Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Ofcom on tackling the use of sexist and misogynistic language in broadcast news.

Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code sets out rules to ensure that broadcast material which contains abusive or derogatory treatment of individuals or groups must not be included except where it is justified by the context.

As the UK’s independent regulator, it is for Ofcom to determine whether there has been a breach of the Broadcasting Code, and whether to take action. In making any decision, Ofcom is required by the Communications Act 2003 to strike a balance between ensuring an appropriate level of freedom of expression and adequate protection from harmful material.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with Ofcom on a range of issues, but it is for Ofcom to determine any breaches of the Broadcasting Code.