Phone-in programmes
Phone-in programmes may use comments sent via text, email and the red button as well as talking to callers. The live nature of phone-ins means we should be alert to the possibility of contributors breaking the law or causing widespread offence. We should also be careful not to allow phone-ins to become a vehicle for the opinions of the presenter. The following best practice may help to minimise the risks:
- contributors to phone-ins should normally be called back and if necessary briefed before they go on air.
- content producers should read emails and texts before they are broadcast.
- presenters should be adequately briefed on BBC Editorial Guidelines and the law and be able to extricate the programme from tricky situations with speed and courtesy.
- when producing a phone-in on a difficult or controversial subject such as child abuse, the production team should be briefed on how to deal sensitively with contributors and support systems should be in place.
- when a programme is contacted unexpectedly by someone wishing to share their difficult story, we should consider the implications and refer if necessary.