Ofcom has introduced new guidance to help 'Love Island' contestants.
Laura Whitmore
The TV watchdog has responded to the rise in popularity of reality shows - including the ITV2 dating programme - and the organisation has altered is guidance for studios and put "new protections" in place this year.
Writing for the Radio Times magazine, Adam Baxter - Ofcom's Director of Broadcasting Standards - said: "Specifically, this means that 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.
"We’re talking about shows like Love Island that attract a high level of media or social-media interest, involve conflict, emotionally challenging situations, or require a person to disclose life-changing or private aspects of their lives."
Baxter noted that networks must advise anyone appearing on a TV or radio show of the "possible risks to their welfare", and measures to deal with them.
He continued: "We’re talking about shows like Love Island that attract a high level of media or social-media interest, involve conflict, emotionally challenging situations, or require a person to disclose life-changing or private aspects of their lives.
"We’ve also made clear that, before a person agrees to take part in a TV or radio show, broadcasters must properly tell them about any possible risks to their welfare, and how they’ll seek to minimise these.
"It should also be made clear to viewers watching at home how the programme is taking care of the people they feature.”
And - under exceptional circumstances - Ofcom has the power to issue fines or even remove a channel's broadcasting license if the guidelines are breached.
Regarding 'Love Island' - which is hosted by Laura Whitmore - Baxter added: "While we cannot guarantee true love for the cast of Love Island, we can assure viewers that each and every complaint is carefully looked at, to check that audiences and people appearing in programmes are being properly protected.”
Last month, ITV bosses confirmed their extensive duty of care policy for 'Love Island' and detailed the level of support they are providing to contestants before, during and after their time in the villa.
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