Ofcom says that the proposed changes reflect new requirements on broadcasters under the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive (2018/1808/EU) and also take account of legislative changes following the end of the transition period for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. In brief, Ofcom is proposing to change:

• the definition of hate speech in Section Three (Crime, disorder, hatred and abuse) of the Broadcasting Code;
• section Nine (Commercial references on TV) of the Broadcasting Code, to reflect new product placement provisions; and
• the Code on the Scheduling of Television Advertising, to reflect advertising provisions under the European Convention on Transfrontier Television.

Ofcom is also proposing other minor and administrative updates to the Broadcasting Code.

Interested or affected parties are invited to comment on these proposed changes by 23 December 2020. Taking account of any feedback, Ofcom says that it intends to publish the revised Codes before the end of 2020. To access the consultation, click here.