ATVOD Is Recruiting for 2 Board Seats

LONDON — U.K.'s video-on-demand regulator ATVOD is recruiting for two non-independent board members — one to fill an existing vacancy and one to fill a vacancy that will arise at the end of 2014.

Currently there are no adult entertainment industry members on the board.

The last and only board member who had adult industry roots was Chris Ratcliff, the programming director for Portland Broadcasting Ltd., operator of the U.K.’s Television X.

But Ratcliff left the eight-member board in September 2013 after serving an 18-month term.

ATVOD is seeking to recruit two board members to replace Daniel Austin of BSkyB, who will step down last month after four-and-a-half years, and Gidon Freeman of NBC Universal, who will leave the board at the end of the year having served since early 2012.

The two appointments will run for an initial term of two to three years.

Non-independent members are asked to offer ATVOD insight into concerns of operators and the wide range of commercial, technological and operating issues as they emerge.

"Critically, they are appointed to give the authority valued industry perspectives, rather than pursue the interests of the individual organizations they work with," an ATVOD recruitment memo states.

The majority of ATVOD's work consists of regulating U.K. websites that host videos to ensure that services containing adult content cannot be accessed by users under 18.

Failure by porn sites to obtain proof that the user is over 18 through a credit card and other similar means before allowing access to adult content is considered by ATVOD to be a breach of the Rule 11.

ATVOD also continues to focus on foreign hardcore sites, particularly tube sites that offer free content.  It also has been advocating to U.K. financial institutions and card companies the possibility of declining to process payments to websites operating outside the E.U., which allow under-18s in the U.K. to view explicit content. 

Successful ATVOD board applicants will normally be required to spend up to two days per month fulfilling these duties. The positions are unremunerated and meetings normally take place in Central London.

Board applicants should submit a letter of application setting out the basis of their interest in the role and evidence of how they meet the competencies, accompanied by a CV by email to Susan Robinson at sr@atvod.co.uk. The closing date for applications is Oct. 31; interviews begin on Nov. 24.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More