View source for Watershed (broadcasting)

{{short description|Time of day after which adult programming is permitted}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2023}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
In [[broadcasting]], the '''watershed''' is the time of day after which [[Broadcast programming|programming]] with content deemed suitable only for mature or adult audiences is permitted. In the same way that a geological [[drainage divide|watershed]] divides two [[drainage basin]]s, a broadcasting watershed serves as a dividing line in a schedule between [[family-friendly]] content and content deemed suitable only for a more mature audience, such as programs containing objectionable content; this can include [[graphic violence]], [[strong language]], and [[Human sexual activity|sexual content]], or strong references to those themes, even if they are not shown explicitly. The transition to more adult material must not be unduly abrupt and the strongest material should appear later in the evening.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/advice-for-consumers/television/what-is-the-watershed | title=What is the watershed? | date=6 November 2020 | access-date=15 February 2024 | archive-date=21 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221173112/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/advice-for-consumers/television/what-is-the-watershed | url-status=live }}</ref>

In some countries, watersheds are enforced by broadcasting laws. Cultural differences around the world allow those watershed times to vary. For instance, in [[Australia]], the watershed time is 19:30 (7:30&nbsp;p.m.), and in [[Italy]] it is 22:30 (10:30&nbsp;p.m.). In some countries, the schedule is divided into periods with progressively fewer restrictions. In addition, some countries are more lenient towards [[pay television|subscription television]] and radio or [[pay-per-view]] channels than towards [[free-to-air]] channels.

==By country==
===Argentina===
In Argentina, any programmes broadcast between 06:00 or 07:00 and 22:00 or 22:30 must be suitable for all ages. There are also three other ratings, '''SAM 13''', '''SAM 16''', and '''SAM 18''', which may be broadcast only during the broadcast time that is not covered by any programme suitable for family viewing.

Starting in September 2010, broadcasters must show the notices "Comienza el horario apto para todo público" ({{Langx|en|The time suitable for the general public is beginning}}) and "Finaliza el horario apto para todo público" ({{Langx|en|The time suitable for the general public is ending}}) at 6:00&nbsp;a.m. or 7:00&nbsp;a.m. and 10:00&nbsp;p.m. or 10:30&nbsp;p.m. respectively. In addition, the notice "Atención: Contenido no apto para niños, niñas y adolescentes" ({{Langx|en|Warning: Content not suitable for children and adolescents}}) is shown before news broadcasts.

===Australia===
On [[Television in Australia|Australian television]], programmes are restricted to certain times based on [[Australian Classification Board#Film and video game classifications|their rating]]. Since December 2015, PG-rated programmes can be shown at any time of day, M-rated programmes from 19:30, and MA15+ programmes from 20:30. M-rated programmes can also be shown from 12:00 to 15:00 on [[academic year|school days]].

Complications with [[Time in Australia|Australian time zones]] allow that to vary slightly in some areas. For example, when [[daylight saving time]] is in effect in [[New South Wales]], NSW-based stations broadcasting to the [[Gold Coast, Queensland]], would effectively push the broadcast watersheds an hour earlier, as Queensland does not observe DST; however, complaints by Gold Coast residents have forced those stations to delay prime-time programming by one hour to compensate.

With the exception of subscription [[narrowcast]] channels, anything rated R18+ must not be shown on Australian television at any time, and must be edited to fit within MA15+ guidelines. Even on subscription narrowcast channels, the owner of the channel must ensure that its content is restricted to access by those with appropriate disabling devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=ASTRA Codes of Practice 2013, Subscription Narrowcast Television |url=https://www.astra.org.au/pdf/news/ASTRA_Subscription_Narrowcast_Television_Codes_of_Practice_2013_with_new_Appendix_A.pdf |access-date=13 February 2023 |website=astra.org.au |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907074403/https://www.astra.org.au/pdf/news/ASTRA_Subscription_Narrowcast_Television_Codes_of_Practice_2013_with_new_Appendix_A.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Austria===
There is no legally binding watershed in Austria. However, according to its regulations, the [[ORF (broadcaster)|public service broadcaster]]'s channels do not air content that might harm the physical, mental or moral development of minors before 8:15&nbsp;p.m. and when fictional programmes "not suitable for children" or "only for adults" are aired, an X or O, respectively, is added to the [[digital on-screen graphic]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jugendschutz im ORF|url=http://publikumsrat.orf.at/jugendschutz.pdf|publisher=ORF Publikumsrat|access-date=17 December 2014|language=de|date=6 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025837/http://publikumsrat.orf.at/jugendschutz.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Brazil===
In Brazil, the concept of watershed was officially abolished on August 31, 2016, after a decision made by the Supreme Federal Court (''[[Supremo Tribunal Federal]]''). Despite [[Internet activism|online activism]] organized by some opposing parents and critics, such as Helena Martins, a [[journalist]] and representative of the National Program of Human Rights (''Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos''), who created a [[online petition|petition]] on the [[Internet]] trying to prevent the decision, the Court ruled in favor of a [[lawsuit]] made by the Brazilian Labor Party (''[[Brazilian Labour Party (current)|Partido Trabalhista Brasileiro]]''), which received the support (during the lawsuit) of the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (''[[ABERT|Associação Brasileira de Emissoras de Rádio e Televisão]]''), composed of a group of several radio and television broadcasters spread throughout the country. Both organizations advocated for the national abolition of the watershed, claiming that the watershed was a kind of restriction that caused problems related to the "lack of programming freedom" on the [[Television in Brazil|Brazilian television]].

Starting in 1990, when the Advisory Rating Coordination (''Coordenação de Classificação Indicativa'') of the Department of Justice Politics (''Departamento de Políticas de Justiça'') was established, until the August 31, 2016 Supreme Court ruling, the [[Brazilian advisory rating system]] determined not only the [[content rating]] of a program, but also imposed a watershed system, who was created in line with the Child and Adolescent Statute (''Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente''), a series of regulations who determine what are the [[children's rights]] in Brazil. The watershed was composed by the following rules:

* Programs rated [[File:DJCTQ - L.svg|30px]] (Free for All Audiences{{snd}}''Livre para Todos os Públicos'') and [[File:DJCTQ - 10.svg|30px]] (Not recommended for minors under 10{{snd}}''Não recomendado para menores de 10 anos'') could be broadcast at anytime;
* Programs rated [[File:DJCTQ - 12.svg|30px]] (Not recommended for minors under 12{{snd}}''Não recomendado para menores de 12 anos'') could be broadcast only between 8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. (20:00) and 6:00{{nbsp}}a.m.;
* Programs rated [[File:DJCTQ - 14.svg|30px]] (Not recommended for minors under 14{{snd}}''Não recomendado para menores de 14 anos'') could be broadcast only between 9:00{{nbsp}}p.m. (21:00) and 6:00{{nbsp}}a.m.;
* Programs rated [[File:DJCTQ - 16.svg|30px]] (Not recommended for minors under 16{{snd}}''Não recomendado para menores de 16 anos'') could be broadcast only between 10:00{{nbsp}}p.m. (22:00) and 6:00{{nbsp}}a.m.;
* Programs rated [[File:DJCTQ - 18.svg|30px]] (Not recommended for minors under 18{{snd}}''Não recomendado para menores de 18 anos'') could be broadcast only between 11:00{{nbsp}}p.m. (23:00) and 6:00{{nbsp}}a.m.

