BSC Says Audiences Are More Relaxed About TV Bad Language

The Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) has said that bad language has become a more acceptable part of modern life and that television programmes should be allowed to represent this. Nevertheless, the 9:00pm watershed should be maintained and there is hardly ever justification for the use of offensive language before this hour, according to a BSC report.

These findings are published in the BSC’s revision of codes of guidance report which has been undertaken in order to refresh the codes of taste and decency which the BSC uses when considering complaints about broadcasting content. The Commission’s codes have to be reflected in the codes and guidelines published by all broadcasting regulators and all broadcasters.

The BSC has taken into account the public’s view whilst researching and forming the revised broadcasting codes. The importance of the watershed is stressed in the updated codes, although the Commission notes that attitudes towards sex and bad language have relaxed. Violence (particularly repeated) is still of major concern to the BSC which says that the young should be guarded from repeated exposure to violence on television as it can have a desensitising effect on audiences and induce ‘copycat’ behaviour.

Included in the revision are the codes on fairness and privacy which came into effect on 1 January this year. These rules state that invasion of privacy must be warranted by an overriding public interest in the disclosure of the information; and the actions of the broadcaster must be proportionate to the matter under investigation.

Lady Howe, chairman of the BSC, said: “Research amongst the consumers of broadcasting suggests that there is support for continued regulation and the positive role it has to play in the production of high quality programmes. People remain concerned about privacy, taste and decency… These codes will help to ensure the broadcasters are given the creative freedom they require but at the same time do not go beyond what is acceptable.”

Broadcasting Standards Commission: 0171 233 0398