Broadcasting Act 1981

5 Code for programmes other than advertisements

(1) The Authority shall draw up, and from time to time review, a code giving guidance—

(a) as to the rules to be observed in regard to the showing of violence, and in regard to the inclusion in local sound broadcasts of sounds suggestive of violence, particularly when large numbers of children and young persons may be expected to be watching or listening to the programmes, and

(b) as to such other matters concerning standards and practice for programmes (other than advertisements) broadcast by the Authority as the Authority may consider suitable for inclusion in the code ;

and, in considering what other matters ought to be included in the code in pursuance of paragraph (b), the Authority shall have special regard to programmes broadcast when large numbers of children and young persons may be expected to be watching or listening.

(2) The Authority shall secure that the provisions of the code under this section are observed in relation to all programmes (other than advertisements) broadcast by them.

(3) The Authority may, in the discharge of their general responsibility for programmes other than advertisements, impose requirements as to standards and practice for such programmes which go beyond, or relate to matters not covered by, the provisions of the code under this section.

(4) The methods of control exercisable by the Authority for the purpose of securing that the provisions of the code under this section are observed, and for the purpose of securing compliance with requirements imposed under subsection (3) which go beyond, or relate to matters not covered by, the code, shall include a power to give directions to a programme contractor (or any other person providing programmes other than advertisements) imposing prohibitions or restrictions as respects items of a specified class or description or as respects a particular item.