The watershed was enforced only for [[free-to-air]] television channels (both [[Very high frequency|VHF]] and [[Ultra high frequency|UHF]]); [[pay television]] channels were not required to follow the watershed, and indeed, could broadcast any program anytime.

Before 1990, during the [[Military dictatorship in Brazil|military dictatorship]] and in the early [[History of Brazil since 1985|New Republic]], the regulator entity for the watershed was the Public Diversions Censorship Division (''Divisão de Censura de Diversões Públicas'') of the [[Federal Police of Brazil]] (''Polícia Federal do Brasil''). More known simply as the "Federal Censorship" (''Censura Federal''), it was this division who determined if a pre-recorded television program was eligible to be transmitted on a determined time (the Censorship Division also decided what was the content rating of these programs, and had the power to impede the broadcast of unauthorized programs, meaning that all television programs that were not broadcast [[live television|live]] had to be previously sent to the "Federal Censorship" through [[videotape]]s to receive the authorization of transmission before they could be aired).

===Canada===
The Code of Ethics and the Violence Code of the [[Canadian Association of Broadcasters]] (which does not include the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] and provincial public broadcasters such as [[TVOntario]] and [[Tele-Quebec]], which are directly overseen by the [[CRTC]]) specify that broadcasters may not air programming that contains sexually explicit material or coarse or offensive language intended for adult audiences outside of the "late viewing period," which is defined as programming beginning at 9:00&nbsp;p.m., and ending at 5:30&nbsp;a.m. Programs that begin before 9:00&nbsp;p.m. are considered pre-watershed even if they run into this time period. In regards to time zones, the watershed is based on the time zone from which the signal originates. 11:00&nbsp;p.m. is the watershed for radio broadcasting; before then and after 4:00&nbsp;a.m., radio stations are forbidden from broadcasting content that glorifies violence, undue coarse language, or undue sexually explicit material.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsc.ca/codes/cab-code-of-ethics/|title=Canadian Association of Broadcasters' Code of Ethics (2002)|work=Canadian Broadcast Standards Council|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-25|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225205236/https://www.cbsc.ca/codes/cab-code-of-ethics/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Violence Code does provide some leniency for scheduling programs pre-watershed in order to exercise a terrestrial broadcaster's [[simsub]] rights (acknowledging that content advisories are also mandated by the code). However, in any case, no broadcaster may air material that contains "gratuitous violence in any form or which sanctions, promotes or glamourizes violence."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsc.ca/codes/cab-violence-code/|title=Canadian Association of Broadcasters Violence Code (1993) ·|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224224019/https://www.cbsc.ca/codes/cab-violence-code/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Chile ===
In Chile, prior to the establishment of content rating systems in 1993, watershed was the only way that television networks used to separate adult programs from the rest of the schedule. Back then, adult programming could only air after 21:30 (which, on most networks, coincided with the end of prime-time newscasts). It was later{{When|date=June 2024}} moved to 22:00. The [[National Television Council (Chile)|Consejo Nacional de Televisión]] requires all networks (even pay TV channels based in Chile) to broadcast a warning shortly before the watershed (either as a standalone ident or as a lower-third); if they skip the warning, they risk facing a fine. Broadcasting the warning late also results in a fine, with [[TV+ (Chile)|TV+]] receiving one in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Medios: Corte de Apelaciones de Santiago confirmó multa a canal de televisión por no emitir oportunamente el aviso de término de horario de protección para menores a las 22 horas. {{!}} JDF |url=https://www.jdf.cl/ley-al-dia/medios-corte-de-apelaciones-de-santiago-confirmo-multa-a-canal-de-television-por-no-emitir-oportunamente-el-aviso-de-termino-de-horario-de-proteccion-para-menores-a-las-22-horas/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429180802/https://www.jdf.cl/ley-al-dia/medios-corte-de-apelaciones-de-santiago-confirmo-multa-a-canal-de-television-por-no-emitir-oportunamente-el-aviso-de-termino-de-horario-de-proteccion-para-menores-a-las-22-horas/ |archive-date=29 April 2023 }}</ref> The adult-programming period ends at 6:00 (though most networks ended it right after [[Sign-on and sign-off|sign-off]], as 24/7 stations weren't common prior to 2022).{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

In April 2024, the CNTV's president, Mauricio Muñoz, revealed in an interview that the [[:es:Asociación_Nacional_de_Televisión|Asociación Nacional de Televisión]], the [[:es:Defensoría_de_la_Niñez|Defensoría de la Niñez]] and other institutions solicited the regulator to move the watershed from 22:00 to 21:00.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Horario de protección. Sentido y relevancia: apuntes para la discusión {{!}} Consejo Nacional de Televisión |url=https://cntv.cl/estudio-repositorio/horario-de-proteccion-sentido-y-relevancia-apuntes-para-la-discusion/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=cntv.cl |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618003926/https://cntv.cl/estudio-repositorio/horario-de-proteccion-sentido-y-relevancia-apuntes-para-la-discusion/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Serio |first=TV en |date=2024-04-02 |title=CNTV propone adelantar el horario para mayores a las 21:00 horas |url=https://www.tvenserio.com/2024/04/02/cntv-propone-adelantar-el-horario-para-mayores-a-las-2100-horas/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=TVenserio.com |language=es-CL |archive-date=18 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618032453/https://www.tvenserio.com/2024/04/02/cntv-propone-adelantar-el-horario-para-mayores-a-las-2100-horas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Reasons for the change included sleep-related health issues on children with the old watershed, and prime-time newscasts becoming more violent and crime-focused. The proposal was approved on 10 October 2024, though it was said it would only be moved once it was published on the [[Diario Oficial de la República de Chile|Diario Oficial]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haas |first=Bárbara |date=2024-10-10 |title=Nuevo horario de contenido para mayores de 18 años en TV: a qué hora será y por qué se modificó |url=https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/servicios/toma-nota/2024/10/10/nuevo-horario-de-contenido-para-mayores-de-18-anos-en-tv-a-que-hora-sera-y-por-que-se-modifico.shtml |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=BioBioChile - La Red de Prensa Más Grande de Chile |language=es}}</ref> The watershed was officially moved on 5 November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Desde hoy comienza a regir el cambio de horario de protección al menor |url=https://tvdaldia.cl/television/desde-hoy-comienza-a-regir-el-cambio-de-horario-de-proteccion-al-menor/ |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=TVD Al Día |language=es-CL}}</ref>

===Czech Republic===
In the Czech Republic, only programmes that "can be watched by children" can be aired until 22:00. After 22:00, adult-oriented programmes may be aired. They have to be marked with star on either corner of image. Notably Jednicka (CT1) and Dvojka (CT2) are among to include this logo until 2007.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

===Finland===
In Finland, all the major television companies ([[Yle]], [[MTV3|MTV Media]], [[Nelonen (television)|Nelonen Media]], [[SBS Broadcasting Group|SBS Finland]] and [[Fox International Channels|Fox International]]) have agreed not to show 16-rated content before 21:00 and 18-rated content before 23:00.<ref>{{cite web|last=Luukka|first=Teemu|title=Tuntemattoman sotilaan saa esittää jälleen ennen kello 17|url=http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/a1392091564585|work=Helsingin Sanomat|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522123436/http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/a1392091564585|url-status=live}}</ref> Television channels use their own discretion to decide the ratings. Before airing a programme, the channel must provide the related rating information to the governmental bureau [[Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media]],<ref>[http://www.meku.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=143:tv-yhtiot-ovat-sopineet-kaytannoista-ja-toimenpiteista-kuvaohjelmalain-toteuttamiseksi&catid=52:tietoa-uusista-ikarajoista-ja-niiden-perusteista&Itemid=386&lang=fi "Televisioyhtiöiden käytännesäännöt"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309214834/http://www.meku.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=143:tv-yhtiot-ovat-sopineet-kaytannoista-ja-toimenpiteista-kuvaohjelmalain-toteuttamiseksi&catid=52:tietoa-uusista-ikarajoista-ja-niiden-perusteista&Itemid=386&lang=fi |date=2014-03-09 }}, ''Finnish Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media'', 2007. Retrieved on 2012-09-07. {{in lang|fi}}</ref> which replaced the now-defunct [[Finnish Board of Film Classification]] in that capacity in early 2012.

