From the end of February 2011 product placement will be making its way onto UK TV screens, as confirmed by Ofcom today. While nobody is looking forward to having their TV screens plagued by American style awkward and obvious product placement, there are some restrictions that lighten the load a little.
The rules are part of new Ofcom regulations published today, and mean to offer “commercial broadcasters access to new sources of revenue, whilst providing protection for audiences”. Not only will we be getting brands shoved up our noses, but broadcasters will have to alert us when we’re being prodded with product placement by slapping a big logo on our screens, just so we know when we’re being advertised to, as every single X Factor contestant and judge wafts around sipping on a bottle of Coke.
