Ofcom has told Channel 4 to broadcast the apology at the start of the forthcoming run of 'Big Brother' on May 30 and at the start of the first eviction show.
The media regulator has accused Channel 4 of failing to properly handle three instances of offensive material on 'Celebrity Big Brother' in January, including Jade Goody's reference to fellow contestant Shilpa Shetty as "Shilpa Poppadom".
The regulator said that during the fifth series of 'Celebrity Big Brother' it had become clear that disagreements had developed between Shetty, Goody, former S-Club singer Jo O'Meara and model Danielle Lloyd.
Ofcom said that it was taking the action because viewers, and others who were aware of the events in the house, became increasingly concerned that Shetty was being subjected to bullying and that some of the bullying was racist.
Ofcom received just over 44,500 complaints about the alleged bullying in the series.
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, said: "Ofcom takes allegations of racist abuse and bullying on television extremely seriously. An unprecedented number of complaints were received and, while Celebrity Big Brother was still on-air, we launched a full investigation.
"It is essential that broadcasters are able to air challenging and controversial material but in doing so they must have effective compliance procedures in place and must exercise their editorial duties responsibly."
Ofcom found Channel 4 in breach of the Broadcasting Code in reference to three incidents during the series. The rules breached were rule 2.3, referring to "generally accepted standards", which ensures that "material which may cause offence is justified by the context", and rule 1.3, stipulating that "children must also be protected by appropriate scheduling from unsuitable material".
One of these rules was breached when Jade referred to Shilpa as "Shilpa Poppadom"; the second instance was when remarks were made about unhygienic cooking practices in India, by Jo O'Meara and Danielle Lloyd; the third incident was when Danielle Lloyd told Jade she wished Shetty would "fuck off home".
Channel 4 replied to the regulator's concerns, stating that the incidents broadcast were responsibly handled, appropriately scheduled and edited and justified by the context of being within the expectations of the 'Big Brother' audience.
It maintained that the series had been in keeping with its statutory remit. It accepted and regretted that many viewers had been offended but submitted that important freedom of expression issues were at stake.
Channel 4 has now promised to introduce a new intervention policy for 'Big Brother', bringing back a "right to reply" style programme to Channel 4, appointing the channel's first viewers' editor and commissioning a major research programme into diversity in the UK.
Andy Duncan, chief executive at Channel 4, said: "We accept Ofcom's judgement that on the occasions in question we did not ensure that 'Big Brother' intervened with the necessary promptness or strength. We would like to say sorry once again for the offence caused to viewers as a result.
"Ofcom did not rule this material should not have been broadcast, but that we should have done more to contextualise it by challenging and reprimanding the offending housemates. We believe the initiatives we have announced will help prevent a repeat of the public offence caused by the programme."
Luke Johnson, the Channel 4, chairman, added: "We feel the sanction imposed is proportionate given Ofcom's ruling that the breaches were not deliberate and that the channel did not act recklessly and in the light of Channel 4's good compliance record generally and on 'Big Brother' in particular.".jpg)
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