News

The BBC Academy and Editorial Policy have launched five new interactive online Editorial Guidelines Training Modules - adding to the suite of twenty already in existence.

Like the modules already available, they use real editorial and ethical conundrums that other programme makers and content producers have faced. Users can test their wits in short, interactive exercises that draw out the relevance of the Editorial Guidelines to everyday output and helps explain how they should be applied.

For example:

• A drug dealer on an estate where two teenagers have died at a house party offers to take you to see a local drugs factory and wants his identity disguised. Do you agree - and what are the consequences as the story unfolds?

• A wayward radio presenter has just announced a competition on air without consulting you. What do you do?

• An internet poll has just come out with claims that 30% of mothers have attended A&E with injuries inflicted by a partner. Rogie poll or terrific news headline?

The five new modules include two on reporting crime and anti-social behaviour, one on competitions, another on opinion polls and surveys, and a masterclass on creating partnerships with third parties.

The training modules are not mandatory but managers are expected to direct their staff to the relevant ones they want them to do if they are to work on their productions. Completed modules are automatically recorded on individuals’ training histories and people can get ahead of the game by doing relevant modules before being asked to so. 

David Jordan, Director Editorial Policy and Standards, says, "The modules are editorial policy primers for content makers. We hope the people who take the five new modules will find them just as useful as the previous twenty. They incorporate the relevant Editorial Guidelines while at the same time leading colleagues through a series of realistic and totally interactive exercises.”

Click here to see all the Editorial Guidelines Training Modules.