Wired Article: Ratcliff Discusses U.K. Porn Climate

LONDON — Chris Ratcliff, managing director of Portland Broadcasting Ltd., told Wired U.K. in an interview that blocking content that fail age checks could be the boost the dwindling U.K. online adult industry needs.

Ratcliff, in the article published today, targets tube sites and notes that the existence of them is a big reason why business in Britain is down.

"They are the scourge of the industry," said Ratcliff, whose company operates U.K.’s Television X and other adult entertainment properties. "I don't know why anyone would be looking to try to protect them. The majority of that traffic is going to the tube sites, a limited handful of companies with questionable working practices."

Ratcliff said that the reason why the U.K. is cracking down on online adult companies with mandatory filtering and new regulations proposed by video-on-demand czar ATVOD is because the greater adult industry failed to self-regulate.

"We failed to adopt a common sense approach; we've failed to protect the rights of adults to view adult material," he said. "Why are we so determined to show that content to children? It's not for children, children can't pay for it."

Ratcliff told Wired that he wants his peers to adopt the same tack as the gambling industry, which at one time was near death.

"It has rechristened itself as a gaming sector, and is thriving in a way that was not possible before, now it's legitimate and can advertise itself. This is what we need to do with the adult industry. We need to transform ourselves so we have a more palatable and marketable commercial product."

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

Cherry Kiss, Derek Kage Cap AEBN's Top Stars for 4th Quarter of 2024

AEBN has revealed its most popular performers in gay and straight theaters for the fourth quarter of 2024.

A Golden Night in Hollywood: 2025 XMAs Shine on Adult Entertainment's Best

To paraphrase the unofficial U.S. Postal Service motto: Neither rain nor cold nor the chaos of natural disasters can stop members of the adult entertainment community from the completion of their appointed duty every January: to honor the artistic and commercial achievements of their peers.

What Changes in DC Could Mean for the Adult Industry

On November 5, 2024, American voters were called to the polls. The results of that election revealed an unquestionably uncomfortable truth for everyone, regardless of party or ideology: the “united” part of United States does not appear to be holding strong.

Byborg Acquires Gamma Entertainment

Luxembourg-based Byborg Enterprises SA has acquired 100% of Canadian adult conglomerate Gamma Entertainment.

Adult Creative Debuts 'Pornful' Website Management Platform

Web design and marketing firm Adult Creative has launched its new Pornful website management platform.

Mia Mi, Megan Murkovski & Mr. Lucky Star in Latest From Immoral

Mia Mi, Megan Murkovski and Mr. Lucky make their Immoral Productions debuts in a new trilogy alongside studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

2025 XMA Winners Announced

Winners of the 2025 XMAs were revealed Sunday night during a ceremony hosted by Vanna Bardot and Ryan Reid at the world-famous Hollywood Palladium.

X3 Expo Day 2 Looks at the Industry's Past, and Ahead to Its Future

A gorgeous day in LA saw a massive procession making its way along Sunset Blvd., as hundreds of excited fans headed to the historic Hollywood Palladium for a rendezvous with the galaxy of A-list adult stars awaiting them on Day 2 of the 2025 X3 Expo.

X3 Expo Pops Off With All-Star Lineup

A wave of excited fans cascaded down Sunset Blvd., cresting and breaking with anticipation as they flowed into the historic Hollywood Palladium, where the A-list echelon of the adult world stood ready to greet them, pose with them, chat them up, and showcase the latest in spicy entertainment, as the 2025 X3 Expo popped off.

XBIZ Honors Uplifts Spirits Amid Challenging Times for LA and the Adult Industry

"A bunch of misfit toys." That’s how MojoHost founder Brad Mitchell described himself and his industry peers at the 2025 XBIZ Honors ceremony at Hollywood’s Kimpton Everly Hotel. Everyone cheered in agreement. Frankly, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Show More