New Programming Guidelines

The Independent Television Commission has introduced new guidelines to its programme code, to have immediate effect from today. Amendments have been made to most sections of the Code.

There are tightened restrictions on privacy and gathering of information; ‘Interviews sought on private property without the subject’s prior agreement should not be included in a programme unless they have a public interest purpose.’ Other additions to the code include invasions of privacy in entertainment programmes, where the consent of the subjects used in set-up situations should be obtained before transmission.

There are also new guidelines on the protection of the identity of children in sex cases; this is to prevent information legitimately reported by different media accidentally combining to make an identification possible.

There is also guidance for the first time on the use of flashing images or repetitive patterns which may induce epilepsy.

ITC: 071 255 3000