Broadcasters could be fined in curb on violence

Soap operas EastEnders and Coronation Street have been told to clean up.

The move follows tough new rules on protecting children from harmful images on TV.

TV regulator Ofcom today announced that the protection of children would be at the centre of its new code after research revealed concern among parents.

Ofcom can fine broadcasters if they breach the code. It can fine the BBC up to £250,000 and other channels up to five per cent of their revenue. Broadcasters can also be ordered not to repeat the offending programme.

Soaps have been criticised for violent scenes before the 9pm watershed. EastEnders on BBC1 has featured Mo Slater in storylines involving rape and domestic violence - including an attack on her husband with an iron. ITV1's Coronation Street has included two murders, an attempted armed robbery and the rape of Toyah Battersby.

Emmerdale on ITV1 has had a stalker and a murder.

Watchdogs upheld viewer complaints on popular soaps which are often seen by more than 10 million people.

Last year the Broadcasting Standards Commission censured EastEnders and Coronation Street for using "protracted scenes of violence in domestic settings" before the watershed.

Ofcom is required to draw up a code setting standards for programmes, sponsorship, fairness and privacy. Today it published a draft version with a new focus on the protection of under-18s. But it also said it will take a "less intrusive" approach to regulating programmes for adults, with the onus on broadcasters to make adult viewers aware of programme content.

Recent audience research relating to public service broadcasting found 85 per cent of people believe the protection of children from harmful images on TV should be a priority.

The report said viewers think pre-watershed content, particularly in soaps, is unsuitable for children.

A poll of 5,000 viewers in Radio Times this week found 35 per cent think soaps are a bad influence, and 80 per cent think plots involving adult topics should be banned before 9pm.

Tim Suter, Ofcom's Partner for Content and Standards, said: "A healthy broadcasting system has creative, challenging and provocative programming at its heart. It also respects the desire expressed by parents for tough safeguards to protect children. The code aims to achieve the right balance."

Under the 2003 Communications Act, Ofcom is required for the first time to protect under-18s, especially the under-15s.

Today's guidelines specifically warn against exposing children to violence, sex and bad language. The new tougher rules will be finalised next year following public consultation.

As part of a separate consultation, Ofcom is examining how a cinema-style ratings system for television could work.