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.

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Latest rulings

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 t/a Colgate Palmolive (UK) Ltd
- Upheld
- 20 August 2025
A TV ad for Sanex shower gel seen in June 2025. The ad included a voiceover that stated, "To those who might scratch day and night. To those whose skin will feel dried out even by water" alongside scenes of a black woman with red scratch marks and another covered with a cracked clay-like material. The ad then stated, "...
Actegy Ltd
- Upheld in part
- Television
- 06 August 2025
A TV ad for ‘Revitive Circulation Booster’, a Neuromuscular electrical stimulation device, claiming it could reduce swelling did not make clear this was only in relation to healthy people and was a temporary result. It also made misleading claims the device could improve walking distance and duration for th...
Monzo Bank Ltd
- Not upheld
- Television
- 09 July 2025
A TV ad for Monzo and ITV Sport was obviously recognisable as an ad.

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.

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