Insights Ofcom finds graphic in BritAsia TV’s music programmes promoting a live event breached rules on undue prominence

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A graphic, which appeared in the top corner of the screen throughout BritAsia TV’s Trending Hits, The Biggest Chart Hits and Breakfast Beat referred to the BritAsia TV World Music Awards 2017 being held on 4 March 2017.

Ofcom found that since the graphic referred to the live event, rather than to the programme coverage, it did not meet the Broadcasting Code’s definition of programme-related material. Because the event was self-standing and not directly derived from the music programming in which it appeared, Ofcom found there was insufficient editorial justification for the inclusion of the graphic, especially given the fact that it remained on-screen throughout the programmes.

Ofcom ruled that the programmes gave undue prominence to the event, and were in breach of Rule 9.5 of the Broadcasting Code. Ofcom’s adjudication on Trending Hits, The Biggest Chart Hits, Breakfast Beat (BritAsia TV), published in Issue 334 of the Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin (7 August 2017), is available here.

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