Reporting allegations
We should not normally use live unscripted two-ways to report allegations. It must be the editor's decision as to whether they are an appropriate way to break a story. When BBC colleagues follow up a story they must ensure they understand the terms in which the allegations are to be reported and do so accurately.
Any proposal to rely on a single unnamed source making a serious allegation or to grant anonymity to a significant contributor must be referred to a senior editorial level, or for Independents to the commissioning editor. In the most serious cases it may also be necessary to refer to Controller Editorial Policy and Programme Legal Advice. We will need to consider:
- whether the story is of significant public interest.
- whether the source is of proven credibility and reliability and in a position to have sufficient knowledge of the events featured.
- any legal issues.
- safety concerns e.g. whistleblowers.
- whether a response to serious allegations has been sought from the people or organisations concerned.
- sensitive and personal issues such as whether the serious allegation was made or substantiated "off the record".
We should script carefully the reporting of allegations made by an anonymous source to explain:
- the nature of the allegation.
- that the allegation is being made by an anonymous source and not the BBC.
- whether the allegation has been independently corroborated.