LONDON — Swearing on TV? Most British viewers don’t give a … darn.
Research for the communications watchdog Ofcom shows viewers are increasingly willing to accept strong language in the right context.
Ofcom’s broadcasting code, designed to minimize “harm and offense,” bars strong swearing before 9 p.m.
Study participants watched extracts from programs including sitcoms, sports coverage and a show featuring foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay.
The study published Wednesday found that mild profanities such as “damn” were generally considered acceptable at any time, while some potentially discriminatory words — including “loony” and “mental” — were widely considered inoffensive.
Few objected to stronger swear words after 9 p.m., but opinion was divided on the F-word.
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.
