Ofcom broadcasting code new
- 1. The Regulation of Broadcast News
- 2. BBC Self Regulation • Due to its Public Service Broadcast responsibilities and the Hutton Enquiry, the BBC has a number of self- regulatory systems including the news programme Media Watch and the radio equivalent, Talk Back. • The reporting of events is analysed by radio and broadcast audiences and the programmes’ journalist. • Both are interactive and cover all issues raised by audiences regarding the coverage of controversial issues all the way down to whether newsreaders should sit or stand!
- 3. Ofcom - Objectivity and Self-Regulation • Doesn’t apply to the BBC, which is regulated by the BBC Trust • Ofcom – responsible for governing the public service responsibilities placed on all broadcasters • Many audiences think that such regulations make TV and radio broadcasts objective and reliable in terms of truth and balance • Ofcom states – broadcasters must retain balance and impartiality in terms of construction and output – so no one viewpoint should be favoured, especially regarding the government and other political parties
- 4. Ofcom Broadcasting Code • Ensure news is reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality • Due = doesn’t mean equal time given to every view or argument it means adequate to the subject and nature of the programme, so it may vary • Significant mistakes should be acknowledged and corrected and corrections should be appropriately scheduled • No politician should be used as a newsreader/interviewer/reporter unless it is editorially justified and in that case, their political allegiance must be made clear
- 5. Special Impartiality requirements • Presenters/broadcasters cannot present a view on matters of current political or industrial controversy • Views and facts must not be misrepresented • Any personal interest of a reporter or presenter, which would call into question due impartiality, must be made clear to an audience • Presenter-led discussions or phone-ins CAN express their owns views on matters of political and industrial controversy but alternative viewpoints must be represented
- 6. • A personal view or authored programme or item MUST be clearly signalled to the audience at the outset • Due impartiality must be preserved on matters of MAJOR political or industrial controversy or current public policy • An appropriately wide range of significant views must be included and given due weight. Views and facts must not be represented