TV and radio (broadcast only)

Ads appearing on TV and radio are regulated by us and not Ofcom as many people assume. These types of ads must stick to the broadcast advertising rules – also known as the BCAP Code.

This Code applies to all advertisements including teleshopping, content on self-promotional television channels, television text and interactive television advertisements, on radio and television services licensed by Ofcom.

The Code is designed to inform advertisers and broadcasters of the standards expected in the content and scheduling of broadcast advertisements and to protect consumers. Ads on TV and radio must be targeted appropriately, and must not mislead, harm or offend. The Code does not apply to commercial references within a programme.

We advise advertisers, advertising agencies and independent producers to seek pre-transmission guidance on scripted advertisements from Clearcast for TV advertisements, Radiocentre for radio advertisements, or from the broadcaster whose service they intend to use to advertise. We work very closely with these organisations and using their services will reduce the likelihood of an ad breaking our rules.

We do not regulate how often an ad appears on a specific channel or the sound levels of ads.

+ Read more - Read less

Latest rulings

Assured Food Standards t/a Red Tractor
- Upheld
- Television
- 15 October 2025
A TV ad for Assured Food Standard’s Red Tractor Scheme failed to make clear exactly which standards it was referring to, or the degree to which those standards were being met when using the claim “farmed with care” in conjunction with “all our standards are met.”
Procter & Gamble UK t/a Ariel
- Upheld
- Television
- 15 October 2025
A TV ad for Ariel laundry pods made an unsubstantiated claim that their product was as effective at cleaning clothes as other products, or when used in combination with laundry additives, and made unverifiable comparisons with identifiable competitors.
Trainline.com Ltd
- Upheld
- Video on demand, Radio
- 27 August 2025
A Video on Demand ad and a radio ad for Trainline made misleading and unsubstantiated claims that they offered the cheapest ticket prices.
Colgate-Palmolive (UK) Ltd
- Upheld
- 20 August 2025
A TV ad for Sanex shower gel was likely to cause serious offence by featuring a racial stereotype.

View all rulings

TV and radio (broadcast only)

Ads appearing on TV and radio are regulated by us and not Ofcom as many people assume. These types of ads must stick to the broadcast advertising rules – also known as the BCAP Code.

Latest news

Latest rulings

Help getting it right

Popular advice

Relevant codes