===France===
In France, -12 rated programmes/films are not allowed before 22:00, and -16/-18 rated programmes/films are not allowed before 22:30 and 00:00
respectively. -18 rated programmes/films may air only via satellite and cable. The period in which programmes with any ratings are permitted finishes at 06:00 except for -18 programmes, which may not be issued after 05:00.<ref name="csa1">{{cite web| url=http://www.csa.fr/Television/Le-suivi-des-programmes/Jeunesse-et-protection-des-mineurs/La-signaletique-jeunesse/Quel-signal-pour-quel-contenu| title=Quel signal pour quel contenu ?| access-date=2018-12-29| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316072153/http://csa.fr/Television/Le-suivi-des-programmes/Jeunesse-et-protection-des-mineurs/La-signaletique-jeunesse/Quel-signal-pour-quel-contenu| archive-date=2015-03-16| url-status=dead}}</ref>

There is also one additional rating that is not used in films: -10. -10 rated programmes signifies content less intense than -12 rated programmes. All programmes and films must display the respective icon on-screen for the duration of the programme. Before December 2012, -10 rated programmes had to display the respective icon on-screen at the start and in regular intervals.<ref name="csa1"/>

===Germany===
In Germany, content suitable for ages 16 and older is permitted between 22:00 and 06:00 and content suitable for adults (18 and older)
is permitted between 23:00 and 06:00. Programmes marked "Keine Jugendfreigabe" (not approved for minors) by the ratings organization [[Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft|FSK]] may thus be shown only after 23:00. Blacklisted movies may not be aired at any time. Some content rated 12 and older is permitted between 20:00 and 06:00, but there is no general watershed for such content.

If a commercial broadcaster wants to air a programme not rated by the FSK, the programme's watershed is rated by the FSF (Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle Fernsehen: Voluntary Self Regulation for TV) instead. A programme with neither rating is not usually aired by commercial broadcasters since the KJM (Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz: Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media) may charge a fine if it finds the content inappropriate. To avoid the original watershed for a programme or to air a blacklisted movie, commercial broadcasters may ask the FSF to tell them how to cut the movie for another rating.

===Greece===
Greece uses a triple-tier watershed, along with a five-tier dual-tone decal scheme, displayed at the beginning and at regular intervals during all broadcasts except for news bulletins.
* A black square containing a white circle and the letter "K" (Κατάλληλο, ''Suitable'') in black, indicates unrestricted programming.
* A black square containing a white circle and the number "8", indicates programming that is suitable for persons aged 8 and older. TV programming using this symbol is precluded from being broadcast during special children TV programming, as well as at least thirty minutes before or after that special programming. 
* A black square containing a white circle and the number "12", indicates programming that is suitable for persons aged 12 and older. and is only allowed only between 21:00 and 06:00, Monday through Thursday, and 22:00 and 06:00, Friday through Sunday as well as during school holidays. 
* A black square containing a white circle and the number "16", indicates programming that is suitable for persons aged 16 and older and is allowed only between 22:00 and 06:00.
* A black square containing a white circle and the number "18", indicates programming that is suitable for adults (persons aged 18 and older), and is allowed only between 00:00 and 06:00. Programmes with foul language and commercials with sexual oriented nudity typically fall into this category. Broadcasting content with this rating before midnight is punishable by fine except when used in the context of a suitably labelled film, theatrical play or other media.
Furthermore, for media rated "12" and above, a special identification regarding the content of the media, is required to be broadcast at the beginning of the programme. These verbal descriptors are:

* Βία (Violence){{snd}}This programme contains depictions of violence.
* Σεξ (Sex){{snd}}This programme contains depictions of sexual or sexualised acts.
* Χρήση Ουσιών (Use of Substances){{snd}}This programme contains depictions of drug use, or of other addicting substances.
* Ακατάλληλη Φρασεολογία (Improper Speech){{snd}}This programme contains use of improper or vulgar speech.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2019 |title=ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΒΕΡΝΗΣΕΩΣ - Αρ. Φύλλου 2300 - Κατάταξη και σήμανση των τηλεοπτικών προγραμμάτων. |url=https://www.esr.gr/wp-content/uploads/FEK_B2300_12.06.2019.pdf |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326002655/https://www.esr.gr/wp-content/uploads/FEK_B2300_12.06.2019.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

These ratings are mandatorily displayed and verbally announced at the beginning of each broadcast. The provisions are enforced by the [[Greek National Council for Radio and Television|National Council for Radio and Television]] (ESR), an independent authority, whose executive members are appointed by the leaders of all parliamentary parties, preferably by unanimous consent and in extremis by an 80% supermajority.

===Hungary===
[[Hungary]] uses a two-tier watershed.
* Programmes rated for over 16-year-olds are allowed only between 21:00 and 05:00.
* Programmes rated for over 18-year-olds are allowed only between 22:00 and 05:00.

Hungarian television [[prime time]] ends about 23:30.

''For more information about the two ratings' meaning, see {{slink|Television content rating systems|Hungary}}''.

===India===
[[India]] does not have a watershed. The [[Central Board of Film Certification]] (CBFC) is responsible for regulating television programming. Officially, broadcast laws permit only material rated with a [[Central Board of Film Certification#Current certificates|U (Universal) certificate]] and U/A to be broadcast on television, but the law is regularly disobeyed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/Watershed-timings-for-adult-movies-on-TV-soon/articleshow/1380296.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126045003/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-01-21/india/27818073_1_adult-movies-timings-watershed |url-status=live |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title='Watershed' timings for adult films on TV soon |date=2006-01-21|work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2012-12-05}}</ref>  As many Indian households have only one television, nearly the entire broadcast day is positioned by broadcasters as being suitable for family viewing. [[Self-censorship]] of foreign series (particularly from the U.S., and including series originally aired on broadcast television) is common in order to meet more conservative content standards,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=19 August 2016 |title=Behind the Scenes With Indian TV Channels' Self-Censors |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/tv/features/behind-the-scenes-with-indian-tv-channels-self-censors-874695 |access-date=2020-02-27 |website=NDTV Gadgets 360 |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227153448/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/tv/features/behind-the-scenes-with-indian-tv-channels-self-censors-874695 |url-status=live }}</ref> 

