The ITC is an independent body

In most cases, breaches of the code are dealt with by means of a public reprimand.

But other possible sanctions include an unlimited fine - in December 1998 the ITC fined Carlton �2m for a faked expos� of a Colombian drug running operation.

It could even revoke a channel's licence - in April 1999 it pulled the licence of the London-based Kurdish satellite station Med TV for breaking its rules on impartiality, and using Britain as a platform for inciting violence.

Under its powers, derived from the Broadcasting Acts of 1990 and 1996, the ITC can do the following:

• Issue licences that allow commercial TV companies to broadcast in and from the UK
  
• Regulate these services by monitoring broadcasters' performance against the requirements of the ITC's guidelines on programme content, advertising and sponsorship and technical performance
  
• Investigate complaints and regularly publish its findings
  
• Ensure a wide range of TV services is available and that these are of a high quality and appeal to a range of tastes and interests
  
• Ensure fair and effective competition in the provision of these services

However, the ITC does not do the following:

• Make or schedule programmes/advertisements
  
• Regulate BBC One, BBC Two or S4C, although any commercial services provided by these broadcasters must be licensed by the ITC
  
• Vet or preview - it can only consider programmes and advertisements once they have been broadcast
  
• Regulate satellite channels from other countries
  
• Deal with transmission breakdowns or problems arising from the installation of television equipment
  
• Make judgements on the artistic merit or entertainment value of TV advertising.