Ofcom has yet to issue guidance on use of the word 'shithole' by broadcasters.
After extensive research in 2016, it categorised 47 words as either 'mild', 'medium', or 'strong', reminding broadcasters that context was important, as was repetition and 'aggression'.
'Arse' - mild, generally of little concern.
'Arsehole' - medium, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed.
'Shit' - medium, potentially
unacceptable pre-watershed. Common language used in everyday life but problematic when used aggressively or repeatedly. Concerns about children learning the word.
Of course, there is no watershed for radio. 'Shithole' was heard loud and clear on Radio 4 this morning in the 0700 and 0800 bulletins.
BBC subs and US Preidents seeking to push boundaries might like to consider some other words classified by Ofcom as 'medium' for future broadcasts...
Balls
Bint
Bitch
Bollocks
Bullshit
Feck
Effing
Munter
Pissed
Pissed Off
Son of a bitch
Tits
While "shithole" was allowed on the Radio 4 bulletins, it was coyly avoided in the Radio 3 bulletins going out at the same time. Work that one out. The opposite rules seem to apply for drama - some of the Radio 3 ones are very sweary indeed.
ReplyDelete