Broadcasting Code

Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code sets standards for television and radio shows which broadcasters have to follow.

We were required by law to draw up the code – which came into force in May 2005 – and it also deals with issues such as sponsorship, fairness and privacy.

Today we’re re-publishing the Broadcasting Code to include amendments and changes that have been made since its original publication.

It was initially drawn up to replace the codes that Ofcom had inherited from its predecessors – including the Broadcasting Standards Commission and the Independent Television Commission.
Digital TV
At the same time it also took into account the dramatic changes that had affected TV and radio.

The UK was no longer a country with just four or five TV stations and the majority of homes now had access to many more digital TV and radio channels.

It was drawn up following extensive research amongst viewers, listeners and broadcasters – and we received more than 900 responses to our public consultation.

The code not only sets out the rules in a clear and simple way, but also ensures that broadcasters are not hampered by unnecessary intervention.
Watershed
For example, broadcasters can transmit challenging material – even if some people consider it offensive - provided it is editorially justified and the audience is given appropriate information.

On the other hand, the code has strict rules on what can be screened on TV before the 9pm watershed when children could be watching.

Other parts of the code set out rules for religious programmes, or ensure that TV and radio shows don’t encourage crime or incite disorder.

Whenever viewers and listeners complain about a programme they have seen or heard, we assess it against the code.
Broadcast Bulletin
If we find a programme has broken those rules, then it will be found in breach of that code.

Several times a month we publish a Broadcast Bulletin which includes our latest complaints adjudications.