Unit 27: Part B)

BBC editorial guidelines

Just like the of com codes the BBC equally have their own editorial guidelines which must be followed in television and radio services.
These guidelines have been set in place for media producers when creating there programmes; accuracy, impartiality, harm and offence, fairness, contributors, consent, privacy and religion.
I will be talking about section 9: Children and young people
Children and young people are very important to the BBC and they aim to provide them with educative and enjoyable content that is appropriate for them.
Quote from BBC: "We must ensure that the physical and emotional welfare and the dignity of children and young people is protected during the making and broadcast of our content" .
Example: The Jimmy Savile Scandal
Jimmy Savile was a long running BBC presenter for the show "Top Of the Pops" , a year after his death accusations to coming up that Savile had sexually abused boys & girl during his career at the BBC ,in October the police decided to further the investigation after receiving witnesses via police forces across the UK and so did the BBC themselves which brought a lot of bad press on the BBC which had people questioning them. By December a total of 8 people had been questioned and the numbers were staggering a total of 589 alleged victim of whom 450 were abused by Jimmy .Most of his career involved working with children and young people. Ever since this other stories about children presenter's have been surfacing. The BBC and police are still looking into this.

OFCOM CODES
Of-com codes are rules and legislations that broadcaster must be aware of to be able to provide service.
Of com licenses all UK television and all radio services.
These guidelines have been set in place for media producers when creating there programmes; accuracy, impartiality, harm and offence, fairness, contributors, consent, privacy and religion.
I will be talking about section 4: Religion
Here are some the Ofcom rules: "To ensure that religious programmes do not involve any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination."
"The religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination must not be subject to abusive treatment."
"Religious programmes on television services must not seek recruits. This does not apply to specialist religious television services. Religious programmes on radio services may seek recruits."
Example: 
Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman in 2012 caused offence by referring to the Old testament as "stupid" and also used the term "religious hogwash" which cause a lot of controvery and some leading some people to say he was being biased against religious belief. He then later apologised and said he didn't mean to cause offence to the viewers watching.