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The latest revision of the BBC's Editorial Guidelines has been published today. Written by the BBC Executive and approved by the BBC Trust, they are available to programme makers and the public at bbc.co.uk/editorialguidelines. The Guidelines set out the standards expected of everyone making or presenting the BBC's output on TV on radio and online, and are reviewed every five years.

The revised Guidelines take into account the changes and developments that have occurred both within the BBC and the broadcasting industry since the last update in 2005, and reflect feedback from audiences following a consultation by the BBC Trust. In addition the BBC Academy has launched a range of online, interactive learning modules to support the roll out of the new Editorial Guidelines. There are links to relevant modules from within the Editorial Guidelines on the website, and all the modules can be found at bbcacademy.com/editorialstandards .

The new of edition the Editorial Guidelines:

• For the first time clearly lays out the editorial policy principles which reflect the BBC's values and standards.
• Emphasises the importance of content producers using their own best judgement when making editorial decisions, in tandem with a new emphasis on the importance of taking advice from more senior people, and a requirement on those senior people to give help and support in making the right decisions.
• Introduces the concept of 'due accuracy'. This clarifies that accuracy is a consideration for all BBC output but its requirements vary. For example, the nature of accuracy required of drama and comedy may not be the same as for news and current affairs.
• Widens the application of the requirement for 'due impartiality' to all output.
• Requires that potentially offensive material is judged against 'Generally Accepted Standards' the term used in the BBC Agreement and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

In addition the Guidelines have been re-thought and restructured taking account of the lessons learned from some very serious editorial failings - over competitions, over intrusion and over misleading audiences. A section on Conflicts of Interest has been reinstated.

New technology and new media has also evolved hugely in the past five years and this edition of the Editorial Guidelines has now incorporated the Online Guidelines which were previously separate.

Mark Thompson, BBC Director General said today: "In a perfect world, the Guidelines would consist of one sentence: use your own best judgement. The Editorial Guidelines are there to enable programme makers to make those judgements and ensure that our output meets the high standards of quality and creativity audiences expect of the BBC. "

David Jordan, Director BBC Editorial Policy and Standards said: "The Editorial Guidelines are there to help programme-makers create brilliant content. High standards are expected of BBC output is absolutely clear and these Guidelines can ensure that we continue delivering impartial journalism, edgy comedy, thrilling dramas and all the content we know the BBC is uniquely placed to make consistent with the BBC's enduring editorial values."