Ofcom tightens reality TV welfare guidelines after MAFS UK axed at Channel 4
Ofcom logo (Getty Images)
Ofcom has published strengthened guidance for broadcasters on protecting participants’ welfare in constructed reality programmes, after confirming it launched a fairness and privacy investigation into Married at First Sight UK.
Last week, Channel 4 confirmed the show would not return, and future seasons of international versions, like MAFS Australia, would also not air.
The regulator warned that the more a format expects “physical or emotional intimacy”, the higher the potential risk of harm, and said broadcasters should consider “stronger welfare protections” in those cases.
While Ofcom does not approve or ban programme formats, or restrict broadcasters’ editorial freedom, they said “it is essential broadcasters put appropriate safeguards in place and carefully consider the welfare of people taking part in constructed reality programmes”.
The updated advice sits under Section 7 of the Broadcasting Code, with a new section focused on constructed reality shows involving physical and/or emotional intimacy. Ofcom says: “Our guidance emphasises that the greater the expectation for contributors to engage in physical or emotional intimacy, the greater the potential risk of harm.”
It continues: “In these cases, broadcasters should consider stronger welfare protections. Broadcasters need to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to adequately protect participants from foreseeable risks within their control.”
Ofcom’s new reality TV welfare guidance
Ofcom said programme-makers should ensure risk assessments reflect “the realities of the format”, recognise that participants in some formats may face vulnerability, and stay alert to the risk of harmful behaviour.
It also highlights the need, in higher-risk formats, for stronger welfare support throughout production and afterwards, for straightforward routes to report and escalate welfare concerns, and for consent to be treated as something that continues over time. That includes revisiting contributors’ informed consent if circumstances change during production.
How does this link to Married at First Sight UK?
Ofcom confirmed it launched its Married at First Sight UK investigation after receiving a complaint relating to fairness and privacy. The regulator also said its strengthened guidance takes account of recommendations following an external review into welfare on the programme, which led to Channel 4 cancelling the show.
Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom’s broadcasting and media group director, said, as per Radio Times: “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.”
Reality TV welfare has also been under scrutiny elsewhere, after ITV’s Big Brother received 1,654 Ofcom complaints in a single week in October, with spikes linked to episodes featuring clashes and allegations of “bullying”.
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