LNWH

Digital radio regulation problems

Livingstone and Lunt

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LNWH, however, doesn't shy away from discussion of an adult nature. The show we listened to, for example, explored female menstruation taboos, with extensive discussion evidenced regarding period poverty. 

The show's late night scheduling slot (post watershed) ensures that taboo content of this nature reaches an adult listenership. The show's principle distribution mechanism as an iPlayer podcast, however, presents a bigger regulatory challenge in that vulnerable audiences can potentially access controversial material. 

Limited age checks are used on the iPlayer app but, problematically, are easily negotiated. 

Officially, OFCOM are tasked to regulate the BBC, who's broadcasting code is concerned with protecting vulnerable audiences, and, interestingly to ensure that the BBC provides both accurate and impartial programming content. 

Again, the impartiality of LNWH is constructed as a result of the varied nature of guests who are invited to contribute during discussions. In the Love Island episode we listened to, for example, great care is taken to evidence a range of views regarding the ethical direction of ITV's flagship reality show with guests scoping both the positives and the negatives of Love Island content.

Vulnerable audiences

Livingstone & Lunt suggest that the principle function of the independent bodies who regulate the UK's media is to protect children and other vulnerable groups from the effects of harmful content.

Media terminology used

OFCOM

The independent body that regulates UK terrestrial TV and some streamed television services and radio. Netflix is not subject to OFCOM regulation because it is distributed from outside of the UK.

Self-regulation

Self-regulation devolves regulatory decisions to industry practitioners. Self-regulation means that producers assume responsibility for policing/gatekeeping content they make and broadcast.