Our new site contains easily accessible information about what we do, who we are and who we work with. It also provides some advice and guidance on key issues relating to media compliance, including the imminent introduction of new rules on product placement.

So here’s to an exciting 2011 continuing to help programme makers and broadcasters produce programmes that are creative and compliant!

Ofcom said the rules “will enable commercial broadcasters to access new sources of revenue, whilst providing protection for audiences”

Restrictions will apply to news and current affairs, children’s, religious and consumer programmes. Certain products will be banned from product placement e.g. tobacco, alcohol, gambling, foods high in salt and sugar, medicines, baby milk and products not allowed to advertise on television.

Broadcasters are required to run an audience awareness campaign when the rules come into force and must label the programmes containing product placement with a logo, yet to be prescribed by Ofcom.  In addition to these provisions, products placed must not be unduly prominent and their inclusion must not undermine the editorial independence of the broadcasters.

This news is very welcome to all commercial broadcasters but the rules are not easy to navigate. Broadcasters will need to adopt new processes to ensure they track the placing of products in programmes they commission and must vet sponsorship deals closely to avoid any unintentional misunderstanding of the rules.

The Guardian has reported this in detail here.