These previous 5 bodies that made ofcom were;
The Office of telecommunications (Oftel)
Some of the main responsibilities of Ofcom are licensing, undertaking research, creating codes and policies. They also address complaints and look into competition.
Part of Ofcom's duty is to examine complaints made by viewers or listeners. When Ofcom receive a copy of the programme they check the material to see if it breaches The Broadcasting Code. Ofcom will ask for a response from the broadcaster to the complain. Then Ofcom will deem the situation "resolved" or take further action.
Ofcom considers consultations to be a vital way of helping it to make the right decisions based upon the right evidence. Ofcom's formal process of consultation starts with document being published (which can be found on their website) asking for views and responses.
Ofcom is responsible for the management, regulation, assignment and licensing of the UK's Electromagnetic spectrum. It Licenses for TV, radio, Mobile phone transmissions and private communications networks. The Process of Licensing varies on the type of usage required, some licenses may simply have to be applied and paid for. Most of the procedures in place are taken for the previous 5 regulators, but Ofcom may change these procedures within the future.
One recent issue regarding the "Russell Brand show prank telephone calls row" had to undergo regulation from Ofcom. The Show gained many complaints and was resolved by Russell Brand being suspended completely from the BBC and Jonathan Ross suffering a 3 month suspension.
However Journalist such as Jim Black Criticised Ofcom, citing what he sees as its pandering to conformity:
"simply dispensing rules and regulations from on high, coercing and threatening people into line, makes things worse. being told how to behave is different from knowing how to behave. Indeed, it is precisely the experience of stifling conformism promoted by outfits like Ofcom that can lead to the comic tourettes offered by the likes of Ross and Brand.
