ofcom broadcast code workshop

Ofcom Broadcast Code Compliance Workshop

Timetable 11.00 Ofcom Code overview and key areas of importance

13.00 LUNCH

14.00 Systems, structures and rules for compliance

16.00 END

Media Trust

About Media Trust

At Media Trust we believe in the power of media to change

lives. We work with the Media industry to empower charities and

communities to have a voice and be heard. This is achieved by:

• Helping access audiences

• Harnessing creative industry talent

• Providing communications skills and resources

Open coursesRegular training sessions on marketing, digital, PR and media relations led by industry professionals

Bespoke trainingTailor-made training designed specifically for your organisation

Consultancy121 expert advice and professional support for all charity communications issues

Productions Award winning films for charities

Services

The UK’s only channel for charities, communities and causes watched by 1m people each month

Each year we premier 500 new programmes with 1,500 new charity and community films

You can: - Submit films for broadcast - Sponsor a season, strand or event- Pay for a guaranteed regular programme slot for your series or film- Buy advertising airtime

Broadcasting on Sky, Virgin, Freesat and Freeview with VOD via BBC iPlayer, YouTube and BT Vision.

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Community Channel

Media matchingFree 121 support and advice from a media industry volunteer sign up on or website for an online match

Community newswire Distribute your press releases for free by joining community newswire service

Call us on 0207 871 5600 Email: [email protected]

http://local360network.mediatrust.org

www.dosomethingbrilliant.co.uk

Do #SomethingBrilliant amplifies the great

work that charities, communities and

individuals are doing around UK and, by

telling their engaging and entertaining

stories, inspire us all to do the ‘little’

brilliant things that make a big difference.

Sign up!

Thank you for tweeting@media_trust@community_media@Local360Net

Community Radio – the Success Story

Community Media AssociationBill Best, Operations Manager

About the CMA• The UK representative body for the

community-based broadcasters• Community radio, local/community TV,

Internet broadcasters, community film makers• Committed to promoting access to the media

for people and communities to achieve lasting positive social change

History of the CMA• Enable people to establish and develop

community based communications media for empowerment, cultural expression, information and entertainment

• CMA represents community media to Government, industry and regulatory bodies such as Ofcom

The CMA & Community Radio • Communications Act 2003: the Third Tier of broadcasting• 90% community engagement, radio 10%• More than 260 licensed stations across UK• Some work within and as part of deprived communities• Remit to evidence social gain and community benefit:

– Training– Volunteering and employment– Democratic engagement, people’s voice

Community Radio Reach• Community radio is in and part of the

community:- Media is the hook- Local knowledge and contacts- Community hubs- Run by and for audiences that traditional

advertising does not reach

Who We Are• Trusted media source: local, flexible• Community languages• Intercultural and inter-generational dialogue• Bringing different communities together• Recognising common issues• Promoting local arts, events, people, news

Some Statistics• More than 260 licensed stations, soon 300• Potential audience of more than 24 million• 10-15% population can listen• Internet audience bigger than local BBC

stations• 2.5 million volunteer hours a year• 20,000 hours of original output• Speech content averages 50%

Friends in high places!“The framework for community radio was set up in 2004 by the last Government. In my view, it has been an astounding success. Community radio is run by not-for-profit organisations that provide a social gain to the communities they serve. It provides original, distinctive and—crucially—local output, and relies on a huge amount of effort and support, with stations receiving an average of around 214 volunteering hours every week. They are supported by the Community Media Association, which does a fantastic job of representing the sector and providing information and advice to stations and prospective start-ups. Community radio has shown that it can deliver wider social objectives, connect communities together, and give a real focus for local engagement”. Ed Vaizey, House of Commons debates, 28th February 2014

The Future• Migration (digital switchover is the

government term)• Opportunities for “small” radio:

– FM frequency review– Low cost DAB– Networked commercial stations– Hyperlocal collaborations – bloggers, community

reporters, community media projects, arts

Contact• [email protected]

• http://www.commedia.org.uk

• Canstream Internet Radio & Videohttp://www.canstream.co.uk/

• http://twitter.com/community_media

• http://facebook.com/Community Media Association

• Telephone: 0114 279 5219

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.commedia.org.uk/

http://www.canstream.co.uk/

http://twitter.com/community_media

http://facebook.com/Community%20Media%20Association

Ofcom Broadcast CodeCompliance Workshop

Lawrie Hallett

Lawrie Hallett.

• Senior Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire in Luton

• Teaching Radio and Broadcast Journalism (BA / MA levels)

• Trustee of Future Projects in Norwich

• Formerly in the radio team at Ofcom

• Worked for CMA in Sheffield

• Presenter…

The Ofcom Broadcasting Code:

The Ofcom Broadcasting Code:

"A racehorse won the Grand National a few years ago called “Comply or Die”.

