Fear not, Love Island fans, the show is not in any immediate danger.
TV shows that attract a high level of social media interest and that require the disclosure of private aspects of people’s lives, such as Love Island, could be cancelled “in the most serious of cases” if due care is not given to participants.
That’s according to Adam Baxter, Director of Broadcasting Standards with UK communications regulator Ofcom, who elaborated in a recent Radio Times interview on the obligation for Love Island and other shows to tell all contestants exactly what they’re getting into when joining the show and to give them the proper support available.
Baxter’s comments come after ITV2 recently published welfare measures for the show’s contestants ahead of the return of the current series.
“Broadcasters now have to take due care of people they feature, who might be at risk of significant harm –primarily vulnerable people and those not used to being in the public eye,” Baxter said.
“We’re talking about shows like Love Island that attract a high level of media or social media interest, involving conflict and emotionally challenging situations, or requiring a person to disclose life-changing or private aspects of their lives.
“We have the power in the most serious of cases to fine broadcasters or take away their licence to broadcast.”
The welfare measures announced by ITV2 to give support to islanders before and after their time in the villa come following scrutiny on the impact of social media on the mental health of contestants in recent years, with contestants such as Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon, and presenter Caroline Flack, all tragically having died by suicide.
Amongst the welfare measures announced, islanders will be given comprehensive psychological support as well as “training for all islanders on the impacts of social media and handling potential negativity”.
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