Earlier this year Ofcom consulted on the issue of whether the current ban on television channels broadcasting appeals for donations to make programmes or fund their services should be lifted. Such appeals are allowed on radio subject to certain conditions under Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code (“the Code”) but not on television.
Ofcom acknowledges that the overall economic benefit of appeals to the television industry is likely to be limited and that the current ban is simple to enforce and provides strong protection to viewers who may be at risk of exploitation. On the other hand, allowing appeals would benefit certain television broadcasters. Ofcom also notes that television services which broadcast to the UK from abroad already broadcast appeals, as do radio services in the UK.
Ofcom is satisfied that it has sufficient resources and sanctions available to it to ensure that the safeguards which will apply will be effective. While it is true that application of the safeguards may involve a cost in terms of administration, Ofcom does not feel that this is a sufficient reason for retaining the current ban.
Ofcom has therefore decided that controlled deregulation (i.e. lifting the ban subject to the safeguards set out in Section 4) would be the appropriate course to adopt.