Ofcom Mulls Single Classification System For All Media

Media regulator, Ofcom, is investigating the creation of a unified classification system for all media content, designed to prevent harmful or inappropriate material falling into the wrong hands, regardless of the platform used in its distribution.

The watchdog has established a working group to consult with broadcasters on the creation of such a classification system, which could eventually encompass all TV content, online music and video downloads.

The investigations are being made by Ofcom under its requirements by the 2003 Communications Act to promote media literacy. However, reports this morning suggest that commercial TV broadcasters are opposed to the idea, with many believing that a unified classification system could weaken their channels’ identities and impact on distinctive branding.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Tim Suter, an Ofcom board member and head of its content division, said: “We are asking whether it is possible to find a common framework behind labelling of content. A uniform labelling system would be very helpful.”

However, such a system would be difficult for the regulator to enforce as it holds no jurisdiction over online content, or foreign material accessed via the internet. The Ofcom board expects to have initial results of the working group’s investigations by the end of the year.

Ofcom recently stepped into the row surrounding appropriate advertising to children, particularly that surrounding unhealthy foods. The regulator announced results of its own research, stating that ban on junk food advertising during children’s television programmes would be “ineffective”, but did not rule out revisiting the area on the publication of data from the Food Standards Agency on the nutritional content of all food products (see Ofcom Rules Out “Ineffective” Ban On Junk Food Ads).

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk