48 Hours’ Notice May Be Enough

As little as two working days to respond to a broadcaster’s allegations may be sufficient to give a company "an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond".

Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code requires that if a programme makes significant allegations, those concerned should normally be given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond (para. 7.11). In what seems at first blush a surprising decision, Ofcom decided that only two working days had given a company (that was the subject of criticisms in Watchdog) enough time to respond, despite Watchdog’s own editorial policy of giving five days’ notice. In fact, on closer examination, Ofcom’s conclusion is understandable, given its explanation of the particular circumstances, namely: