Regulatory bodies

 Regulatory Bodies

OFCOM is the office of communication. They regulate TV and Radio. They make sure that people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile service and also make sure that people enjoy what they watch on tv and what they listen to on the radio. One of their rules is that all communication providers should make sure that a customer’s concerns are taken seriously and be dealt with in the right way. 

Section 1 is protecting the under eighteens. This section states that the content for this media product must be appropriate to people under the age of 18. This includes the scheduling of the radio show as it is important that it is set at the time that this audience are able to access the show. For this radio show, we have scheduled the program to be at 6pm, which is a reasonable time as a lot of people under 18 are not working and would most likely be at home. 

Section 2 is harm and offence. This section states that any radio or tv show should provide content which doesn't harm of offend any audience member. This includes having any form of information that shouldn't mislead the audience. For our radio show, we would need to make sure that we state that the show is fictional at the beginning of the programme. 

Section 3 is crime, disorder, hatred and abuse. This section states that no content should glorify any form of criminal activity. This section covers material that is likely to incite crime or disorder. This includes content which directly or indirectly amounts to a call to criminal action. It also includes content which promotes or glorifies engagement to any criminal activities which can lead to a negative effect to a lot of people. For our radio show, we must ensure that we do not glorify any form of violence in the situation that is covered in the storyline. 

Section 4 is religion. This section states that radio and tv shows should not disrespect any religion. This section also states that religious programmes do not involve any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion. For our radio show, we won't have any comments directed towards any religion and so that's how we prevent offending people of religious belief.