Content standards

Rules for party political and referendum broadcasts (PDF, 138.3 KB)

This document sets out requirements on the BBC in relation to party political and referendum broadcasts.

BBC Online Material

Ofcom has published an arrangement (PDF, 528.8 KB) with the BBC for how we will consider and give an opinion on BBC online material.

Procedures for handling complaints relating to BBC online material

This document sets out the procedures that Ofcom will normally follow when handling complaints about the BBC’s online content, and how we will provide an opinion on whether the BBC has observed the relevant editorial guidelines for its online material.

Procedures for handling BBC content standards complaints, investigations and sanctions

These documents sets out the procedures that Ofcom will normally follow when handling complaints about BBC television, radio and on-demand programmes, and how we will conduct investigations and sanctions.

Letter from Kevin Bakhurst, Content Media Policy Group Director, Ofcom, to David Jordan, Director, Editorial Policy and Standards, BBC (PDF, 402.4 KB)

Determinations by Ofcom in relation to BBC complaints handling (PDF, 1.6 MB)

The Charter gives Ofcom responsibility for regulating the content standards of the BBC’s television, radio and on-demand programmes.

This section gathers together consultations, regulatory statements, news releases and other useful information relating to content standards. It covers the period from September 2016 when the draft Charter and Agreement were published, until 3 April 2017 when the transfer of regulation became effective.

• Statement: Ofcom's rules on due impartiality, due accuracy,  elections and referendums. In this statement, we explain the approach we have taken to regulating BBC editorial content in the areas of due impartiality, due accuracy, elections and referendums. This statement was published on 9 March 2017.

• Statement: Broadcasting Code Review: Preparing for Ofcom’s new  responsibilities for regulating the BBC. In this statement, we explain the amendments we have made to the Broadcasting Code (other than for the areas listed above) so that it can apply in full to BBC broadcasting services, and where relevant to BBC on-demand programme services.  This statement was published on 29 March 2017.

• Statement: Procedures for handling BBC content standards complaints, investigations and sanctions. In this statement, we explain the procedures that Ofcom will normally follow when handling complaints about BBC television, radio and on-demand programmes, and how we will conduct investigations and sanctions. This statement was published on 29 March 2017.