Cookies Policy

Last updated: 4 October 2026

This Cookies Policy explains how newsspherx uses cookies and similar technologies on our website. We operate in the United Kingdom and provide specialised training in live production decks, control rooms, multi-camera switching, live broadcasting techniques, real-time video operation and professional management of television and streaming productions. Our practices comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

What cookies and similar technologies are

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They can store information such as your preferences, browsing behaviour or login status. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels and local storage. These tools allow websites to recognise returning visitors, remember choices and measure performance. On our site they may record details about course enquiries, video playback preferences or navigation through training modules without identifying you personally unless you provide contact information through our forms.

Why the site uses them

We use cookies to ensure the website functions correctly, to improve your experience when exploring our specialised courses, to understand how visitors interact with content about control-room operations and to deliver relevant information. Without these technologies many features would not work, such as remembering your progress through course descriptions or maintaining a secure session while you complete a contact form. We do not use them for invasive profiling.

Categories of cookies we use

Strictly necessary cookies enable core functions such as page loading, form submission and basic security. Functional cookies remember your selections such as language or display preferences for training materials. Analytics or performance cookies collect aggregated information on how users navigate pages about multi-camera techniques. Advertising or targeting cookies are not used on this site. Social-media cookies may appear if third-party sharing buttons are present, but our site does not embed active social plugins.

First-party versus third-party cookies

First-party cookies are set directly by newsspherx and relate to our domain. They handle essential tasks such as session management for visitors reviewing course outlines. Third-party cookies come from external providers that support analytics or content delivery. We limit third-party use to reputable services that comply with UK data-protection standards and only where necessary for website operation.

Session versus persistent cookies

Session cookies exist only while your browser is open and are deleted when you close it. They support temporary functions such as keeping a contact-form draft active. Persistent cookies remain on your device for a defined period or until you delete them. Our analytics cookies typically last up to twenty-four months, while functional cookies may last up to twelve months, allowing us to recognise returning visitors interested in live-broadcasting training without requiring repeated data entry.

Data handled and purpose of each category

Strictly necessary cookies process device identifiers and session tokens to maintain security and enable form completion. Functional cookies store user preferences such as video-quality settings for course previews. Analytics cookies record page views, time spent on sections about real-time video operation and referral sources in aggregated form. No category collects names, addresses or payment details unless you voluntarily submit them via the contact form on our Contacts page.

Consent or exemption basis for each category

Under PECR and UK GDPR, strictly necessary cookies operate without consent because they are essential for the service you request. All other categories require your consent, which we obtain through our site-wide cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time. We keep records of consent choices in line with accountability obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018.

Cookie table

The following summarises the main cookies currently in use. Necessary cookies include session identifiers provided by our hosting platform, category necessary, duration session. Functional cookies include preference storage, category functional, duration twelve months. Analytics cookies include measurement identifiers from our analytics provider, category performance, duration twenty-four months. Full provider names and exact durations appear in the consent manager interface.

How the consent manager works

Our cookie banner appears on first visit and allows you to accept all, reject non-essential or manage preferences by category. You can reopen the manager through a link in the footer at any time to change or withdraw choices. Changes take effect immediately and previous consents are overwritten. We do not link consent records to personal data beyond what is necessary for compliance.

Browser-level controls

Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through settings. Disabling necessary cookies may prevent the contact form from working or stop pages from loading correctly. Blocking analytics cookies will reduce our ability to improve content about television production techniques but will not stop the site functioning. Instructions for popular browsers are available on their support sites; the practical effect is usually limited to loss of convenience features.

International transfers

Some analytics providers may process data outside the United Kingdom. Where this occurs we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses approved under UK GDPR. Further details appear in our Privacy Policy, which you can access via the footer link.

Policy changes and contact

We may update this Cookies Policy to reflect changes in technology or law. The date at the top indicates the latest version. If you have questions about our use of cookies please use the contact form on our Contacts page or email [email protected]. You may also write to Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LG or telephone 01494 671234. We aim to respond within one month.