Ofcom Regulation

Which media does Ofcom handle complaints about?

Ofcom as a regulation body cover many areas of the media, these areas are;

Television and radio: Ofcom licenses all UK commercial television and radio services in the UK.

Telephone and broadband: Ofcom regulates the UK telecoms sector, defining and enforcing the conditions by which all mobile and fixed-line phone and broadband companies must abide.

Spectrum licensing ad protection: Ofcom is responsible for the management, regulation, assignment and licensing of the electromagnetic spectrum in the UK

Postal services: In October 2010 the UK Government announced plans for Ofcom to inherit the functions of Postcom as part of a wider set of public service austerity measures

Consultations: Ofcom makes extensive use of consultations with industry and the public to help it make decisions based upon the evidence presented.

What aspects of a programme broadcast on commercial radio and TV can consider?

The aspects that Ofcom can consider about TV and commercial radio are a wide variety. This can range from the content of the programme or commercial radio broadcast. It includes harmful or offensive material and unfair treatment or infringement of privacy.

What issues can it consider relating to programmes broadcast by the BBC?



What issues can it consider relating to sponsorship?

Companies can have their products represented on TV shows, this is known as sponsorship. However is a TV show uses the product without permission then Ofcom will step in as they regulate this issue.

An example of this is in TV shows its very apparent that the logo of the product is on full view, if there is no sponsorship to be seen the item would not have a logo on it or any feature to suggest it being a specific brand.

What sanctions can impose on media institutions?

Ofcom can:
Direct a broadcaster not to repeat a advertisement or a television show
Direct a broadcaster to publish a correction or judgement
They can also fine a broadcasteer or revoke a license it can even shorten one this excludes bbc, channel 4 or S4C

What is not within its remit?