Hayley McCarthy LO1

LO1 Media Regulations Hayley McCarthy

How does this apply to the knowledge of a Producer?

‘Viewers are entitled to expect that programmes are accurate and true and the audience must not be misled.' Therefore you have to make sure no interviews are biased or drawn to one side then the other otherwise the story becomes misleading.

Channel 4 and Five take the issue of viewer trust very seriously. Viewers are entitled to expect that programmes are accurate and true and the audience must not be misled. This obligation applies to all types of programming, including entertainment programmes with factual elements. Portraying real events, whether in documentary, features, factual entertainment, drama or any other programme, which the viewer is entitled to take at face value, must respect truth and accuracy. Programmes must be honest, fair and accurate and must not mislead viewers.

Truth & Accuracy

Biased Opinion: The documentary we watched on a serial killer Aileen can be considered to be biased due to the fact of the way they presented the documentary. Overall you know that they looked at all aspects of Aileen yet they focused more upon the people who knew her and respected her. Therefore there was more positivity on the subject then negativity although it was a negative story.

Relating biased opinion back to Aileen

Biased – favouring one opinion side or person over another.

Balance – A state of equilibrium

Impartiality – not partial or biased but yet a fair; impartial judge

Objectivity – the quality of being objective

Subjectivity – proceeding from taking place in a persons mind rather than the eternal world

Representation – action or speech on behalf of a person, group, business house, state or by an agent, deputy or representative.

Access – ability, right or permission to approach, enter, speak with or use; admittance: they have access of files.

Opinion – a person view, attitude or appraisal.

Privacy – A state being free from intrusion or disturbance in ones private life or affairs.

Contract- an agreement between two parties or more.

Glossary

Pre- production techniques

● Do not make payments to sources or contributors without reference to and the approval of the broadcaster. This does not include modest out-of-pocket expenses e.g. to cover meals and taxi fares, which are unlikely to be problematic.

● You must seek advice from the programme lawyer before making or promising to make any payment to convicted or confessed criminal.

You must not make any payment or promise to make any payment to any

PAYMENTS

In two programmes which we have watched both show biased sides to them. Supersize me obviously wanted to target the audience in how bad the food was but at the same time trying to make it fair and to show the audience that not only is it bad it is but looking into court cases. But although they showed a biased side they tried to balance it by showing you the addiction of some fast food stores and the ways in which the sales and marketing manipulates and draws in customers. Again with Aileen they used people who knew, loved and respected her.

Relating back to documentaries

In our upcoming news report there’s a lot of details we have to make sure are correct before starting to gather information and edit our final piece.

Biased opinion – We need to make sure that even though we may have our opinions on the stories that the stories we broadcast are true and reliable. We need to make sure anyone we interview on the subject matter gives two opinions on the subject in hand. We need to make sure the audience do not receive force accusations.

Relating to our news report Brief.

OFCOM RULES & REGULATIONS

Reconstructions Any reconstructions made have to be fair and accurate. If there may be any risk involved that viewers may be misled , then reconstructions should be labelled as such to avoid confusion of others. If at any circumstance there is a risk of causing distress by reconstructing actual events, appropriate parties must be informed.

OFCOM RULES AND REGULATIONS

Scheduling and content information Concerns about children’s viewing vary amongst parents and carers.

Most, however, agree that children under 10 are the most vulnerable and so in need of protection. A key period, however, for parental concern about media consumption in general is when children are aged between 10 and 14. These general concerns should be taken into account when applying Rules 1.1 – 1.7 in this Section. Viewers and listeners make a distinction between channels which appeal to a wide-ranging audience, including children, and those that attract a smaller, niche audience, unlikely to appeal to children. Although broadcasters of these niche channels still carry a responsibility towards a potential child audience, the majority of homes do not contain children and viewers and listeners have a right to expect a range of subject matter


Secret FilmingAny individual must not normally be filmed or recorded secretly for inclusion in a programme unless approved by the broadcaster in advance. Any-one helping make the programme must set out in writing their justification for convert filming/ recording. It must go with the 8.13 code. Before any secret filming is undertaken, there are very detail guidelines you must follow.

OFCOM RULES AND REGULATIONS Guidance This guidance is provided to assist broadcasters in interpreting and

applying the Broadcasting Code. Research which is relevant to this section of the Code is indicated below. Every complaint or case will be dealt with on a case by case basis according to the individual facts of the case. We draw broadcasters’ attention to the legislative background of the Broadcasting Code which explains that: “Broadcasters are reminded of the legislative background that has informed the rules, of the principles that apply to each section, the meanings given by Ofcom and of the guidance issued by Ofcom, all of which may be relevant in interpreting and applying the Code. No rule should be read in isolation but within the context of the whole Code including the headings, cross references and other linking text.”


The Data Protection Act 1998 The information on this form will be used by

Ofcom for the purposes of carrying out its functions in relation to the consideration and, where appropriate, adjudication of fairness and privacy complaints. On receiving your complaint, Ofcom will forward a copy of the complaint form and any accompanying information to the relevant broadcaster.


Criminality Programmes relating involving or generally about

criminality require a special care and are also likely to be legally contentious.


Impartiality Programmes which are dealing with matters of political/ industrial controversy or any matter relating to current public policy should be duly impartial. Potentially Offensive material. Material with any potential to harm or cause offence for instance: strong language, violence, sexual violence, explicit sexual portrayal etc, must always be justifiable by the content.The commissioning editor, on the advice of the programme lawyer, will ensure that an on-air warning is given to viewers at the appropriate time and explain what context is meant


Commercial References Programmes should not give out any undue prominence to commercial products or services. Product placement is prohibited. Where programmes may contain for the to enter competitions premium rate telephone line for viewers to call, seek advice from the programme lawyer. Sponsored programmes must not under any circumstances contain references to the sponsor, its activities or products or services. Advertisement or clips from advertisements used during programmes will be required to have strong editorial justification.

Business

Hayley McCarthy LO1