Ofcom has announced “new strengthened protections” for people taking part in television and radio programmes.
It comes following a “steady rise” in complaints about the welfare of guests.
The safeguards come following consultation with broadcasters, programme-makers, healthcare professionals, and former programme participants and their representatives.
“People taking part in TV and radio programmes deserve to be properly looked after,” said Adam Baxter, Ofcom’s Director of Standards and Audience Protection.
“Our new protections set a clear standard of care for broadcasters to meet – striking a careful balance between broadcasters’ creative freedom and the welfare of the people they feature.”
Broadcasters are now required as part of the Broadcasting Code to take due care over the welfare of people who might be at risk of significant harm as a result of taking part in a programme.
This is aimed at protecting vulnerable people and those not used to being in the public eye. This is particularly the case when a programme is likely to attract a high level of media, or social media interest; if it features conflict of emotionally-challenging situations; or it requires a person to disclose life-changing or private aspects of their lives.
The measures do not apply if the subject matter is “trivial” or the person’s participation is minor. Nor do they apply if the broadcaster is acting in the public interest, such as news and current affairs.
Ofcom is also strengthening its offence rule under Section Two of the Broadcasting Code.
The ‘Generally Accepted Standards’ rule states that material which may cause offence to viewers and listeners must be justified by the context.
Treatment of people who appear to be put at risk of significant harm as a result of taking part in a programme is now included as an explicit example of material that may cause offence to audiences.
The new measures will apply to programmes that begin production on or after Monday 5 April 2021.
