Ofcom toughens up guidance to protect reality show participants’ welfare

Married At First Sight was dropped by C4 after rape and sexual assault allegations

UK media regulator Ofcom has strengthened its guidance to broadcasters about protecting the welfare of participants in constructed reality programmes.

The new guidance, which emphasises programmes involving emotional or physical intimacy, follows Channel 4’s decision last week to permanently axe the UK version of Married at First Sight in response to allegations of rape and sexual assault by former participants.

Ofcom has introduced a new section to the Fairness rules under its Broadcasting Code (Section Seven), which relates specifically to constructive reality shows that involve physical and/or emotional intimacy.

The guidance urges broadcasters to consider stronger welfare protections for shows in that category and asks programme makers to regard a list of considerations.

The first consideration is that risk assessments should identify reasonably foreseeable welfare risks, noting that welfare protections for participants should be proportionate to the level and types of risk identified, taking into account the subject and nature of the programme and interactions between participants.

The guidance includes a risk matrix for constructed reality formats involving physical and/or emotional intimacy to help broadcasters make those judgements.

Ofcom also urges broadcasters to take particular care where members of the public, unused to having a public profile, take part in formats in which they’re exposed to conflict, emotional pressure, sensitive personal disclosures or expectations around physical intimacy.

Broadcasters should also be alert to the particular risk that the establishment of new relationships may lead to harmful behaviours among participants – for example, sexual misconduct or coercive control.

Appropriate advance background checks are encouraged to identify behaviours that could place other participants at risk, while participants should be provided with clear and accessible information about expectations concerning their conduct during production.

Another consideration is that enhanced welfare support measures during and post production may be needed in higher-risk formats. Measures could include access to welfare teams who are independent of editorial staff, external welfare experts and specialist support services and opportunities for contributors to contact family and friends outside filming.

The provision of a dedicated point of contact after transmission to help address any ongoing welfare concerns should also be considered, Ofcom said.

Additionally, broadcasters should view “consent as an ongoing process” and revisit contributors’ informed consent where circumstances change during production, for example following confrontations, emotionally challenging situations, increased anxiety or physical intimacy.

Finally, production companies and broadcasters should have defined routes for handling welfare concerns, including referrals to external authorities where serious allegations arise. Comprehensive records of welfare incidents, reports of harm and any actions taken should be kept, helping to identify patterns of behaviour and inform future decisions.

Participants should also be informed of their right to complain to Ofcom following broadcast.

Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom’s broadcasting and media group director, said: “Constructed reality shows are enjoyed by millions of viewers, but it is vital for broadcasters to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the people taking part.

“Our strengthened guidance will help ensure that the potential risks to participants’ welfare are properly considered and addressed by programme-makers before, during and after production.”