Regulatory Bodies: Ofcom - UNIT 14

Ofcom

Ofcom is a regulatory body that covers all programmes from TV to radio. Overall Ofcom is a regulatory body that ensures that every broadcaster is to comply with the code. The broadcasting code have 10 different sections that link together and shows to programme makers who require further advice on this code.

There are 10 different sections to these codes but the ones that I am going to be talking about are:

Section 1: Protecting the under eighteens

When looking into this section, it clearly outlines the rules of scheduling and presenting information in programmes in regard to protecting children under eighteens. This is important to Ofcom because they want to show content above eighteens but will need to do it in a way that will prevent and protect those who are not of age. When looking into detail and seeing how I will have to take this issue to account, I will need to ensure that there is not any content or information that could harm under eighteens.  

Section 2: Harm and offence

When looking into section 2, it shows that the standards need to be high to provide adequate protection for members of the public from harmful material. This is important to Ofcom as they want to protect the audience but show the audience what it can lead to. When looking into my radio programme, I will not be using this section as much. This is because it is a radio programme, not a TV show. 

Section 3: Crime, disorder, hatred and abuse

When looking into this section, it covers materials that is likely to incite crime or disorder. When looking at how it is important to Ofcom, we can see that it is important for them to prohibit the programme from broadcasting this type of materials if there is crime, disorder, hatred and abuse. When looking into my radio programme, we can see that it is not going to occur. However, in my radio show me and the voice actors are going to be talking about this and how it links with social media. This means that I will need to ensure that I follow this section in order for Ofcom to allow me to broadcast my programme. 

Section 4: Religion

This section relates to the respect to the content of religious programmes. This is important for Ofcom as they want to ensure that no audience is offended by any content that disrespects religion. In relating this to my radio programme, it will be unlikely that this will occur, however when planning for my radio programme, I will need to ensure that it will not offend anyone. 

Section 10: Commercial communications on radio

This section relates to the radio broadcast only and is to ensure that the commercial communications is as transparent as possible to ensure that there is a secured consumer protection. This is important for Ofcom as they want to ensure that every consumer is protected. This is going to be important for me to understand as I want every consumer to feel as comfortable as possible when listening to my radio show. 

This is for Unit 14.