Broadcasting regular Ofcom has assured that it is ‘not a censor’ amid criticism over guidance around offensive language that a broadcaster has said affects their output

There are concerns about the future of ‘classic comedies’ like the Carry On films(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Broadcast regulator Ofcom has faced calls to provide exemptions from language “restrictions” for “classic comedies”. The news comes amid concern that the likes of the Carry On! films could end up lost to history in the future.

Ofcom provides guidance on how acceptable TV viewers consider particular “offensive” words and uses research, including surveys on language, to inform its decisions. The regulator – which has the power to issue sanctions – has previously assured that there is no list of “banned” words.

The Telegraph reports this week that critics argue that the evolving nature of language and social norms means that TV channels are being held to a constantly changing set of standards. The outlet suggests that words like “t**ser,” “sl**” and “t**t” have previously been taken out of Carry On Laughing, Please Sir!, Whose Line is it Anyway? and On The Buses, for example

Jonathan Moore, who runs Rewind TV, told the outlet: “I think people have a thicker skin than maybe Ofcom gives them credit for. It’s the nanny state, isn’t it, really?” He suggested that it’s “arbitrary” and that offensive is subjective.

Talking Pictures TV’s Sarah Cronin-Stanley however said that her channel has “happy medium” to stay within Ofcom’s codes. She said that any edits to programmes sparks a backlash from viewers though.

There are concerns that ‘classic comedies’ like the Carry On films could be lost to history in the future amid censorship fears(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Jonathan argues that the regulator’s approach means that ‘classic programming’ is at risk of being edited beyond recognition as broadcasters self-censor. He warns that this could ultimately lead to some films becoming ‘extinct’.

He said the “last thing” broadcasters want is a fine because they have “let something slip”. Jonathan added that as a result he’s “very nervous” and that his channel potentially goes “further” than it should because of “that fear”.

According to the Telegraph, campaigners are now calling on Ofcom to grant an exemption for “classic comedies”. The idea has been compared to how cars can be exempt from MOTs and road tax if they are over 40 years old.

It’s been suggested that this would mean “old-school programmes” can avoid “language restrictions” on the condition that viewers are given adequate warning over the content in advance. Comedy historian Robert Ross told the outlet that trigger warnings are a ‘small price to pay’ to preserve content from British history.

Broadcast regulator Ofcom has however assured that it isn’t a censor and that there is editorial freedom for broadcasters in terms of content(Image: Getty Images)

An Ofcom spokesperson told the Mirror: “Ofcom is not a censor. Freedom of expression is at the heart of our broadcasting rules which do not prevent the broadcast of content that may be offensive or controversial to some audiences. There is editorial freedom for each broadcaster to decide how it covers any issue, topic or programme type.

“In our research, audiences recognise offensive language can play an important role on TV and radio. But viewers and listeners still want broadcasters to take care with potentially offensive terms, particularly so children are protected, and especially when discriminatory language is used. Our rules and research help broadcasters to strike the right balance.”

They added: “We’ve explored people’s views on the acceptability of outdated or discriminatory content being broadcast in older programmes. Our research reflects that viewers welcome being warned about this kind content at the start of programmes whilst still being given the opportunity to watch and enjoy older material.”