[Shasown]

The 15 minute delay is an industry imposed requirement, following recommendations by both OfCom and Oftel.

Following a variety of programs both on TV and Radio were the presenters have blurted out swear words, the recommendations were put forward by the two regulators as a reasonable time for both censoring offensive remarks and also for editorial staff to consult legal staff over the legality of the content to be aired.

The 15 minute rule is also applied to most radio programs. A few of the exceptions are some phone in shows(were the time delay is dropped to about 30 seconds) and some sporting events. e.g from overseas screening like the World cup coverage, even then there is an extended delay for censoring.