The Ofcom Broadcasting Code

The Ofcom Broadcasting Code: "(...) a clear framework for the broadcasting media which still has a critical power to shape our opinions as citizens and to inform democratic debate. Freedom of expression is at the heart of any democratic state. It is an essential right to hold opinions and receive and impart information and ideas. Broadcasting and freedom of expression are intrinsically linked. However, with such rights come duties and responsibilities. The setting out of clear principles and rules will allow broadcasters more freedom for creativity and audiences greater freedom to exercise their choices, while securing those objectives set by Parliament. The focus is on adult audiences making informed choices within a regulatory framework which gives them a reasonable expectation of what they will receive, while at the same time robustly protecting those too young to exercise fully informed choices for themselves."