11{{nbsp}}p.m. is typically treated as a ''de facto'' watershed, with adult content offered until 5{{nbsp}}a.m. (and some channels, such as [[Zee Café]], openly promoting [[programming block]]s within the hours featuring "uncut" programming with fewer edits).<ref name=":1" /> The government has, at times, ordered individual programmes and films to be broadcast between 11{{nbsp}}p.m. and 5{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101122/jsp/frontpage/story_13205896.jsp |title=Watershed hour beckons Indian television |publisher=The Telegraph – Calcutta, India |date=2010-11-22 |access-date=2012-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309214328/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101122/jsp/frontpage/story_13205896.jsp |archive-date=2014-03-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  There have been several proposals in the past to introduce an 11{{nbsp}}p.m. watershed, permitting programming rated 'A' (Adults Only) from then until 5{{nbsp}}a.m., but all have been rejected by the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/govt-says-a-firm-no-to-adult-content-on-tv/752465/0|title=Govt says a firm 'no' to adult content on TV|date=2011-02-21|publisher=The Financial Express|access-date=2012-12-05|archive-date=7 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907074430/https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/govt-says-a-firm-no-to-adult-content-on-tv/752465/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ireland===
In [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], there is no [[statute|statutory]] requirement for a watershed.<ref name="bciPhase1">{{cite web |year=2005 |url=http://www.bci.ie/documents/code_prog_standards_pubconsult.pdf#page=16 |title=Consultation Document&nbsp;– Phase 1 |work=BCI Code of Programme Standards |publisher=Broadcasting Commission of Ireland |page=14 |quote=It is worth noting that in Ireland the watershed operates as an informal arrangement and is not contained in any codes, rules or law. |access-date=27 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308120931/http://www.bci.ie/documents/code_prog_standards_pubconsult.pdf#page=16 |archive-date=2014-03-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ''Code of Programme Standards'' of the [[Broadcasting Authority of Ireland]] (BAI) requires television and radio broadcasters to use at least one of three methods to advise viewers of content, namely: an explicit watershed for adult-oriented programmes; prior warnings before potentially offensive programming; and/or a descriptive classification system.<ref>Broadcasting Commission of Ireland 2007, p.7</ref> A 2005 survey for the drafters of the ''Code'' found that 83% of viewers thought a watershed was a good idea, and only 39% knew the pre-existing watershed was 21:00; 52% felt it should be 22:00 or 23:00.<ref name="lansdowne2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.bci.ie/documents/attitudinal_survey.pdf#page=43 |format=PDF |title=Towards development of a Code on Taste and Decency |author=Lansdowne Market Research |date=October 2005 |publisher=Broadcasting Commission of Ireland |pages=43–44 |access-date=27 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308120747/http://www.bci.ie/documents/attitudinal_survey.pdf#page=43 |archive-date=2014-03-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 2007 ''Code'' specifies that broadcasters using a watershed must regularly promote it, and its start and end times, for viewers' awareness.<ref>Broadcasting Commission of Ireland 2007, p.8</ref>

[[RTÉ Television]] implements a watershed of 21:00,<ref name="rteguidelines"/><ref name="rteclassification"/> as well as [[RTÉ programme classifications|an onscreen classification system]].<ref name="rteclassification">{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/tv/homepage/onscreen_classification.html|title=On Screen Classification|work=[[RTÉ.ie]]|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102062641/http://www.rte.ie/tv/homepage/onscreen_classification.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Programmes with the ''MA'' ("mature audience") classification are shown only after the watershed.<ref name="rteclassification"/> Programmes running through the watershed are treated as pre-watershed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/radio/irp/guidelines_general.html#CAB|title=The Watershed|work=General RTÉ Guidelines|publisher=RTÉ|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-date=31 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031054751/http://www.rte.ie/radio/irp/guidelines_general.html#CAB|url-status=live}}</ref> RTÉ's guidelines state, "A cornerstone of our contract with television viewers is the watershed and the understanding that prior to 21.00 material broadcast should be suitable for a family audience. ... The immediately post 21.00 broadcast period should be regarded as a graduation period towards more adult material and due allowance must be made for the potential presence of children in the audience".<ref name="rteguidelines">{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/documents/about/programmeguidelines2008_eng.pdf#page=51 |title=RTÉ Programme Standards and Guidelines |date=26 June 2008 |publisher=RTÉ |page=51 |access-date=27 October 2012 |archive-date=14 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114164139/http://www.rte.ie/documents/about/programmeguidelines2008_eng.pdf#page=51 |url-status=live }}</ref> More nuanced limits may also be applied; for example, RTÉ cleared a trailer for horror film ''[[Paranormal Activity]]'' for broadcast after 19:00, except during the Saturday evening film which many children watch.<ref>Broadcasting Authority of Ireland July 2012, pp. 85–87</ref> [[Virgin Media One]] operates what it calls "the internationally accepted watershed" of 21:00.<ref>Broadcasting Authority of Ireland July 2012, pp. 19–20</ref> Radio broadcasting does not apply a watershed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bai.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Complaints-decisions-May-2011.pdf#page=82 |title=Complaint Decisions |last=Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |date=May 2011 |page=82 |quote=With regard to a watershed, such practice is only applicable to television broadcasting. |access-date=27 October 2012 |archive-date=9 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309231536/http://www.bai.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Complaints-decisions-May-2011.pdf#page=82 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2005, all television broadcasters operated a main watershed of 21:00.<ref name="quinn2005p19">Quinn 2005, p.19</ref> In the case of RTÉ, the less-restricted period ended at 06:30, while for Virgin Media One and [[TG4]], which then had shorter broadcast hours, it ended at nighttime closedown.<ref name="quinn2005p19"/> [[RTÉ Radio]] did not use a watershed.<ref>Quinn 2005, p.21</ref> TG4 claimed it had "a number of different watersheds coming into effect throughout the day",<ref>Quinn 2005, p.114</ref> while all stations had a second, less formal watershed at 22:00 for "material which is decidedly over 18".<ref>Quinn 2005, p.117</ref> Quinn notes that the period from 18:00 to 21:00 attracts most viewer complaints, as "audience expectations of what should be shown often differ greatly".<ref>Quinn 2005, p.129</ref>

The BAI's code regarding advertising and children states, "In general terms, programmes broadcast after 9{{nbsp}}p.m. are not regarded as children's programmes. After this time, the primary responsibility for what a child is watching is seen to lie with the parents/guardians. The Code recognises, however, that children's viewing does not end abruptly at 9{{nbsp}}p.m. and so the Code will offer some protection in the hour between 9{{nbsp}}p.m. and 10{{nbsp}}p.m."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bai.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Childrens-Commercial-Communications-Code-Guidance-Notes.pdf#page=8 |title=Children's Commercial Communications Code |date=May 2011 |publisher=Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |page=8 |access-date=27 October 2012}}</ref>

===Italy===
{{Update section|date=April 2023|reason=There are many +18 programmes that are broadcast on [[Cielo (TV channel)|Cielo]] (a free to air channel), thereby indicating that the rules may have changed since this was written}}
According to ''Codice TV e minori'' (Code for Children and Television, 2002),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comunicazioni.it/tutela_minori/|title=Ministero delle Comunicazioni&nbsp;– Tutela dei minori|website=comunicazioni.it|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218053808/http://www.comunicazioni.it/tutela_minori/|archive-date=18 February 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> all the channels must broadcast "general audience" programmes from 07:00 to 22:30. After 22:30, +14 programmes can be aired, while +18 programmes are prohibited from television altogether except for satellite, cable, and [[Over-the-top media service|OTT]] premium adult channels, along with [[Cielo (TV channel)|Cielo]].

