Ofcom rules and regulations require that any reconstructions be fair and accurate, and clearly labelled to avoid misleading viewers. Secret filming must follow detailed guidelines, including informing appropriate parties if it risks causing distress. Programming content is regulated based on audience and potential to harm or offend, with impartiality required for political/controversial topics. Commercial references in programming are also restricted.

1. Ofcom Rules and Regulations
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Hayley McCarthy.

2.  Reconstructions
 Any reconstructions made have to be fair and
accurate. If there may be any risk involved that
viewers may be misled , then reconstructions
should be labelled as such to avoid confusion of
others.
 If at any circumstance there is a risk of causing
distress by reconstructing actual
events, appropriate parties must be informed.

3. Scheduling and content information
 Concerns about children’s viewing vary amongst parents
and carers. Most, however, agree that children under 10 are
the most vulnerable and so in need of protection. A key
period, however, for parental concern about media
consumption in general is when children are aged between
10 and 14. These general concerns should be taken into
account when applying Rules 1.1 – 1.7 in this Section.
Viewers and listeners make a distinction between channels
which appeal to a wide-ranging audience, including
children, and those that attract a smaller, niche
audience, unlikely to appeal to children. Although
broadcasters of these niche channels still carry a
responsibility towards a potential child audience, the
majority of homes do not contain children and viewers and
listeners have a right to expect a range of subject matter

4. Secret Filming
Any individual must not normally be filmed or
recorded secretly for inclusion in a programme
unless approved by the broadcaster in advance.
Any-one helping make the programme must set out
in writing their justification for convert filming/
recording. It must go with the 8.13 code. Before any
secret filming is undertaken, there are very detail
guidelines you must follow.

5.  Guidance
 This guidance is provided to assist broadcasters in
interpreting and applying the Broadcasting Code. Research
which is relevant to this section of the Code is indicated
below. Every complaint or case will be dealt with on a case
by case basis according to the individual facts of the case.
We draw broadcasters’ attention to the legislative
background of the Broadcasting Code which explains that:
“Broadcasters are reminded of the legislative background
that has informed the rules, of the principles that apply to
each section, the meanings given by Ofcom and of the
guidance issued by Ofcom, all of which may be relevant in
interpreting and applying the Code. No rule should be read
in isolation but within the context of the whole Code
including the headings, cross references and other linking
text.”

6. The Data Protection Act 1998
 The information on this form will be used by
Ofcom for the purposes of carrying out its
functions in relation to the consideration
and, where appropriate, adjudication of fairness
and privacy complaints. On receiving your
complaint, Ofcom will forward a copy of the
complaint form and any accompanying
information to the relevant broadcaster.

7. Criminality
 Programmes relating involving or generally about
criminality require a special care and are also
likely to be legally contentious.

8.  Impartiality
Programmes which are dealing with matters of political/
industrial controversy or any matter relating to current
public policy should be duly impartial.
Potentially Offensive material.
Material with any potential to harm or cause offence for
instance: strong language, volience, sexual
violence, explicit sexual portrayal etc, must always be
justifiable by the content.
The commissioning editor, on the advice of the
programme lawyer, will ensure that an on-air warning is
given to viewers at the appropriate time and explain
what context is meant.

9. Commercial References
Programmes should not give out any undue prominence
to commercial products or services. Product placement
is prohibited.
Where programmes may contain for the to enter
competitions premium rate telephone line for viewers to
call, seek advice from the programme lawyer.
Sponsored programmes must not under any
circumstances contain references to the sponsor, its
activities or products or services.
Advertisement or clips from advertisements used during
programmes will be required to have strong editorial
justification.