Chapter 3 Self-test questions

. Some, not all, of the TV and radio stations in the UK are regulated by statute through the regulator the Office of Communications (Ofcom)

True

False

. Ofcom can revoke a TV channel's licence to broadcast if the station breaches the Ofcom Broadcasting Code

True

False

. In the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, what is the time denoted by the term 'watershed' with regards to the scheduling of TV programmes?

'The time when most children can be expected to be asleep, which varies according to whether it is a weekday or weekend'.

10pm

'The time, depending on the nature of programming that evening, when most of the audience can be expected to be aged over 16"

9pm

. If a radio broadcaster was to air a programme with excessive violence and offensive language during the morning, would this be considered in breach of the Broadcasting Code?

Yes, if it is before the radio watershed

No, if they air a sufficient content warning first

No, it's acceptable content at any time of day

Yes, if it's at a time when children are likely to be listening

. The Broadcasting Code states that hate speech should NEVER be broadcast in any circumstances.

True

False

. The Ofcom Broadcasting Code says that: "News, in whatever form, must be reported with ……………"
Which one of the following contains the missing words?

'professionalism, transparency and without bias'

'objectivity and presented with appropriate balance'

'due accuracy and presented with due impartiality'

'due care and with attention to alternative viewpoints'

. The Ofcom Broadcasting Code says that normally people or organisations who agree to take part in programmes should do so on the basis of '______' consent.

. In 2021, new Ofcom rules added that contributors to programmes should be informed about potential risks from taking part in the programme which may affect their welfare.

True

False

. In the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, it is acceptable for some rules – for example, the rule against programme makers gaining information by deception – to be breached if this is warranted 'in the public interest'. Which one of the following phrases is included in the code's definition of what is 'in the public interest'?

'disclosing an imminent danger to the population'

'exposing misleading claims made by individuals or organisations'

'uncovering deceit or malpractice of any kind'

'revealing improper practices which endanger children'

. Secret or undercover filming without consent is not a breach of the Broadcasting Code only if the following is true:

If it's in the public interest and has been chased for a long time

If this is in the public interest but the material could have been obtained by other means

If this is in the public interest and the material could not have been obtained by other means

If there is suspected, but not firm, evidence of wrongdoing

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