Ofcom

In this entry I will discuss how Ofcom protect children in their broadcasting code. Ofcom (Office of communications) is the regulator for the UK communications industries with responsiblilites across radio, television, telecommunications and wireless communicactions services.

Some of Ofcom's key duties include:

• To ensure that a wide range of electronic communications services - including high speed data services - is available throughout the UK


• To ensure a wide range of TV and radio services of high quality and wide appeal


• To apply adequate protection for audiences against offensive or harmful material


• To apply adequate protection for audiences against unfairness or the infringement of privacy

It is worth noting that Ofcom do not regulate the BBC, they have their own code which can be found on their website - here.

Section 1 of the Ofcom broadcasting code covers their rules on protecting under eighteens. Some key rules they make are:

1.1 Material that might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of people under eighteen must not be broadcast.

1.3 Children must also be protected by appropriate scheduling from material that is unsuitable for them.

Material Ofcom are trying to protect children from are:

• The coverage of sexual and other offences in the UK involving under eighteens.
• The use of Drugs, smoking, solvent abuse and alcohol.
• Violence and dangerous behaviour.
• Offensive language.
• Sex and nudity.
• Exorcism, the occult and the paranormal.

Ofcom's methods of protecting under eighteens:

The television watershed imposed by Ofcom is 21:00. Material unsuitable for children should not be broadcast before 21:00 or after 05.30. For premium television services this watershed is 20:00. For pay per view services there is no watershed but users will be asked to provide some security details to ensure no minors are viewing.

There is no watershed for radio broadcasting, but broadcasters are asked not to schedule anything that may be found inappropriate when children may be listening.

For any material that is to be shown before the watershed that may cause distress to children, a warning must be broadcast prior to the programme being broadcast.

Ofcom recently criticised an episode of 'Casualty' after an episode showed graphic scenes of bomb victims. Some viewers complained the episode had left their children frightened. Ofcom despite not responsible for regulating BBC broadcasts stated the episode was "Unsuitable for children".

Ofcom recently published details of significant restrictions intended to limit children's exposure to television advertising of food and drink products high in fat, salt and sugar. Ofcom CEO Ed Richards gives a statement to the media:

Relevant links:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk

http://www.bbc.co.uk

http://www.youtube.com