Use of library material of scenes of suffering, distress and trauma
We must ensure that the repeated use of traumatic library material, particularly when it features identifiable people, is editorially justified. It should never be used as "wallpaper" or to illustrate general themes. Any restrictions placed on the re-use of library material must be observed.
We must consider contributor sensitivities when re-using, reformatting or reversioning transmitted programmes and other content. Archive material involving illness, death, emotional trauma or intimate personal revelation may become more sensitive over time, for example, material which depicts contributors as children when they may have been unable to give informed consent. When re-use may cause possible distress to the contributors or their relatives or close friends, their view should be sought where possible.
If contributors object to re-use any proposal to repeat the material must serve a clear public interest and be approved by a senior editorial figure or for Independents by the commissioning editor.
Any proposal to use library pictures of identifiable grieving or distressed people must be referred to a senior editorial figure or for Independents to the commissioning editor.