Westlife song 'could have triggered epilepsy'

Westlife song 'could have triggered epilepsy'

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Monday, 25, Jan 2010 03:11

By Lewis Bazley.

A performance by Westlife on the last series of The X Factor was in breach of broadcasting regulations due to its use of flashing lights, according to Ofcom.

An inquiry by the media watchdog into the October appearance by the Irish band found that flashing laser effects were used at a level five times faster than the frequencies adjudged to be safe for sufferers of photosensitive epilepsy (PSE).

Three viewers who suffer from PSE complained to Ofcom about Westlife's performance and the "distress these images caused to themselves and potentially to other photosensitive viewers", causing the regulator's investigation.

And Ofcom tests showed that two light sequences during the Flying Without Wing band's performance had exceeded the "intensity" limits of the broadcasting code by 500 per cent.

"Ofcom guidance also states that a prolonged sequence of flashing images below these intensity limits lasting more than five seconds may pose a risk to viewers with PSE," the watchdog said in a statement.

"Ofcom noted that other sequences in the performance contained flashing that was below the intensity limits, and this was present for relatively extended periods of time. Ofcom therefore considered that this presented a further risk to viewers with PSE."

In response, ITV said it had monitored the lighting effects during Westlife's rehearsal, and saw no sign of a risk, but accepted the broadcast performance did not meet industry standards.