Cookies Policy

Last updated: 05 October 2026.

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember actions and preferences over time. Similar technologies include pixels, beacons and local storage that can store or access information on your device. These files can hold details such as unique identifiers, session data, browser settings and usage patterns. On a professional resource like nowcasted they help maintain consistent access to studio production guidance covering equipment setup, camera operation, lighting, sound waves and live broadcast workflows.

Why the site uses them

nowcasted uses cookies and similar technologies to operate effectively as a commercial website focused on television news and live show production. They enable secure login, remember user selections for workflow tools, measure how content on studio equipment and dynamic camera techniques is accessed, and support essential site functions without creating unnecessary data collection.

Strictly necessary, functional, analytics, advertising and social media categories

Strictly necessary cookies allow core navigation and security features such as maintaining a session while exploring resources on lighting setups or sound wave management. Functional cookies remember preferences like display settings for workflow diagrams. Analytics or performance cookies gather aggregated statistics on how visitors use pages about television production. Advertising or targeting cookies would only appear if personalised promotion of courses were enabled, which is not currently active. Social media categories are not deployed because no embedded sharing tools from external platforms are present.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by nowcasted and relate only to this domain, supporting internal functions such as session continuity for users studying high-quality broadcast workflows. Third-party cookies originate from external service providers that assist with performance measurement or content delivery. Any third-party presence is limited to essential operational partners and disclosed in the table below.

Session versus persistent cookies and retention periods

Session cookies exist only while the browser is open and are deleted automatically when the session ends. Persistent cookies remain after the browser closes and have defined expiry dates ranging from a few days for functional preferences to a maximum of thirteen months for analytics identifiers. Retention is kept to the minimum necessary to fulfil the stated purpose under UK data protection rules.

Data handled and purpose of each category

Necessary cookies process identifiers required for site security and basic navigation. Functional cookies store chosen settings to improve usability of production resource pages. Analytics cookies collect anonymised information about page views, time spent on sections about camera operation or live show coordination, and device type. No personal contact details are processed by these cookies unless voluntarily entered through the contact form on the Contacts page.

Consent or exemption basis under UK law

Strictly necessary cookies operate under the exemption in the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations because they are essential for the service requested. All other categories rely on consent obtained through the site-wide cookie banner in line with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Consent is freely given, specific, informed and easy to withdraw at any time.

Cookie or provider table

The following table summarises active cookies. Names, providers, categories and durations are listed for transparency.

Name: _sessionid, Provider: nowcasted, Category: Strictly necessary, Duration: Session
Name: pref_lang, Provider: nowcasted, Category: Functional, Duration: 30 days
Name: _ga, Provider: Google Analytics, Category: Analytics, Duration: 13 months
Name: _gid, Provider: Google Analytics, Category: Analytics, Duration: 24 hours

How the consent manager works and user choices

The site-wide cookie banner appears on first visit and allows selection of cookie categories. Users may accept all, reject non-essential cookies or customise choices. Preferences are stored for twelve months and can be changed at any time by revisiting the banner controls. Withdrawal of consent does not affect prior lawful processing but stops further collection in the rejected categories.

Browser-level controls and consequences of disabling cookies

Most browsers allow blocking or deletion of cookies through settings menus. Disabling strictly necessary cookies may prevent access to protected areas such as personalised workflow tools. Blocking analytics cookies limits our ability to improve content on studio equipment and production techniques but does not stop core site operation.

International transfers

Some analytics providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses are in place. Further details appear in the Privacy Policy accessible via the site footer.

Policy changes, contact route and last-updated date

This Cookies Policy may be updated to reflect legal or operational changes. The current version date is shown at the top. For questions contact nowcasted using the form on the Contacts page or by email at [email protected]. Postal enquiries may be sent to Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG and telephone contact is available on 01494 671234.