

Functional cookies

Functional cookies allow us to remember choices you make and to provide enhanced features. For example they may store your preferred language or video quality settings when viewing professional broadcasts. These cookies improve your experience but are not essential. We ask for your consent before setting them.

Analytics and performance cookies

Analytics cookies collect information about how visitors use the site so we can understand traffic sources and popular content. This helps us maintain reliable high-quality feeds for news programmes. Data is aggregated and cannot identify individuals. We rely on consent for these cookies under PECR. You can withdraw consent at any time through our consent manager.

Advertising and targeting cookies

These cookies track browsing habits to deliver relevant advertisements about our content distribution services. They may be set by us or by third-party advertising networks. Consent is required before these cookies are placed. If you refuse consent you will still see general advertising but it will not be personalised to your interests.

Social media cookies

Social media cookies are placed by platforms we may integrate with for sharing broadcast content. They allow you to share pages or log in using social accounts. These are third-party cookies and require your consent. We do not control the subsequent use of data by those platforms.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set by our own domain and can only be read by us. Third-party cookies are set by other organisations whose services we use, such as analytics providers or content delivery networks. We carefully select third parties and ensure they meet UK data protection standards.

Session versus persistent cookies

Session cookies last only while your browser is open and are deleted when you close it. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. Typical durations range from a few days for functional settings to up to two years for analytics identifiers, depending on the provider.

Data handled and purpose of each category

Strictly necessary cookies handle login tokens and security identifiers to keep sessions secure. Functional cookies store display preferences and video player settings. Analytics cookies record page views and session duration for performance monitoring. Advertising cookies capture interest categories derived from visited pages. All processing is limited to what is needed for the stated purpose.

Consent or exemption basis for each category

Strictly necessary cookies rely on the strict necessity exemption and do not require consent. All other categories are placed only after you have given clear affirmative consent through our cookie banner. You may change your choices at any time. Consent records are stored for audit purposes in line with UK GDPR accountability requirements.

Cookie or provider information

Our consent manager lists every active cookie together with its provider, category, purpose and expiry. Examples include our own session identifier lasting until browser close, an analytics identifier from our performance partner expiring after thirteen months, and a functional preference cookie lasting six months. Full details are available inside the consent manager interface.

How the consent manager works

When you first visit the site a banner appears asking you to accept or reject non-essential cookies. You can also access detailed settings to choose categories individually. Rejecting cookies will not affect core site functions. You can reopen the manager from the footer at any time to review or withdraw consent. Changes take effect immediately.

Browser-level controls

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings menu. If you disable all cookies some parts of the site, such as the contact form or video player controls, may stop working properly. Blocking third-party cookies is usually sufficient to limit advertising tracking while preserving essential features.

International transfers

Some of our service providers are located outside the United Kingdom. Where personal data is transferred we use appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses approved by the UK Government. A full explanation appears in our separate Privacy Policy.

Policy changes and contact

We review this policy regularly and will update it when our practices or legal requirements change. The current version always appears on this page. If you have questions about cookies or wish to exercise your rights please contact us using the details on our Contacts page or write to [email protected]. Our postal address is 6 Union Court, 20-22 Union Road, London, SW4 6JP, United Kingdom and our telephone number is +44 1483 234344.

Further information

This policy forms part of our commitment to transparency under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy which explains how we handle all personal data collected through the site. We keep records of consent and processing activities to demonstrate compliance.

Additional practical guidance

Visitors in the United Kingdom have the right to object to processing based on legitimate interests and to request deletion of data where consent has been withdrawn. Our consent manager provides an easy route to manage cookie preferences without needing to contact us directly. Regular review of your browser settings is recommended to maintain control over stored data.

Retention and deletion practices

We retain cookie data only for as long as necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. Analytics data is aggregated and anonymised after twelve months. Functional preference data is deleted when you clear your browser cache or when the cookie expires. You can request earlier deletion by contacting us through the methods listed above.