Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks has been found in breach of Ofcom rules for a violent fight scene culminating in a character being pushed into a train. The scene, broadcast on 19 March 2013, was deemed unsuitable for pre-watershed viewing by the broadcasting watchdog.
The sequence featured a confrontation between former undercover policeman Simon Walker and ex-drug dealer Brendan Brady, ending with Walker's death. Although the episode had a pre-show announcement and the script was crafted to warn viewers, Ofcom ruled that the violent content was too intense for the 19:00 slot.
Channel 4 argued that Hollyoaks' young audience expected a dramatic conclusion to the year-long storyline, and that measures such as editing punches and monitoring sound levels ensured compliance. The broadcaster also noted that only one viewer complained to Ofcom, suggesting the scheduling was appropriate.
However, Ofcom highlighted that 10% of the episode's audience were children aged four to nine, consistent throughout the programme. The watchdog concluded the scene could distress younger viewers and raise concerns among parents, regardless of signposting.
Ofcom has commissioned research into audience attitudes towards violence on television, particularly around the watershed, with results expected in 2014.
