A new broadcasting code for TV channels is to come into effect at the end of this month.
Announcing sweeping new guidelines covering, amongst other things, product placement and programme quality, an OFCOM spokesman explained "Its clear that , through the years, bad practice has crept into the industry. We feel that its our responsibility to act to reverse that trend".
So, from February 28th onwards, all channels will have to display a large "P" logo at the beginning and end of every programme that has been paid to include one or more product.
Moreover, any programme that has been aired before must feature a large "R" logo prominently on the screen to advise the viewer of a repeat.
Similarly, any highbrow programme that takes itself even slightly too seriously will display an "IP" logo to indicate that its inherently pretentious.
Other logos that are expected to feature regularly include "RD" (Recycled Drivel), "TBMEC" ( Typically Bland Middle England Comedy) and the ubiquitous "FASDM" (Featuring A Screaming Davina McCall).
