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UK watchdog adds new duty of care rules

Britain steps up rules around welfare, wellbeing & dignity of participants in a range of TV genres.

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British media watchdog has added two new rules to its Broadcast regulations following concerns around people taking part in TV and radio shows.

Ofcom said in a statement that while it already has safeguarding measures in place, it acknowledged that “there has been growing openness and concern about mental health and wellbeing in recent years,” and “a steady rise in complaints expressing concern” about the welfare of participants.

The two proposed rules are:

  • Due care must be taken over the welfare, wellbeing and dignity of participants in programmes
  • Participants must not be caused unjustified distress or anxiety by taking part in programmes or by the broadcast of those programmes

Ofcom received over 700 complaints after lie-detector challenge on hit reality show Love Island, while two former participants also took their own lives after broadcast.  Jeremy Kyle Show guest Steve Dymond, also reportedly took his own life after recording an episode, with the show axed by ITV.

The rules apply to reality shows, documentaries, news and current affairs, phone-ins, quiz shows, talent contests and other forms of factual and entertainment programmes. Drama, sitcoms and soaps are not included.

Source: Radio Times

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  1. Meanwhile, Dr Phil exploits genuinely mentally ill and/or people with severe addictions while his audience claps along rabidly. Sometimes he even has under-16 teens who are dragged off by strangers to those brat camps all while the audience hollers. (I know this because they played it at work in the lunch room and wouldn’t turn it over). Why do we have that rubbish on Australian TV when we wouldn’t dare run a similar show here?

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