Category: BBC
Date: 23.06.2005
Printable version
The BBC today (Thursday) launches the latest edition
of its Editorial Guidelines, the corporation's code of ethics for all
staff.
The new book replaces the Producers' Guidelines and
has been revised to reflect Ofcom's new broadcasting code and the changing
media environment, and to apply editorial lessons learned since the
last update in 2000.
The Guidelines, which come into effect on 25 July 2005,
are shorter and aim to be clearer and easier to use in both print and
a searchable web form.
They are designed for use in a multimedia world and
apply to everyone involved in creating BBC editorial content across
radio, television, new media and magazines.
The Editorial Guidelines have advice on standards including
accuracy, impartiality, politics, elections, fairness, harm and offence
and the welfare of children.
The BBC's television and radio content must now comply
with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code in six key areas: Protecting the Under
Eighteens; Harm and Offence; Crime; Religion; Fairness and Privacy.
Stephen Whittle, BBC Controller of Editorial Policy,
says: "The Guidelines are part of our contract with our audiences.
"These are our editorial ethics and values and
the standards we set for ourselves. We intend to live and be judged
by them."
Key changes in the Guidelines include:
An explicit commitment for the first time that "for the BBC accuracy
is more important than speed".
New advice on BBC investigations into crime and serious anti-social
behaviour, which must be clearly editorially justified.
A requirement that in the course of a BBC investigation the use of secret
recording must be kept under constant review.
A new guideline that a delay must be installed when broadcasting live
coverage of sensitive and challenging events, such as the school siege
at Beslan.
A suggestion that we should normally consider asking contributors to
sign contracts - including a declaration of personal information such
as criminal convictions or that which may involve personal conflicts
of interest. Additionally, the editorial experiences surrounding a number
of investigative programmes have informed a very strict approach to
the investigation of crime. The Controller of the BBC's Editorial Policy
department must now personally approve of any proposal to employ someone
known to have a criminal record or background of illegal activity to
work on a BBC investigation.
