HomeInsightsOfcom fines Ariana Television and Radio Network £200,000

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Ofcom has imposed a £200,000 fine on Ariana Television and Radio Network for failing to provide adequate protection for viewers.

The service, which broadcasts to the Afghan community, broadcast material likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime, and hate speech.

Under the Broadcasting Code, licensees must not broadcast material likely to encourage or to incite the commission of crime, or to lead to disorder. Also, they must not broadcast material that contains un-contextualised hate speech.

After an investigation, Ofcom concluded that the serious nature of the breaches of the Broadcasting Code warranted the imposition of statutory sanctions. These include a financial penalty and a direction to the broadcaster to air a statement of Ofcom’s findings on a date, and in a form, to be determined by Ofcom. To access the Decision, click here.

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