TV and radio broadcasting codes - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

TV, radio and on-demand Broadcast standards Information for industry

Published: 6 November 2020

Here you will find Ofcom’s codes and rules for TV and radio services including the Broadcasting Code, the Code on the Scheduling of Television Advertising and the Code on Television Access Services.

Code on the scheduling of television advertising

This Code sets out the rules with which television broadcasters licensed by Ofcom must comply when carrying advertising.

Code on sports and other listed and designated events

The Broadcasting Act 1996 empowers the Secretary of State to designate key sporting and other events as 'listed events'. The purpose of these arrangements is to ensure that key sporting events are made available to all television viewers, particularly those who cannot afford the extra cost of subscription television.

Code on television access services

TV access services are additional facilities supplied by broadcasters that are designed to allow hearing and visually impaired consumers to gain access to TV content. The three access services are subtitling, audio description and signing

Code on Electronic Programme Guides

The electronic programme guides on code

Legacy codes

Previous versions of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and other legacy codes related to broadcasting.

Close up film camera

The Ofcom Broadcasting Code

The Ofcom Broadcasting Code outlines the rules by which programmes broadcast on television and radio in the UK must abide

Related content

Regulation of e-cigarette advertising, sponsorship and product placement

The statements below set out the rules around advertising and sponsorship of e-cigarettes on TV and Radio, as well as product placement of e-cigarettes in television and on demand programmes.