Cookies Policy

Last updated: 19 September 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 remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include pixels, web beacons and local storage that can store or access information on your device. These files can hold data such as a unique identifier, the pages you viewed, the time spent on the site and technical details about your browser and device. In the United Kingdom they fall under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations together with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

Why the site uses cookies

spotlineko operates a commercial platform that delivers professional media feeds for news and broadcasting. Cookies help keep the service reliable by remembering user choices, securing live sessions and measuring how content is accessed. Without them certain core functions such as maintaining a live video connection or remembering preferred feed settings would not work. The site also uses cookies to understand aggregate usage patterns so that technical performance can be improved for broadcasters and production teams.

Categories of cookies in use

Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies enable basic functions such as page navigation, session security and access to secure areas of the platform. They do not require consent under PECR because they are essential for the service you requested. Disabling them would prevent login, live feed access and form submission.

Functional cookies

Functional cookies remember choices such as video quality settings, preferred camera views and content distribution preferences. They improve usability for returning visitors who manage multiple live signals. These cookies are set only after you have given consent through the site-wide banner.

Analytics and performance cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors interact with the platform, including which feeds are viewed most often and how long users remain on a broadcast page. The data helps identify technical issues in content distribution. Consent is required and can be withdrawn at any time.

Advertising and targeting cookies

Although the site focuses on professional broadcasting rather than consumer advertising, limited targeting cookies may be used to measure interest in specific media services. They are only activated with explicit consent and are never used for personalised consumer ads.

Social-media cookies

If the platform embeds content from third-party social channels for promotional purposes, those providers may set their own cookies. Consent is obtained before any such content is loaded.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by spotlineko and can only be read by our domain. Third-party cookies are set by external providers such as video delivery networks or analytics services that support live signal management. Both types appear on the consent banner and can be managed separately where technically possible.

Session versus persistent cookies and retention periods

Session cookies are deleted automatically when you close the browser and are used for temporary tasks such as maintaining a live video stream. Persistent cookies remain on the device for a defined period. Necessary cookies typically last no longer than the browsing session or up to 24 hours. Functional and analytics cookies may persist for up to 13 months. Advertising-related cookies are limited to 90 days. Exact durations for each provider are listed in the cookie inventory below.

Data handled and purpose of each category

Necessary cookies process identifiers needed to keep you logged in and to secure the connection to our content distribution servers. Functional cookies store settings such as bitrate preferences and region selections. Analytics cookies record page views, video start times and error rates so that feed reliability can be maintained. No category collects names, email addresses or payment details. All data is processed solely for the purposes described and is never sold.

Legal basis and exemptions under UK law

Strictly necessary cookies rely on the strict necessity exemption in PECR. All other categories are deployed only after you provide consent through the cookie banner. Consent is recorded and can be withdrawn without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal. The UK GDPR lawful basis for analytics and functional cookies is consent; for necessary cookies it is legitimate interests balanced against your rights.

Cookie inventory

Session identifier – first-party – necessary – expires at end of session – maintains live feed security
Video quality preference – first-party – functional – 30 days – remembers chosen resolution for broadcasts
Analytics identifier – third-party provider – analytics – 13 months – measures feed viewership
Performance timing – third-party provider – analytics – 90 days – records load times for signal management
Consent record – first-party – necessary – 13 months – stores banner choices

How the consent manager works

The site-wide cookie banner appears on first visit and allows granular selection of categories. You can accept all, reject non-essential cookies or customise choices. A link to reopen the banner is available on every page so that preferences can be changed or withdrawn at any time. Changes take effect immediately and are stored for 13 months unless you clear browser data earlier.

Browser-level controls and consequences

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings. Blocking necessary cookies will stop the platform from delivering live media feeds and may prevent use of the contact form. Blocking analytics cookies will not affect core functionality but will reduce our ability to improve service reliability. Instructions for popular browsers are available from their official help resources.

International transfers

Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Where this occurs appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are in place. Further details appear in the Privacy Policy accessible from the footer.

Policy changes and contact

We review this Cookies Policy regularly and will update it when new cookie types are introduced or legal requirements change. The current version always shows the date at the top of the page. If you have questions about our use of cookies please contact us using the details on the Contacts page or write to [email protected], 70 Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes, MK13 9HG, United Kingdom or call 01908 943330. Company Registration Number: 05401804 | Registered in England and Wales | VAT Number: GB863958274 | Registered Office: 70 Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes, MK13 9HG, United Kingdom