===Mexico===
Department of Radio, Television and Film (Mexico) regulates television programming in Mexico. Any programs shown on Mexican television must be classified A (suitable for all ages) for broadcast between 05:00 to 20:00. Broadcast for programs classified as B, B-15, C and/or D can be broadcast at certain times only.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radio y Televisión |url=https://rtc.segob.gob.mx/ |website=.: Dirección General de Radio, Televisión y Cinematografía :.|access-date=2019-03-18}}</ref>

* Programs rated B may be broadcast only from 16:00 to 05:59.
* Programs rated B-15 may be broadcast only from 19:00 to 05:59.
* Programs rated C may be broadcast only from 21:00 to 05:59.
* Programs rated D can be broadcast only from 00:00 to 05:00.

===The Netherlands===
{{anchor|Netherlands, The}} <!-- preserve previous section title -->
* Programmes that are rated "All ages", "6" or "9" can be broadcast all day.
* Programmes that are rated "12" can be broadcast from 20:00 to 06:00
* Programmes that are rated "16" can be broadcast from 22:00 to 06:00

The number in the age rating indicates the lowest age for which it is suitable.

However, when it comes to profane or sexually explicit language, Dutch tv is more tolerant than most others.
While not everything is accepted pre-watershed, profanity limits tend to correspond with real-life language use among kids.

===New Zealand===

On 1 May 2020, the new classification rating system for television (both free-to-air and subscription) was implemented, bringing it more in line with [[Motion picture content rating system#New Zealand|film classifications]] as per the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993.

* G and PG rated programmes can be shown at any time on both free-to-air and subscription television.
*M rated programmes can be shown any time only on subscription television. On free-to-air television, M rated programmes can be shown between the hours of 9:00{{nbsp}}a.m. and 3:00{{nbsp}}p.m. on weekdays (school term time only) and from 7:30{{nbsp}}p.m. until 5:00{{nbsp}}a.m. on a daily basis (including weekends, school holidays and public holidays).
*16 rated programmes can be shown any time only on subscription television, but must be blocked if viewers under 16 are present. On free-to-air television, 16 rated programmes can only be shown from 8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. to 5:00{{nbsp}}a.m. 16 rated programmes may contain stronger content that may be considered unsuitable for children under the age of 16.
*18 rated programmes can be shown on subscription television between 9:00{{nbsp}}a.m. and 3:00{{nbsp}}p.m. on weekdays (school term time only) and from 8:00{{nbsp}}p.m. until 6:00{{nbsp}}a.m on a daily basis (including weekends, school holidays and public holidays). On free-to-air television, 18 rated programmes can only be shown between 9:30{{nbsp}}p.m. and 5:00{{nbsp}}a.m. 18 rated programmes may contain more explicit but challenging content such as very frequent coarse language, very strong or graphic violence, very strong or explicit sex scenes, nudity or material that may be considered either too distressing or offensive to some adult viewers.

News and current affairs programmes and sporting events are exempt from the system altogether but still carry warnings before certain stories with graphic content or objectionable material.

====Previous system====

The previous system for free-to-air television, introduced in 1989, used the following system based on the one formerly used in Australia:
*G (General), which could air at any time,
*PGR (Parental Guidance Recommended), which could not air between 6{{nbsp}}a.m. and 9{{nbsp}}a.m. or between 4{{nbsp}}p.m. and 7{{nbsp}}p.m., and
*AO (Adults Only), which could only air between noon and 3{{nbsp}}p.m. on school days, and between 8:30{{nbsp}}p.m. and 5{{nbsp}}a.m.

Subscription television has always used the current system.

===Peru===
Peru has adult time from 22:00 to 6:00. During the rest of the time, nevertheless, some +14 programming signs may be posted on the screen. As of 2015, there have been complaints that adult time is not enforced (either from the TV channels or the authorities) since some programs such as ''Combate'', ''Esto es Guerra'', ''Amor Amor Amor'' and ''Al fondo hay sitio'' have broadcast violence, or sexually suggestive material, during "unrestricted" time.

===Poland===
In Poland, the ''Czas chroniony'' ("Protected time") rules specify that programmes with a "12" rating or higher are not allowed to be aired during scheduling blocks intended for children, programmes with a "16" rating are not allowed to be aired before 20:00 on mainstream channels, and programmes with an "18" rating may not be aired before 23:00 on mainstream channels.

===Portugal===
Open channel terrestrial television stations ([[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|RTP]], [[Sociedade Independente de Comunicação|SIC]] and [[Televisão Independente|TVI]]) can broadcast programmes and films rated 16 only between 22:30 and 06:00 with permanent visual identification and usual red circle in right top on the TV screen. There are no legal restrictions on pay television, but those channels usually follow the same rules as open television, for example, the Red Circle may be displayed on the top right (or top left ); however, some channels use Spanish Ratings instead. Pornography may be aired only on encrypted channels.

===Serbia===
In 2015, the Serbian broadcasting regulator, the REM (Regulatory body for Electronic Media) introduced a two-tier watershed. The watershed is based on the new TV rating system.

Programmes marked "16" are allowed to be shown only between 10{{nbsp}}p.m. and 6{{nbsp}}a.m. and may contain coarse language and mild references to gambling, drugs and sex.

Programmes marked "18" are allowed to be shown only between midnight and 6{{nbsp}}a.m. and may contain extensive scenes of drugs and sex.

===Singapore===
Under [[Infocomm Media Development Authority]] (IMDA) regulations, the watershed applies for programs rated PG13 (free-to-air television channels) or M18 (pay television channels), which could only be shown between 10{{nbsp}}p.m. and 6{{nbsp}}a.m.; NC16 and M18 content must also be subjected to edits and correct scheduling before being permitted for broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |title=Television and Radio |url=https://www.imda.gov.sg/regulations-and-licensing-listing/content-standards-and-classification/standards-and-classification/television-and-radio |website=Infocomm Media Development Authority |access-date=26 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

===Slovakia===
Slovak law defines a two-tier watershed and TV stations are obliged to show JSO's rating symbols through the entire program and also in promos.

Programmes given an 15 rating are permitted to broadcast only from 8{{nbsp}}p.m. to 6{{nbsp}}a.m. Programmes given an 18 rating are permitted to be shown only from 10{{nbsp}}p.m. to 6{{nbsp}}a.m.

===Slovenia===
The national public broadcaster RTV Slovenija uses three watersheds. Between 8{{nbsp}}p.m. and 5{{nbsp}}a.m., content rated 12+ can be shown, programmes rated 15+ are allowed between 10{{nbsp}}p.m. and 5{{nbsp}}a.m. programmes and 18+ rated content can be screened between midnight and 5{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref>https://www.rtvslo.si/varuh/aktualno/pozor-oddaja-ni-primerna-za-otroke-in-mladostnike/577781</ref> Cartoons and children's programmes have to be screened until 7{{nbsp}}p.m., when the main evening newscast begins.<ref>https://www.rtvslo.si/rtv/kdo-smo/zakoni-predpisi-in-dokumenti/estetska-in-eticna-merila/475068</ref> Many broadcasters (for example local or regional channels) also take this approach in a similar way.

