Ofcom has imposed a financial penalty of £50,000 on Word Network Operating Company Inc. (“the Licensee”), in relation to its service The Word Network, for failing to comply with our broadcasting rules.
On 23 July 2023, The Word Network broadcast Stem Cell Activators, a programme which referred to, and promoted, products for the treatment of medical conditions. Ofcom found that the claims made about the products’ effectiveness in treating medical conditions, including serious illnesses, were potentially harmful to vulnerable viewers. Ofcom also considered the repeated promotion of the products meant that the programme was not sufficiently distinct from advertising. Further, based on correspondence from the Licensee, Ofcom concluded that the Licensee did not have independent editorial control over the content of the programme.
Our Decision published on 29 July 2024 found this programme to be in breach of Rules 2.1, 9.1, 9.2 and 9.13(g) of the Broadcasting Code.
Given the seriousness of the breaches, Ofcom has imposed a financial penalty of £50,000 on the Licensee.