LO1: Regulation of public service radio
Regulation of public service radio
Ofcom regulates what is suitable for the radio and they set the rules that radio companies must comply with. They make sure what is being used on the radio is appropriate and if anyone is concerned or have a complaint about the content they can get in contact with Ofcom.
The Ofcom Broadcasting code goes over the rules for public broadcasting radio.
page 66
Part one: The first section talks about "protecting the under-eighteens" which all broadcasting has to follow to stop inappropriate content for those ages.
Scheduling and content:
1.1- So rule one goes over how any content that could harm the development of children cannot be shown. For example, swearing, bad language, violence or any sexual content. For example public service radio, they can not swear and use inappropriate language until after 9pm.
1.2- The second rule says public service radio and other broadcasters have to follow these rules to do whatever possible to try and protect children.
1.3 ,1.4 ,1.5 ,1.6- Rule three, four, five and six states that broadcasters should schedule their content so children are less likely to be exposed to content that isn't appropriate for them. Anything not suitable for children should only be shown after 9pm which is the watershed. After 9pm, adult content should only ease into the radio and show up later in the schedule (rule 6). School holidays should be taken into account when content is being scheduled. Radios should only use inappropriate content when children would not be listening so the school run time would not be appropriate for adult content. For example, public service radios should only allow swearing and other inappropriate content for after 9pm. If a broadcaster breaks this there are consequences. Ofcom can fine the broadcaster amongst other things.
1.7- The seventh rule states that before 9pm (watershed) when children can listen to the radio or watch TV, the BBC public service radio content and others have to give warnings and concise information about the content that could be uncomfortable or scary to children and the targeted population. For example, on BBC iPlayer, the age rating should be visible with information about the content.
Sexual and other offences involving under-eighteens UK:
1.8- Rule eight is there for broadcasters to stop youth from being identified as a victim, witness, defendant or perpetrator of sexual offence that has been discussed or is in court. They should do this by not giving too much information, describe the offence and any other way.
1.9- Rule nine tells broadcasters that any under-eighteens involved in a pre-trial investigation (witness, victim) for criminal offence should be considered if they are in a vulnerable position before their personal information is broadcasted to the public.
Drug, smoking, solvents and alcohol:
1.10- Rule ten states anything to do with drugs, smoking, solvents and alcohol should be absent in a programme for kids and if it is this must be clearly justified and suitable. For example, on public service radio and radio in general the mention of alcohol, drugs and so on is banned when children would be listening. Drugs, smoking, solvents and alcohol should be avoided and is banned; they shouldn't be glamorised or encouraged either before 9pm (watershed) or when children will be listening in cases of radio (school run is an example).
Violence and dangerous behaviour
1.11- Rule eleven says violence such as foul language shouldn't be shown/heard/used when children can see or hear it before the 9pm watershed.
1.12 and 1.13- Rules twelve and thirteen goes over how violence and should not be shown before watershed or on the radio when kids could be listening in or where they can find it. For public service radios and radios in general, this means any swearing or verbal violence should not be tolerated until 9pm.
Offensive Language
1.14, 1.15, 1.16- Rules fourteen, fifteen and sixteen state that offensive language isn't allowed before watershed (9pm) or when people are listening for radio and shouldn't be used in programmes or content made for children.
Sexual Material
1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20- The BBFC (British board of Film Classification) controls what film and TV content in suitable and for what ages. In this case, it is inappropriate for over 18 content to be on TV at anytime and no mention or images/videos of a sexual nature should be shown or heard on radio or TV. For example, on public service radio they shouldn't be discussing anything with sexual nature especially when kids are listening.
Nudity (rule 1.21) should not be shown before the 9pm watershed
Films and mandatory daytime protection does not relate to PSB
Exorcism, the occult and paranormal
1.27: No mention of exorcisms or paranormal when children are listening on PSB.
Involvement of people under eighteen in programmes should be protected.
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