A warning, which has to be shown for at least 10 seconds, has to be broadcast before airing a programme with an age restriction. It consists of showing an enlarged age rating symbol accompanied by a voiceover. The warning says: "Opozorilo! Predvajana programska vsebina vključuje prizore, ki so lahko neprimerni za mlajše otroke, zato je zanje priporočljiv ogled z vodstvom staršev ali skrbnikov" (The following programme contains scenes potentially inappropriate for younger children. Parental guidance is advised.) for programmes, rated VS (Vodstvo staršev{{snd}}Parental guidance). Programmes, rated 12+, 15+ and 18+ are equipped with a similar kind of warning (Predvajana programska vsebina vključuje prizore, ki niso primerni za otroke do 12./15. leta starosti/otroke in mladoletnike do 18. leta starosti (The following programme contains scenes potentially inappropriate for children, younger than 12/15 / children and minors, younger than 18).<ref name="pisrs.si">{{cite web|url=http://pisrs.si/|title=Pravilnik o določitvi vizualnega in akustičnega opozorila za programske vsebine, ki niso primerne za otroke in mladoletnike|website=pisrs|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207222422/http://pisrs.si/|url-status=live}}</ref> Unrated programmes or programmes, meant for all audiences are exempt from the system. Examples of programmes, equipped with rating symbols include pornographic and violent content, some documentaries, newscasts, if they are shown in the timeslot, meant for children's programming and satirical shows.

The used age ratings and their respective symbols are:<ref name="Gledoskop - AKOS">{{cite web | url=https://gledoskop.si/gledoskop/page396.html | title=Gledoskop - AKOS | access-date=10 March 2022 | archive-date=7 September 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907074409/https://gledoskop.si/gledoskop/page396.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''VS (vodstvo staršev):''' Parental guidance recommended for viewers under the age of 12. A white rhombus, containing parent and child stick figures is shown.
* '''12+:''' Not allowed under the age of 12. A white rhombus, containing the number 12 is shown.
* '''15+:''' Not allowed under the age of 15. A white rhombus, containing the number 15 is shown.
* '''18+:''' Not allowed under the age of 18. A white rhombus, containing the number 18 is shown.
* '''Explicit sexual content:''' White rhombus, containing the number 18 and one plus sign
* '''Pornographic content/programme with severe violence scenes:''' White rhombus with number 18 and two plus signs

Programmes with 18+ or 18++ icons must not be broadcast free-to-air and are allowed on scrambled pay-TV channels only.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://arhiv.akos-rs.si/kaj-pomenijo-vizualni-simboli-in-opozorila,-ki-v-televizijskih-programih-in-avdiovizualnih-medijskih-storitvah-na-zahtevo-oznacujejo-programske-vsebine | title=Kaj pomenijo vizualni simboli in opozorila, ki v televizijskih programih in avdiovizualnih medijskih storitvah na zahtevo označujejo programske vsebine | access-date=10 March 2022 | archive-date=16 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116085010/https://arhiv.akos-rs.si/kaj-pomenijo-vizualni-simboli-in-opozorila,-ki-v-televizijskih-programih-in-avdiovizualnih-medijskih-storitvah-na-zahtevo-oznacujejo-programske-vsebine | url-status=live }}</ref>

The original content rating icons (used before 2014<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140913210611/http://otroski.rtvslo.si/bansi/prispevek/1841] </ref>) were a red triangle with a stylised eye for content where parental guidance is advised for viewers under the age of 15, while content unsuitable/not allowed under the age of 15 used a red circle with a stylised eye.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dnevnik.si/54835 | title=Oddaje, neprimerne za otroke, odslej jasno označene }}</ref> Such symbols were in use since 2003<ref>https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/oddaje-neprimerne-za-otroke-odslej-oznacene.html</ref> and were replaced in 2007 with red inverted triangle-shaped symbols with '''VS''' (parental guidance), '''+12''' and '''+15''' inscriptions. For '''18+''' rated content a red circle-shaped symbol with the letters AD was used.<ref>https://gledoskop.si/upload/zijbalk3/212_1098_Priporocila-za-varno-uporabo-avdiovizualnih-medijskih-vsebin.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.uradni-list.si/glasilo-uradni-list-rs/vsebina?urlid=200739&stevilka=2120</ref>

Additional content type rating symbols (not shown on-screen):<ref name="Gledoskop - AKOS"/>
* '''Nasilje (Violence):''' White rhombus, containing two stick figures; one is laying on the floor while being beaten up by the other, which is holding a baseball bat
* '''Strašljive vsebine (Scary content):''' White rhombus, containing a stylised grey ghost figure
* '''Spolnost (Sexuality):''' White rhombus, containing conjoined male and female sex symbols (circle with a cross, pointing downwards and a circle with an arrow, pointing upwards)
* '''Nevarno vedenje (Dangerous behaviour):''' White rhombus, containing a crouching stick figure, trying to jump over a fence and an open fire.
* '''Diskriminacija (Discrimination):''' White rhombus, containing three stick figures, of which the middle one is white, while the other two are black.
* '''Zloraba drog in/ali alkohola (Drug and/or alcohol abuse):''' White rhombus, containing a bottle, defaced with a stylised face.
* '''Neprimeren jezik (Inappropriate language use):''' White rhombus, containing a speech bubble with a hash sign, ampersand ("and" sign) and an exclamation mark.

The respective rating symbol has to be shown for the duration of the programme.<ref name="pisrs.si"/>

===South Africa===
South Africa takes a very hands-on approach when it comes to what children are allowed to see on television, and the parents or guardians of the child may be fined if they are caught not following the rules.{{Citation needed|date=September 2018}} The ratings used are:
* '''All:''' Suitable for all ages. The respective icon is required to be displayed on-screen for 30 seconds at the start of the programme.
* '''PG:''' Suitable for all ages, but very young children must be accompanied at all times. The respective icon is required to be displayed on-screen for one minute at the start of the programme.
* '''13:''' Prohibited to children under the age of 13. The respective icon is required to be displayed on-screen for two minutes at the start of the programme and after every commercial break.
* '''16:''' Prohibited to children under the age of 16. Programmes with this rating are not allowed before 21:00. The respective icon is required to be displayed on-screen for five minutes at the start of the programme and after every commercial break.
* '''18:''' Prohibited to children and young people under the age of 18. Programmes with this rating are not allowed before 23:00. The respective icon is required to be displayed on-screen for the duration of the programme. The content in programmes that have an "18" rating is not restricted as long as it does not have pornography, which is prohibited altogether.

