DM Digital rapped by Ofcom for flashing images

Pakistani broadcaster, DM Digital has been told off by media regulator, Ofcom after it aired flashing images in separate music videos during the afternoon.

Ofcom was further concerned as the channel did not broadcast any type of warning message for viewers before or after the music videos. Ofcom said, “Certain types of flashing images present a danger of triggering seizures in viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.”

DM Digital apologised for broadcasting this material but stated that the content, which consisted of separate music videos incorporating ��Bollywood�۪ songs, was shown on “other Bollywood channels…without any flash warning”.

The broadcaster said that, in its opinion, the flashing images were “very minimal”; and that, as such “we were under the impression that no warning is required”. However, DM Digital said that, after being initially contacted by Ofcom about the content, it had ceased broadcasting it.

A technical assessment of the Sequences by Ofcom found that: at 12:06 there were six distinct sequences of flashing images; and at 12:17 there was a seven second sequence of flashing images. In both these Sequences, the rate, intensity and screen area occupied by the flashing images clearly breached the technical limits set out in
Ofcom�۪s Guidance.

In addition, Ofcom noted that DM Digital did not provide: any editorial justification for these breaches of the technical limits set out in the Guidance Note; nor any warning or warnings to viewers about the flashing images.