Your guide to the regulatory body. <\/p>
Ofcom have confirmed they are looking into complaints<\/a> <\/span>after Tuesday\u2019s episode of Dan Wootton Tonight, following Laurence Fox\u2019s comments about political journalist Ava Evans.<\/a><\/p>\n The TV watchdog confirmed on Wednesday (27th September) that they\u2019d received \u201ca number of complaints\u201d after Lawrence spoke of the PoliticsJOE correspondent in widely condemned terms, describing her as \u201cpathetic and embarrassing\u201d to host Dan Wootton<\/a> and asking: \u201cWho\u2019d want to shag that?\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Ofcom said in a statement: \u201cWe are assessing these complaints against our broadcast rules and will publish the outcome as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n But what is Ofcom and what powers does it hold? Read on for everything you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n The Office of Communications, known as Ofcom, is the UK\u2019s government-approved regulator for broadcasting, postal and telecommunications services.<\/span><\/p>\n It was established in 2003, replacing a number of other regulatory bodies, including the Broadcasting Standards Commission and the Independent Television Commission.<\/span><\/p>\n Ofcom licences all commercial television and radio services, including channels like the BBC, Sky GB News and Channel 4, meaning broadcasters must comply with the terms of their licence.<\/span><\/p>\n If broadcasters don\u2019t comply, Ofcom can revoke licences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Broadcasting Code covers a range of topics that are designed to protect viewers and listeners in the UK from harmful or offensive material.<\/span><\/p>\n Whilst the Code acknowledges the importance of freedom of expression, it makes clear that with those rights come responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n The Code has 9 key sections, which are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n Ofcom handles complaints about individual services and particular pieces of content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If complaints are upheld, Ofcom is able to impose sanctions on rule breakers, which can include a direction not to repeat content, a financial penalty, a direction to broadcast a correction, or even revoking a broadcaster\u2019s licence.<\/span><\/p> What is Ofcom?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What can be a breach of the Ofcom code?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What can Ofcom do if a complaint is upheld?<\/strong><\/h2>\n