New Ofcom Broadcasting Code

Revised rules for TV and radio published by regulator

Ofcom today launched its revised 2009 Broadcasting Code which sets updated rules for TV and radio broadcasts.  The revised Code is effective from 16 December.

Revisions include clarification of audience competitions, voting and the broadcast of sexual material.  The new Code also incorporates the provisions of the European Audio Visual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, which must be implemented by 19 December 2009.

Ofcom also published new internal procedures for the handling of standards and licence-related cases, fairness and privacy complaints, and statutory sanctions in broadcasting.

The full Code can be found here and the new internal procedures here.