MTV Europe has been reprimanded for not correctly observing the watershed. Regulator Ofcom has issued a £255,000 aggregate fine that covers separate offences by TMF, MTV UK and MTV Hits. MTV France, which broadcasts under a UK licence, is also included in the ruling after it failed to produce recordings of an offending broadcast.
The judgment shows that Ofcom is prepared to act against broadcasters that base their transmissions in the UK for logistical or regulatory reasons.
MTV has been reminded that offensive language – contained within both music videos and studio segments – should not be broadcast when children are viewing and that they should be protected against unsuitable material.
The offences took place between December 2006 and September 2007.
