Ofcom regulates television, radio, video on demand and telecommunications in the UK, accepting complaints about content. They have a detailed code of practice that helps determine what is regulated. Most importantly for film planning, Ofcom enforces the watershed at 9pm, requiring content before then to be suitable for families. The Advertising Standards Authority also regulates television advertisements and sponsored shows. While not directly relevant unless pursuing product placement, trailers would still need to follow advertising rules.

1. Regulators
There are many more organisations that contribute towards regulating what’s being shown
on the TV. Ofcom regulate the TV, radio and video ‘on demand’, fixed line telecoms, mobiles
and postal services. This organisation accepts complaints for anything mentioned above.
They have a detailed code of practise, to which the follow in order to help them contribute
towards deciding what is being regulated. The most important point about them when in
relation to my film planning is the watershed on broadcast television – programmes before
9pm are pressured to be suitable for a family audience. They also have rules about
advertising, product placement and specific issues such as gambling or programming aimed
towards children however, they are not very relevant to my work. The advertising standards
authority regulates advertisements, including advertising on television and shows that carry
commercial sponsorship. I don’t think the ASA would be relevant to my main production
unless I went down the route of product placement to raise money, but even then, it is
allowed. I would have to pay attention to the rules about advertising for my trailer – I would
personally ensure my trailer was a reasonable certificate it allow it to be shown on many
platforms.