We have created independent regulators to ensure that standards are maintained and that complaints are properly handled by broadcasters. Serious cases are considered by the regulators themselves.
The regulatory bodies are:
They have a duty to ensure that programmes and advertisements contain nothing which offends generally accepted standards, as determined by research.
The regulators maintain Codes of Practice for programme makers which set out the rules on the content and nature of programmes and advertisements, their timing, separating advertisements clearly from programmes and commercial sponsorship.
Further details are available in our leaflet Complaints About Television and Radio Programmes and Advertisements (PDF 224kb).
Sports on television
We receive numerous requests for information, and also some complaints, about sports coverage on television. We have therefore compiled a leaflet Coverage of Sport on Television (PDF 124kb) which gives background to the law and answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
Access to television for viewers with hearing and sight disabilities
Legislation requires broadcasters to meet minimum targets for subtitling and, on their digital services, signing and audio description of their programmes.
We have produced a leaflet Television Access for People with Sensory Impairments (PDF 100kb) which answers some frequently asked questions.
