Channel Nine rapped for sponsorship breaches

Bengali entertainment service, Channel Nine has been rapped by Ofcom for a number of sponsorship breaches.

During routine monitoring of compliance with advertising scheduling rules, Ofcom noted a number of sponsorship credits that appeared to contain calls to action and advertising messages.

Channel Nine apologised, stating that in all instances it accepted ���the sponsorship credits fail to meet the standard required�۝. The Licensee also stated that although its staff had received training, including specific instructions regarding sponsorship credits, the editor had failed to implement these on this occasion. The credits had been ���subsequently edited and revised�۝, and the editor had been ���formally warned�۝, according to the rules.

Ofcom noted the apology given by Channel Nine. However, it was concerned about previous breaches made by the broadcaster. Ofcom said it was putting the broadcaster on notice that any further breaches of the Code in this area will lead to Ofcom considering the imposition of a statutory sanction.