Ofcom Compliance
Compliance Guidance for UK Broadcasters – Nichol Media
Hey there, if you’re involved in UK broadcasting, Nichol Media is here to help you out. We know the broadcasting rules can feel complicated, but we’re ready to give you clear advice on how to keep things compliant with all the regulations.
Remember, it’s up to the broadcaster to stick to the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. But don’t worry, we’re here to back up production teams, editors, and legal staff to help everyone grasp the rules and apply them during the content creation process.
If you’re making a programme and need more help, start by chatting with the editorial lead for your show. After that, reach out to your broadcaster’s compliance or legal team. And don’t forget, Nichol Media is working alongside them to make sure you’re following best practices every step of the way.
Key Sections of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code:
Broadcasters must comply with various sections of the Code, which are legally enforceable and designed to protect the public interest:
Section One: Protecting the Under-Eighteens: Ensures appropriate scheduling and content to safeguard children and young people under the age of 18 from unsuitable material.
Section Two: Harm and Offence: Sets standards to prevent the broadcast of harmful or offensive content, ensuring adequate protection for all audiences.
Section Three: Crime: Prohibits material that could incite crime, encourage criminal behaviour, or lead to public disorder.
Section Four: Religion: Outlines the responsibilities of broadcasters in ensuring fairness, sensitivity, and respect in religious programming.
Section Five: Due Impartiality, Due Accuracy, and Undue Prominence: Ensures that news and factual programming are reported accurately and impartially, without giving undue prominence to any particular view or opinion.
Section Six: Elections and Referendums: Covers strict impartiality requirements during election and referendum periods, ensuring fair and balanced coverage.
Section Seven: Fairness: Protects individuals and organisations from unjust or unfair treatment within programmes.
Section Eight: Privacy: Safeguards the privacy of individuals during the production and broadcast of content, including how material is obtained.
Section Nine: Commercial References in Television Programming: Maintains the editorial independence of broadcasters by clearly distinguishing between programming and advertising content.
Section Ten: Commercial Communications in Radio Programming: Applies specifically to radio, ensuring that commercial communications are transparent and protect consumer interests.
Supporting Responsible Broadcasting
Nichol Media’s compliance consultancy helps your teams stay ahead of regulatory obligations, reduce legal risk, and maintain editorial integrity. Whether you’re working on news, entertainment, religion, or commercial content, we provide the guidance you need to meet both regulatory and ethical standards in UK broadcasting.
Contact us to learn how we can support your production or broadcast team
