MTV Fined £255,000
Ofcom has fined MTV £255,000 for broadcasting bad language before the watershed.
The media watchdog said that reality shows and music videos with swearing were shown before the 9pm watershed.
The breaches of the broadcasting code occurred on MTV Networks Europe channels MTV UK, MTV France, MTV Hits and TMF.
TMF was fined after it broadcast the video for Aphex Twin’s music video ‘Windowlicker’ and a trailer for reality show Totally Jodie Marsh, both of which featured bad language.
The MTV UK show Totally Boyband, broadcast on September 25 and October 23 2006, featured “extensive offensive language” said Ofcom.
In a statement, Ofcom said: “Pop video and entertainment channels like those controlled by MTV Networks attract large numbers of viewers under 15.
“They have a responsibility to these children and their parents to ensure their compliance arrangements are robust and effective.”
The regulator fined TMF £80,000, MTV France £35,000, MTV UK £80,000 and MTV Hits £60,000.
Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk