Complaints Up In BSC Report

Complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) increased by 3% year on year during the past 12 months, according the organisation’s Annual Review. Presenting the report, new chairman Lord Dubs said that research showed that citizens and consumers continued to value the role of regulation in broadcasting.

The Annual Review reports on collaborative measures the BSC has taken with other regulatory bodies, including those which will form OFCOM, to begin the establishment of a new regulatory structure.

Lord Dubs stated: “The Commission will continue to play an active role supporting other regulators and the Government in the transition towards a new regulatory framework. However, it is essential that the citizen’s rights’ issues and considerations of the public interest are not lost in the new communications world.”

He went on: “Through the Commission’s research we have found that although people still want regulation they expect it to be in conjunction with effective self-regulation and greater citizen empowerment.”

The majority of complaints received in the past year have concerned standards issues. Of the total number received, the BSC upheld 10%. The highest proportion of complaints, 46%, were regarding taste and decency issues.

Complaints about advertising were up by 4% compared to last year. The BSC surmises that this is because viewers have no preparation for the content of advertisements and are often taken by surprise.

BSC: 020 7233 0544 www.bsc.org.uk

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