===Spain===
In Spain, the watershed is simpler than in a lot of other countries since there is only one watershed time, but there is a quadruple-tier age rating system that is used alongside it. The ratings used in Spain are "All", "7", "12", "16" and "18". However, only 18-rated programmes are restricted. 18-rated programmes are allowed only between 22:00 and 06:00 and must broadcast a warning sound before it is shown.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

===Switzerland===
Switzerland has no watershed. However, broadcasters are required by law to avoid any confrontation of minors with unsuitable programming through the choice of transmission time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.admin.ch/ch/e/rs/784_40/a5.html|title=CC 784.40 Federal Act of 24 March 2006 on Radio and Television (RTVA)|first=Bundeskanzlei -|last=P|website=www.admin.ch|access-date=30 January 2009|archive-date=7 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907074412/https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2007/150/en#a5|url-status=live}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
According to [[Ofcom]],{{efn-ua|See also: [https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/100111/broadcast-code-april-2017-section-1.pdf The Ofcom Broadcasting Code&nbsp;– Section 1]}} the watershed for free-to-air television in the UK is at 21:00 (9:00&nbsp;p.m.), and "material unsuitable for children" should not, in general be shown before 21:00 or after 05:30 (5:30&nbsp;a.m.).<ref>[http://ask.ofcom.org.uk/help/television/watershed Ofcom&nbsp;– Watershed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725234041/http://ask.ofcom.org.uk/help/television/watershed |date=25 July 2010 }} Ofcom</ref> For premium or pay-per-view services, the watershed is at 20:00 (8:00&nbsp;p.m.). Until 1 October 2011, the period ended at 05:30 for premium channels as it still does for the free-to-air channels. On 1 October 2011, the rules for the premium channels were relaxed, with the adult-content period now ending at 06:00. Programmes that are rated 15 cannot be shown outside that period. However, some 12-rated shows can be shown before 21:00, such as ''[[The Simpsons]]'', ''[[Malcolm in the Middle]]'', ''[[Doctor Who]]'', ''[[Atlantis (TV series)|Atlantis]]'', ''[[Only Fools and Horses]]'', ''[[One Foot in the Grave]]'' and ''[[Futurama]]''. There is no watershed on [[personal identification number|PIN]]-protected channels (such as [[Sky Cinema]]). On that type of channel, trying to view adult material before 20:00 requires a PIN.

In November the yearly [[Children in Need]] [[Charitable organization|charity]] event, which is usually shown on a Friday night, has the watershed delayed until 23:30, to encourage parents to be comfortable with their children staying up after 21:00. This causes more shows to have to be censored, especially if they are part of the event. [[Comic Relief]] and [[Sport Relief]], on the other hand, will only delay it until 22:00.

There should be a gentle transition to adult material,<ref>[http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode/protectingu18/ The Ofcom Broadcasting Code&nbsp;– Section 1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211200357/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode/protectingu18/ |date=2007-12-11 }} Ofcom</ref> and [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18-rated content]] must not air until 22:00 (10:00{{nbsp}}p.m.) on most channels that are without PIN protection. However, channels that are dedicated to airing adult content such as [[Horror Channel]] may be allowed to start 18-rated content at 21:00 without PIN protection.

Advertisements also have to comply with the same set of rules, and can be restricted when shown before the watershed (such as those for [[junk food]], [[bingo (British version)|bingo]], [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] and [[condom]]s). Advertisements that may have an adult-related context, such as bingo, are less likely to be allowed on child-oriented channels. Some advertisements, often those for 18-rated films and video games, are not allowed before the watershed at all.

Although ratings do not have to be displayed on-screen, the channel is legally required to broadcast a verbal advisory before shows that may be unsuitable for children. Failure to do so may result in the broadcaster being given a fine. However, this rule generally does not apply to pay TV channels, so as a result, some pay TV channels, such as [[Comedy Central (British TV channel)|Comedy Central]], have no verbal advisory at all. Some channels, such as [[That's TV Gold]], have no verbal advisory but instead displays them on-screen, which may be problematic for [[Visual impairment|blind and partially sighted
]] viewers if [[audio description]] does not read them out or is unavailable.

===United States===
The [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) has the right to regulate the broadcast of "indecent" material on free-to-air terrestrial television and radio, because it is broadcast on publicly-owned airwaves that are licensed to broadcasters. It presently enforces a 10:00&nbsp;p.m. watershed, permitting adult content between then and 6:00&nbsp;a.m.<ref name="firstinstitute-indecent"/> The FCC's jurisdiction in regards to content applies only to [[terrestrial television]] and radio. Cable channels may be more permissive in their content, depending on their target audience and the standards of their advertisers, while [[pay television|premium]] channels and [[Over-the-top media service|over-the-top streaming services]] are often the most permissive because they are funded primarily by their subscribers.<ref name=":0"/>

In the 1975–76 television season, the FCC attempted to enforce a "[[Family Viewing Hour]]" policy, in which the [[Big Three television networks]] ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[CBS]], and [[NBC]]) agreed to devote the first hour of primetime to family-friendly programming. In 1976, the rule was overturned as unconstitutional following a lawsuit by the [[Writers Guild of America]].<ref>{{cite news |title=How a shower scene changed television history |date=2015-09-23 |website=TheWrap |type=blog |language=en-US |url=https://www.thewrap.com/how-a-shower-scene-changed-television-history-guest-blog/ |access-date=2017-07-16 |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907074407/https://www.thewrap.com/how-a-shower-scene-changed-television-history-guest-blog/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=1999-09-01 |title=Parents Council says TV's 'family hour' now raunchier |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |issn=0458-3035 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-01-ca-5531-story.html |access-date=2017-07-16 |archive-date=7 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907074908/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-01-ca-5531-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1978, the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] case ''[[FCC v. Pacifica Foundation]]'' (dealing with a broadcast of the [[George Carlin]] routine "[[Filthy Words]]" by [[WBAI]] radio) upheld the ability for the FCC to regulate the broadcast of "indecent" material on free-to-air radio and television, citing the "uniquely pervasive presence" of broadcasting in society, and the likelihood that children could be exposed to such content by chance. From then on, the FCC enforced a safe harbor on the broadcast of indecent material between 10:00&nbsp;p.m. and 6:00&nbsp;a.m.<ref name="firstinstitute-indecent"/>

In 1987, the FCC introduced a stricter definition of indecency, defined as "language or material that, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium, sexual or excretory activities or organs". The FCC also removed the previous 10:00&nbsp;p.m. watershed and stated that the prohibition would apply during any time that there "is a reasonable risk that children may be in the audience". In 1988, as directed by the [[United States Congress]], the FCC announced that it would ban the broadcast of indecent material entirely, with no safe harbor.<ref name="firstinstitute-indecent">{{cite report |last=Levi |first=Lili |date=October 2016 |title=The FCC's Regulation of Indecency |website=freedomforuminstitute.org |url=https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FirstReport.Indecency.Levi_.final_.pdf |access-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064638/https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FirstReport.Indecency.Levi_.final_.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Molotsky |first=Irvin |date=1987-11-25 |title=F.C.C. rules on indecent programming |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/25/arts/fcc-rules-on-indecent-programming.html |access-date=2018-10-01 |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002071758/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/25/arts/fcc-rules-on-indecent-programming.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=FCC bans all 'indecent' broadcasts |date=1990-07-13 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |issn=0190-8286 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/07/13/fcc-bans-all-indecent-broadcasts/9a34a1e9-474d-4761-b4fe-0d998ef87493/ |access-date=2018-10-01 |language=en-US |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002064913/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/07/13/fcc-bans-all-indecent-broadcasts/9a34a1e9-474d-4761-b4fe-0d998ef87493/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1991, the FCC's proposed 24-hour ban was struck down by the [[United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit|D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals]] as [[Constitutionality|unconstitutional]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Andrews |first=Edmund L. |date=1991-05-18 |title=F.C.C.'s 'indecency' ban is upset by appeals court |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/18/arts/fcc-s-indecency-ban-is-upset-by-appeals-court.html |access-date=2018-10-01 |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413234642/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/18/arts/fcc-s-indecency-ban-is-upset-by-appeals-court.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Telecommunications Act of 1992 re-established a safe harbor period for indecent content between midnight and 6:00&nbsp;a.m. The period was lengthened back to 10:00&nbsp;p.m. and 6:00&nbsp;a.m. following further D.C. Circuit rulings.<ref name="firstinstitute-indecent"/>

