Ofcom warns on free-to-air adult content

Ofcom today warned broadcasters about explicit free-to-air content and renewed a threat of new regulations for adult television.

Its statement came as it found channels Red Hot and Fantasy, both in the adult section of the Sky EPG, had broken rules. They are encrypted subscription services but air ten-minute free promotions each hour from 10pm-midnight.

Ofcom received complaints about content during these sections and has found the images and language on both to be too explicit.

The channels, both run by RHF Productions Limited, part of the Portland Television Group, broke rules on standards, offensive material and protecting under-18s, it decided.

The regulator said it had been investigating free-to-air adult content and was still looking at both encrypted and unencrypted adult channels. The warning said its investigations "may result in consideration of further regulatory action".

"Ofcom strongly reminds all such channels that the broadcast of sexually explicit material within free-to-air content is not normally acceptable and that any breach of a similar nature by an encrypted channel in future is likely to result in consideration of further regulatory action," it said.

It warned operators of all adult and babe-style channels to take note of its rules and guidance.

Ofcom told adult channels in October that it may require all content to be PIN-protected if they do not stick to regulations.