Whilst broadcast regulations are not so exciting, Ofcom licence holders cannot afford to overlook their broadcast compliance processes.

The best case scenario is appearing in the Broadcast Bulletin as ‘found in breach’. The worst case, is full sanction, a massive fine and the broadcast licence revoked".

[Helena Bowden-Brewer – RedBerry Media]

Ofcom: The Ofcom Broadcasting Code

• Latest Version – 21st March 2013

• Developed over many years, dates back to pre-Ofcom regulators

• “Dynamic” & legally enforceable

• Covers both radio and television

• A “post – transmission” code

• Formal investigation processes

• Appeals process available(sometimes)….

Ofcom: The Ofcom Broadcasting Code:

Ofcom is required under the Communications Act 2003 (as amended) (“the Act”) and the Broadcasting Act 1996 (as amended) (“the 1996 Act”) to draw up a code for television and radio, covering standards in programmes, sponsorship, product placement in television programmes, fairness and privacy. This Code is to be known as the Ofcom Broadcasting Code (“the Code”).

Broadcasters are reminded of the legislative background that has informed the rules, of the principles that apply to each section, the meanings given by Ofcom and of the guidance issued by Ofcom, all of which may be relevant in interpreting and applying the Code. No rule should be read in isolation but within the context of the whole Code including the headings, cross-references and other linking text.


Participation Session One:

• In groups of five come up with a list of things which you think the Ofcom Broadcasting Code might cover and a list of things that you think it doesn’t cover.

• Try to think of reasons why these things might be covered or not.

• You have about ten minutes to do this.


Sections:

1. Protecting the Under 18s2. Harm & Offence3. Crime4. Religion5. Due Impartiality, Accuracy etc.6. Elections and Referendums7. Fairness8. Privacy9. Commercial References (TV)10. Commercial Communications (Radio)• PLUS: Various Appendices• PLUS: The Cross-Promotion Code


Key Sections for community radio

1. Section 1: Protecting the Under 18s

2. Section 2: Harm & Offence

3. Section 6: Elections and Referendums

4. Section 10: Commercial Communications


Participation Session Two:

• In new groups of five, come up with examples of issues that you think might cause problems under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

• These can be examples you have read about, or examples based on your own experience.

• You have about ten minutes to do this.


Section 1: Protecting Under 18s – Key Points

“To ensure that people under eighteen are protected”

SCHEDULING: “Radio broadcasters must have particular regard to times when children are particularly likely to be listening”.

Children are people under the age of 15 years.

Offensive Language – timing & context is important


Section 2: Harm and Offence – Key Points

“To ensure that Generally Accepted Standards are applied … to provide adequate protection for members of the public…”

Factual programmes – must not “materially mislead”

Context – The service involved / time involved / composition of audience

Broadcast competitions (& voting)– must be fair and rules must be clear


Section 6: Elections and Referendums – Key Points

“To ensure that … special impartiality requirements … are applied…”

• Special Rules – Apply during the “election period”

• Candidates CANNOT be broadcasters

• Due impartiality – must be strictly maintained

• Equal Access – right to be involved in programmes


Section 10 : Commercial Communications – Key Points

“To ensure the transparency of commercial communication as a means to secure consumer protection”

Commercial output – must be clearly signposted as such

Spot Advertsing – must be separate from programming

News – commercial arrangements NOT permitted

Music – no PAYOLA!

Premium Rate Lines – must be clearly explained.

Outcomes: Ofcom Broadcast Code Compliance Workshop

Discussion & Questions…


Lunch…


Afternoon Session – Systems and Structures



Participation Session Three:

• In new groups of five, list what systems you have come across designed to help ensure compliance with the Ofcom Code. Make a note of which element (or elements) of the code they are meant to address.

• These can be examples you have read about, or examples based on your own experience.

• You have about fifteen minutes to do this.



Discussion of Approaches



• Rules and Regulations ?

• Volunteer Contracts – like staff contracts?

• Training – mandatory?

• Mentoring / buddy systems?

• Pre-records?

• Hierarchy – “referring upwards”

• Membership Schemes (and membership fees!)



Participation Session Four:

• In new groups of five, come up with examples of what you might want to change at your station in order to make it more resilient against potential Ofcom Code violations.

• Try to prioritise real issues which you have either heard of or experienced

• You have about fifteen minutes to do this.

Top tips from today

• If you’re not sure ask! If you’re not sure don’t!

• Systems are essential, but no system is fool-proof!

• There’s no “watershed” on radio.

The Next Steps

Thank you

Top tips from today

The Next Steps

Thank you

ofcom broadcast code workshop

Government & Nonprofit