Reality TV must warn contestants of dangers, says Ofcom

BROADCASTERS must tell TV show participants about ‘potential harms’ or the ‘negative impacts’ of taking part, according to rules proposed by the media regulator.

They should also protect audiences from being upset or offended at how ‘vulnerable people’ are treated, Ofcom said.

Its consultation on how to protect the welfare of participants on TV and radio shows comes as broadcasters have faced scrutiny following the deaths from suicide of former Love Island contestants and Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, pictured, and Jeremy Kyle Show guest Steve Dymond.

Ofcom said it does not want the measures, which would be incorporated into the Broadcasting Code, to make programme makers and broadcasters any less likely to ‘feature people with vulnerabilities in their programmes’. The regulator is proposing that broadcasters ‘clarify that obtaining informed consent includes letting programme participants know about potential harms or negative impacts (insofar as these can be reasonably anticipated at the time), and any steps that broadcasters and/or programme-makers intend to take to mitigate these’.

The report said: ‘Our work in this area recognises the growing openness and concern in society about mental health and wellbeing. Ofcom has also seen a steady rise in complaints expressing concern about the welfare and well-being of people who take part in programmes.’

Ofcom’s Tony Close said the rules ‘set a clear standard of care for broadcasters to meet’.

A final decision on the rules is expected in summer.