Some American television scenes famous for "pushing the envelope" (such as limited nudity on ''[[NYPD Blue]]'') were aired in the 10:00 to 11:00&nbsp;p.m. hour; however, the broadcasts were before the safe harbor in the [[Central Time Zone|Central]] and [[Mountain Time Zone|Mountain]] time zones, where programming scheduled for 10:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]] would typically be broadcast starting at 9:00&nbsp;p.m. (using a one-hour delay in Mountain Time broadcast areas). Because each U.S. time zone enters safe harbor separately (at 10:00&nbsp;p.m. local time), it is possible for not all [[network affiliate]]s that air an "indecent" program at the same moment to face the same penalties. Such was the case with [[CBS]], whose affiliates faced a proposed fine of US$3.63 million for a repeat of the ''[[Without a Trace]]'' episode "[[Without a Trace (season 2)#ep29|Our Sons and Daughters]]" in December 2004. The program was flagged for depicting an [[group sex|orgy]] involving teenagers. It was televised at 10:00&nbsp;p.m. in the Eastern and Pacific time zones (within the safe harbor), but at 9:00&nbsp;p.m. in Central and Mountain times (outside the safe harbor). The FCC split its fine among the 111 CBS affiliates covering those time zones. After a court settlement, the network agreed to pay US$300,000 in fines.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/25/AR2008012503137.html "ABC Faces Indecency Fine for 2003 'NYPD Blue' Episode"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927052822/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/25/AR2008012503137.html |date=27 September 2017 }} ''Washington Post''</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Eggerto n|first=John |date=July 5, 2007 |title=FCC gives CBS more time to respond to without a trace question |website=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/fcc-gives-cbs-more-time-respond-without-trace-question-83189 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306201301/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/fcc-gives-cbs-more-time-respond-without-trace-question/83189 |archive-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref>

Even though the watershed occurs at the prime time hour of 10:00&nbsp;p.m., broadcast networks have since avoided indecent content to avoid reprimands from their [[Network affiliate|affiliates]] and advertisers, and because of the constant fluctuation of indecency standards to account for changes in acceptance and FCC enforcement.<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine |last=Friedlander |first=Whitney |date=2017-08-16 |title=FCC censorship rules vary for broadcast, cable, and streaming |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/fcc-rules-orange-is-the-new-black-american-crime-carmichael-show-1202527318/ |access-date=2018-10-01 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005083157/https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/fcc-rules-orange-is-the-new-black-american-crime-carmichael-show-1202527318/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Looking at the FCC's indecency rules: Does anyone know what's prohibited and what's permitted? |date=2016-04-08 |work=Broadcast Law Blog |url=https://www.broadcastlawblog.com/2016/04/articles/looking-at-the-fccs-indecency-rules-does-anyone-know-whats-prohibited-and-whats-permitted/ |access-date=2018-10-01 |language=en-US |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003043504/https://www.broadcastlawblog.com/2016/04/articles/looking-at-the-fccs-indecency-rules-does-anyone-know-whats-prohibited-and-whats-permitted/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Is there anything you can't say on TV anymore? It's complicated |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |language=en-US |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/03/29/is-there-anything-you-cant-say-on-tv-anymore-its-complicated/ |access-date=2018-10-01 |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316161844/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/03/29/is-there-anything-you-cant-say-on-tv-anymore-its-complicated/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011 and 2012, courts overturned fines regarding a brief scene of nudity in a 2003 ''NYPD Blue'' episode, as well as fines over [[fleeting expletive]]s in a live awards show broadcast in 2002 by [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]], ruling that the FCC's basis for the fines was too vague.<ref>{{cite news |last=Liptak |first=Adam |date=2012-06-22 |title=Supreme Court rejects F.C.C. fines for indecency |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/22/business/media/justices-reject-indecency-fines-on-narrow-grounds.html |access-date=2018-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Supreme Court cops out, again, on "fleeting expletives" |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/supreme-court-cops-out-again-on-fleeting-expletives/ |access-date=2018-10-02 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002215131/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/supreme-court-cops-out-again-on-fleeting-expletives/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2011-01-04 |title=''NYPD Blue'' indecency fine thrown out |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url=https://deadline.com/2011/01/nypd-blue-indicency-fine-thrown-out-93844/ |access-date=2018-10-04 |language=en-US |archive-date=4 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004103951/https://deadline.com/2011/01/nypd-blue-indicency-fine-thrown-out-93844/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Venezuela===
In Venezuela, the watershed is at 23:00. The period between the watershed and 05:00 is called "Adult time" according to Article 7 of the ''Law on Social Responsibility on Radio, Television and Electronic Media''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/45291089/Proyecto-de-Ley-de-Responsabilidad-en-Radio-Television-y-Medios-Electronicos|title=Proyecto de Ley de Responsabilidad en Radio, Televisión y Medios Electrónicos|website=Scribd|access-date=18 September 2017|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305153318/https://www.scribd.com/doc/45291089/Proyecto-de-Ley-de-Responsabilidad-en-Radio-Television-y-Medios-Electronicos|url-status=live}}</ref> During that block, adult-oriented programs may be transmitted as long as they do not contain [[hardcore pornography]], political or religious intolerance, [[racism]] or [[xenophobia]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.patriagrande.com.ve/temas/venezuela/sancionada-ley-de-responsabilidad-social-en-radio-television-y-medios-electronicos/ |title=Sancionada Ley de Responsabilidad Social en Radio, Televisión y Medios Electrónicos &#124; Patria Grande |access-date=2010-12-28 |archive-date=2011-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413082117/http://www.patriagrande.com.ve/temas/venezuela/sancionada-ley-de-responsabilidad-social-en-radio-television-y-medios-electronicos/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=upper-alpha}}

==References==
=== Citations ===
{{reflist|30em}}

=== General sources ===
* {{cite web |url=http://www.bci.ie/documents/Taste_%20Decency_eng.doc |format=MS Word |title=The watershed |work=Taste and Decency: a review of national and international practice |date=January 2005 |publisher=Broadcasting Commission of Ireland |first=Ruth-Blandina |last=Quinn |access-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607123531/http://www.bci.ie/documents/Taste_%20Decency_eng.doc |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.bai.ie/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/download-monitor/download.php?id=27 |format=PDF |title=BCI Code of Programme Standards: Guidance Notes |date=10 April 2007 |author=Broadcasting Commission of Ireland |access-date=25 October 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.bai.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/CC_Decisions_July2012_vFinal.pdf |title=Broadcasting Complaint Decisions |date=July 2012 |author=Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |access-date=27 October 2012}}

==External links==
* [https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20170112191235mp_/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/86310/bc2015%2D03%2Dsection_1_protecting_under%2Deighteens.pdf The Ofcom Broadcasting Code&nbsp;– Section 1]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080211231635/http://www.cbsc.ca/english/faqs/standards.php#7 Canadian Broadcast Standards Council&nbsp;– What is the Watershed?]

{{Federal Communications Commission}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Watershed (Television)}}
[[Category:Broadcast law]]
[[Category:Television terminology]]