Monthly Archives: August 2013

08.29.13
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Television Broadcasting Tutorial 12

THE OFCOM CODE AND COMMERCIAL REFERENCES IN TV & RADIO

This tutorial follows on from Tutorial 11 and completes our look at the Ofcom Code, which regulates commercial television and radio.  So far, we have looked at elements of the code that offer guidance on how to protect under-18s from adult content, and avoid harm and offence to viewers. We’ve also seen how programme-makers should be fair to contributors and protect their privacy.

Next, we discuss guidance offered to broadcasters about the tricky issue of commercial references in television and radio programmes (e.g. product placement and programme sponsorship). This detail is found in sections nine and ten of the code and ensures editorial independence and the transparency of commercial arrangements.

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08.20.13
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Television Broadcasting Tutorial 11

10 THINGS EVERY TV BROADCASTER MUST KNOW

And they are… wait for it…

…the 10 Sections of the OFCOM CODE

 (not exactly glamorous, I know… but absolutely vital all the same)

Every broadcast professional – from television news journalist to producer of a sports magazine show – should know about the detail of the Ofcom Code. It’s the set of rules that governs the way commercial broadcasters operate in the UK. When it comes to factual programming for instance, the code states that commercial broadcasters must be impartial when covering politics and social issues, must be accurate, treat people fairly, respect privacy, avoid causing harm and offence and ensure that under-18s are protected from harmful material.

The code also contains guidance that applies to commercial references in television programmes including product placement, sponsorship, advertiser-funded programming and competitions. This information is becoming increasingly important as different business models are used to fund the making of programmes on commercial channels. Broadcasters of these kind of programmes must maintain editorial independence and clearly understand where the boundaries lie.

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08.13.13
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Television Broadcasting Tutorial 10

10 THINGS EVERY ONLINE JOURNALIST SHOULD KNOW

This tutorial picks up where the last post about SEO and online video left off and lists essential terms every aspiring online journalist should know about their chosen career.

By definition, an online journalist is multi-skilled and works across video, text, audio and stills simultaneously, so it’s important that he or she is knowledgeable about online journalism as a whole.

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