Broadcasting to children

Ofcom has powers to regulate the content of television programmes with regard to programming for children.  It has powers to regulate the content of television programmes with regard to children.

Example 1-The Protection of Children

OfCom

OfCom has stated that there should be rules on the content of TV programmes transmitted before 9.00pm.  This is set out in OfCom’s Code of Conduct.  An example of such rule is given below:

This is an example from OfCom’s Code for Broadcasters.  It is concerned with the showing of programmes.  This is something that Broadcasters have to pay attention to.

Rule 1.4 Watershed (including trails)

The ‘watershed’ is a well understood concept and audiences are concerned if they believe programme content is ‘pushing the boundaries’ of what is generally accepted close to the watershed. Audience research shows strong support and recognition for the watershed on all television channels. The watershed plays a crucial role for parents and carers with children aged 5 to 8 and trust in pre-watershed programming is essential, particularly leading up to 1930. It is also important that the content of pre watershed trails is appropriate for the time of broadcast.

The above quotation is from Ofcoms guidance to stakeholders
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/broadcast/guidance/section1_2009.pdf