Editorial principles & coverage of conflict
- Our reports should normally make it clear where information has come from, particularly in the face of conflicting claims. We must label sources of information and material from third parties.
- We should normally say if our reports are censored or monitored or if we withhold information, and explain, wherever possible, the rules under which we are operating.
- The tone of our reporting is as important as the reliability of our reporting.
- We should respect human dignity without sanitising the realities of war. There must be clear editorial justification for the use of very graphic pictures of war or atrocity.
- We will ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, that next of kin do not learn of a person's death or injury from our news bulletins, websites or programmes.
- We will ensure our online message boards are hosted to maintain a full debate and avoid offensive postings by switching to pre-moderation if necessary.
Specific advice on reporting war is issued, as required, on this Editorial Guidelines website. At such times we should also monitor our output, particularly scheduled programmes, including films, drama, comedy and music, to identify anything which might be thought inappropriate in the light of hostilities.