Ofcom Broadcasting Code: What UK Journalists Need to Know

Ofcom vs IPSO: Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

UK media regulation operates through two primary bodies, each covering different platforms:

• Ofcom (Office of Communications) regulates television, radio, on-demand programme services (ODPS), and video-sharing platforms (VSPs). It operates under statutory authority granted by the Communications Act 2003.
• IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) regulates most UK newspapers and magazines, both print and online. It is a non-statutory, industry-funded body that enforces the Editors' Code of Practice.

The critical difference for journalists is that Ofcom's rules on impartiality are legally binding on broadcasters, while print and online journalists regulated by IPSO have no equivalent obligation. A newspaper can run an editorial endorsing a political party; a television news programme cannot.

Section 5: Impartiality

Section 5 of the Broadcasting Code requires that news on television and radio is presented with due impartiality. This does not mean mathematical balance or giving equal time to every viewpoint — it means ensuring that all significant perspectives are represented in a way that is fair and proportionate to the subject.

Key principles include:

• Due impartiality on matters of political or industrial controversy and public policy must be preserved in news programmes and across programming as a whole.
• Personal view programmes are permitted, but the broadcaster must ensure that due impartiality is maintained across its output.
• Presenters and reporters on news and current affairs programmes should not express their own views on matters of political controversy. This restriction was notably tested in 2025 with several high-profile cases.
• The word “due” is crucial — it means impartiality must be adequate and appropriate to the subject. Not every story requires 50/50 balance; some issues have a clear factual consensus.

Section 5: Accuracy in News

Rule 5.1 states that news must be reported with due accuracy. This means broadcasters must take reasonable steps to verify the information they broadcast and must correct significant errors promptly. Unlike print media, where corrections may appear days later, broadcasters are expected to correct errors at the earliest opportunity, ideally in the same programme or bulletin.

Accuracy obligations extend beyond simple factual errors to include:

• Misleading use of archive footage or photographs
• Selective editing that distorts the meaning of an interview
• Presenting speculation or opinion as established fact
• Using unverified social media content without appropriate caveats

Section 2: Harm and Offence

Section 2 of the Code deals with generally accepted standards and requires that broadcasters apply these standards to protect the public from harmful or offensive material. For journalists, the key rules include:

• Contextual justification: Offensive material may be broadcast if editorially justified by the context — including the nature of the content, the expectations of the audience, the time of broadcast (the “watershed” at 9pm), and any warnings given.
• Violence and distressing imagery: Graphic footage from conflict zones or crime scenes must be handled with care. Editors must weigh public interest against the risk of causing unnecessary distress.
• Audience expectations: What is acceptable at 10pm on Channel 4 may not be acceptable at 6pm on BBC One. Context is everything.

Section 6: Elections and Referendums

Section 6 contains special rules that apply during election and referendum periods. These are among the most strictly enforced provisions in the Code:

• Due weight: Broadcasters must give “due weight” to candidates and parties based on their past electoral performance and current support. This does not mean equal time for all parties.
• Constituency reports: Any report focusing on a particular constituency must offer all candidates a chance to participate or reflect their views. If a candidate refuses, the report can still be broadcast with an appropriate explanation.
• Polling day restrictions: On polling day itself, no discussion of election issues or coverage of candidates' campaigns may be broadcast until polls close. Only factual information about voting is permitted.
• Exit polls: Results of exit polls may not be broadcast until polls close at 10pm.

For a detailed breakdown of election-period obligations, see our guide on election reporting rules for UK journalists.

Due Prominence

Under the Communications Act 2003, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and S4C are designated as Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) and must give “due prominence” to news and current affairs in their schedules. This obligation ensures that news remains visible and accessible to audiences, rather than being buried in late-night slots.

Ofcom periodically reviews whether PSBs are meeting their due prominence obligations, and this has become an increasingly live issue as audiences migrate to streaming platforms and smart TV interfaces where traditional channel listings carry less weight.

Podcasters and Online Video: Where Does Ofcom Apply?

This is an area of rapid regulatory evolution. The traditional Broadcasting Code applies to licensed television and radio services. However, Ofcom's remit has expanded significantly:

• On-demand programme services (ODPS): Catch-up services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub are regulated by Ofcom. Content must comply with rules on harm, advertising, and sponsorship.
• Video-sharing platforms (VSPs): Since 2020, Ofcom has had regulatory oversight of UK-established VSPs. Platforms must take appropriate measures to protect users from harmful material.
• Podcasts: Audio-only podcasts that are not part of a licensed radio service are currently not directly regulated by Ofcom. However, if a podcast is also broadcast on a licensed radio station, those broadcasts are covered. The Online Safety Act 2023 may also bring certain podcast platforms within regulatory scope.
• YouTube and social video: Individual creators are not directly regulated by Ofcom, but the platforms on which they publish may be classified as VSPs, creating indirect obligations around content moderation.

The Complaints Process

Understanding how Ofcom handles complaints is important both for compliance and for knowing your rights if a complaint is made against your programme:

1. Complaint to the broadcaster: Ofcom generally expects complainants to contact the broadcaster first, giving them an opportunity to resolve the issue. Most broadcasters have a published complaints procedure.
2. Complaint to Ofcom: If the complainant is dissatisfied, or in cases of serious potential breaches, they can complain to Ofcom directly. Complaints must normally be made within 20 working days of the broadcast.
3. Assessment: Ofcom's Content Standards team assesses whether the complaint raises a potential breach. Many complaints are resolved at this stage without a formal investigation.
4. Investigation: If a potential breach is identified, Ofcom will write to the broadcaster requesting comments. The broadcaster has an opportunity to respond before any decision is made.
5. Decision: Ofcom publishes its decisions in the Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin. Sanctions for serious or repeated breaches can include fines (for commercial broadcasters), directions to broadcast corrections, and ultimately revocation of the broadcasting licence.

Further Resources

• Full text: Ofcom Broadcasting Code
• IPSO Editors' Code 2025 — Print and online press regulation
• Election Reporting Rules for UK Journalists — Detailed election-period guidance
• UK Journalism Ethics Codes — Comprehensive ethics resources