Media regulatory

Regulation in the media sectors is constantly evolving to take account of changing political and economic priorities, technological and other developments and shifting audience expectations.

Key contacts
Overview

We help our clients to navigate the regulatory landscape by providing pragmatic and sensible advice.

We assist our clients with a broad range of issues across the regulated media sectors, including compliance with the applicable regulatory codes, licensing and notification requirements and dealing with regulatory interventions.

In the audio-visual sector, we advise our producer and broadcaster clients on how best to ensure compliance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code (and/or, where applicable, the BBC Editorial Guidelines and ODPS Rules) and avoid regulatory action being taken. Where issues do arise, we are also able to assist with responding to regulatory investigations.

Our Advertising team have deep sectoral expertise and regularly advise agencies and their advertiser clients on compliance with the CAP and BCAP Codes.  

Our Reputation team provide tailored, specialist advice to those featured in programmes on their rights and remedies, including (where appropriate) preparing and submitting regulatory complaints.

Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • The Ofcom Broadcasting Code and associated guidance
  • The BBC Editorial Guidelines
  • Notification and compliance with Ofcom’s On Demand Programme Service Rules
  • Ofcom TV and radio broadcast licensing
  • Responding to Ofcom investigations
  • Ofcom’s sanctions process in cases involving breaches of broadcast licences
  • Advertising compliance with the CAP/BCAP Codes
  • The “European works” regime
  • Carriage agreements

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

We provide our clients with specialist, commercial advice on broadcast and advertising regulation.

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Simkins are knowledgeable, commercial, always responsive and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Chambers & Partners
They demonstrate commercial and industry knowledge while being a fast and effective team.
Chambers & Partners
They take a sensible pragmatic approach to a contentious situation. Their legal analysis of the issue is good and they provide a number of options to me as the client as to how to move forward.
Legal 500
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