Ofcom fines Islamic channel Noor TV �85,000

Ofcom has today imposed a financial penalty of �85,000 on Al Ehya Digital Television Limited in respect of its service Noor TV, an Islamic channel that broadcasts both in the UK and internationally.

On 17th December 2012, Ofcom found the channel in breach of the Broadcasting Code for broadcasting statements that it was acceptable, or even the duty of a Muslim, to murder any person thought to have shown disrespect to the Prophet Mohammed.

Ofcom found the broadcaster was found in breach of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code in respect of:

�ۢ Rule 3.1: “Material likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder must not be included in television or radio services”.
�ۢ Rule 4.1: “Broadcasters must exercise the proper degree of responsibility with respect to the content of programmes which are religious programmes.”

In addition, Ofcom considered that the channel should be directed to broadcast a statement of Ofcom�۪s findings in this case, on a date and in a form to be determined by Ofcom, and be directed not to repeat the programme.