Ofcom has published a statement setting out its decision to make changes to the rules about the use of mandatory PIN codes in Section One of the Broadcasting Code.
We publicly consulted on our proposals to update the mandatory daytime PIN rules in March 2018, and the statement concludes our review.
Section One of the Code currently allows for 15-rated films to be broadcast during the daytime on subscription film channels and up to 18-rated films on pay per view film channels, provided a mandatory PIN is in place. Mandatory PIN protection
cannot be removed by the user and restricts access solely to those authorised to view.
The statement sets out Ofcom’s decision to extend the application of the mandatory PIN rules in Section One of the Code to permit scheduled television channels to show programmes, which can currently only be shown after the 9pm watershed, before
this time, but only if mandatory daytime protection is in place.
We consider mandatory daytime protection to complement the existing 9pm watershed in providing a strong level of protection for children against programmes on broadcast services which might be unsuitable for them.
The changes to the rules include a requirement for broadcasters to clearly explain the new mandatory PIN systems in place to all users, and to provide clear guidance information with programmes to assist adults in assessing whether content is
suitable for children.
The revisions to the relevant rules to extend mandatory daytime protection beyond premium film content will come into force on 1 January 2019.
We expect broadcasters and platform providers who intend to make use of mandatory daytime protection to inform their viewers about the new regime, and about the importance of parents setting strong PIN codes in advance.
Ofcom has appointed Sophie Morgan to its Content Board.
Ofcom's Content Board is a committee of the main Ofcom Board. It has advisory responsibility for a wide range of content issues, including the regulation of television, radio and video-on-demand quality and standards.
Sophie joins the Content Board on a three-year term.
Sophie is a television presenter, campaigner, artist and entrepreneur. She is lead presenter of live Paralympic sport on Channel 4, and has presented events including the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2017 Winter Paralympics. Sophie has also
presented a range of other programmes such as Unreported World , Tricks of the Restaurant Trade and Best Laid Plans .
Sophie, who was paralysed from the chest down aged 18, has twice been voted one of the top 100 most influential people with a disability in the UK. An active campaigner, Sophie is a patron of the charity Scope and an ambassador for Human Rights
Watch.
Ofcom has welcomed two new members to its board, after the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed the appointment of Maggie Carver and Dr Angela Dean.
Maggie is currently Chairman of the British Board of Film Classification and the Racecourse Association. Starting her career in investment banking, Maggie has held a number of roles within the media industry - including sitting on the boards of
ITN, Channel 5 and other organisations across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She was previously Managing Director of Channel 4 Racing, and worked on establishing the ITV franchise Meridian Broadcasting.
Dr Angela Dean was a financial analyst of European communications and technology companies for almost 20 years.?She was a managing director at investment bank Morgan Stanley, heading up its global technology research team; and also its Director
for Socially Responsible Investment. She was previously a trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund and a former member of the Museums, Archives and Libraries Council.
Ofcom has published a statement setting out its decision to make changes to the rules about the use of mandatory PIN codes in Section One of the Broadcasting Code.
Ofcom has appointed Sophie Morgan to its Content Board.
