2. ‘Viewers are entitled to expect that programmes are
accurate and true and the audience must not be misled.'
Therefore you have to make sure no interviews are
biased or drawn to one side then the other otherwise the
story becomes misleading.
3. Channel 4 and Five take the issue of viewer trust very
seriously. Viewers are entitled to expect that
programmes are accurate and true and the audience
must not be misled. This obligation applies to all types
of programming, including entertainment programmes
with factual elements. Portraying real events, whether in
documentary, features, factual entertainment, drama or
any other programme, which the viewer is entitled to
take at face value, must respect truth and accuracy.
Programmes must be honest, fair and accurate and must
not mislead viewers.
4. Biased Opinion: The documentary we watched on a
serial killer Aileen can be considered to be biased due to
the fact of the way they presented the documentary.
Overall you know that they looked at all aspects of
Aileen yet they focused more upon the people who knew
her and respected her. Therefore there was more
positivity on the subject then negativity although it was
a negative story.
5. Glossary
Biased – favouring one opinion side or person over another.
Balance – A state of equilibrium
Impartiality – not partial or biased but yet a fair; impartial judge
Objectivity – the quality of being objective
Subjectivity – proceeding from taking place in a persons mind
rather than the eternal world
Representation – action or speech on behalf of a
person, group, business house, state or by an agent, deputy or
representative.
Access – ability, right or permission to approach, enter, speak with
or use; admittance: they have access of files.
Opinion – a person view, attitude or appraisal.
Privacy – A state being free from intrusion or disturbance in ones
private life or affairs.
Contract- an agreement between two parties or more.
6. ● Do not make payments to sources or contributors
without reference to and the approval of the broadcaster.
This does not include modest out-of-pocket expenses
e.g. to cover meals and taxi fares, which are unlikely to
be problematic.
● You must seek advice from the programme lawyer
before making or promising to make any payment to
convicted or confessed criminal.
You must not make any payment or promise to make any
payment to any
7. In two programmes which we have watched both show
biased sides to them. Supersize me obviously wanted to
target the audience in how bad the food was but at the
same time trying to make it fair and to show the
audience that not only is it bad it is but looking into
court cases. But although they showed a biased side
they tried to balance it by showing you the addiction of
some fast food stores and the ways in which the sales
and marketing manipulates and draws in customers.
Again with Aileen they used people who knew, loved and
respected her.
8. In our upcoming news report there’s a lot of details we
have to make sure are correct before starting to gather
information and edit our final piece.
Biased opinion – We need to make sure that even
though we may have our opinions on the stories that the
stories we broadcast are true and reliable. We need to
make sure anyone we interview on the subject matter
gives two opinions on the subject in hand. We need to
make sure the audience do not receive force
accusations.
9. Reconstructions
Any reconstructions made have to be fair and
accurate. If there may be any risk involved that
viewers may be misled , then reconstructions
should be labelled as such to avoid confusion of
others.
If at any circumstance there is a risk of causing
distress by reconstructing actual events,
appropriate parties must be informed.
10. Scheduling and content information
Concerns about children’s viewing vary amongst parents and
carers. Most, however, agree that children under 10 are the
most vulnerable and so in need of protection. A key
period, however, for parental concern about media
consumption in general is when children are aged between 10
and 14. These general concerns should be taken into account
when applying Rules 1.1 – 1.7 in this Section. Viewers and
listeners make a distinction between channels which appeal to a
wide-ranging audience, including children, and those that
attract a smaller, niche audience, unlikely to appeal to children.
Although broadcasters of these niche channels still carry a
responsibility towards a potential child audience, the majority of
homes do not contain children and viewers and listeners have a
right to expect a range of subject matter
11. Secret Filming
Any individual must not normally be filmed or
recorded secretly for inclusion in a programme
unless approved by the broadcaster in advance.
Any-one helping make the programme must set
out in writing their justification for convert filming/
recording. It must go with the 8.13 code. Before
any secret filming is undertaken, there are very
detail guidelines you must follow.
12. Guidance
This guidance is provided to assist broadcasters in interpreting
and applying the Broadcasting Code. Research which is relevant
to this section of the Code is indicated below. Every complaint or
case will be dealt with on a case by case basis according to the
individual facts of the case. We draw broadcasters’ attention to
the legislative background of the Broadcasting Code which
explains that: “Broadcasters are reminded of the legislative
background that has informed the rules, of the principles that
apply to each section, the meanings given by Ofcom and of the
guidance issued by Ofcom, all of which may be relevant in
interpreting and applying the Code. No rule should be read in
isolation but within the context of the whole Code including the
headings, cross references and other linking text.”
13. The Data Protection Act 1998
The information on this form will be used by
Ofcom for the purposes of carrying out its
functions in relation to the consideration and,
where appropriate, adjudication of fairness and
privacy complaints. On receiving your complaint,
Ofcom will forward a copy of the complaint form
and any accompanying information to the
relevant broadcaster.
14. Criminality
Programmes relating involving or generally about
criminality require a special care and are also
likely to be legally contentious.
15. Impartiality
Programmes which are dealing with matters of political/
industrial controversy or any matter relating to current public
policy should be duly impartial.
Potentially Offensive material.
Material with any potential to harm or cause offence for
instance: strong language, violence, sexual violence, explicit
sexual portrayal etc, must always be justifiable by the
content.
The commissioning editor, on the advice of the programme
lawyer, will ensure that an on-air warning is given to viewers
at the appropriate time and explain what context is meant
16. Commercial References
Programmes should not give out any undue prominence to
commercial products or services. Product placement is
prohibited.
Where programmes may contain for the to enter
competitions premium rate telephone line for viewers to
call, seek advice from the programme lawyer.
Sponsored programmes must not under any circumstances
contain references to the sponsor, its activities or products or
services.
Advertisement or clips from advertisements used during
programmes will be required to have strong editorial
justification.
