JOURNALISMGUIDELINES

(Interim edition)

April 2012

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Contents Section 1.  Introduction and Context ......................................................................... 2 

Section 2.  RTÉ’s Editorial Values ............................................................................ 3 

Section 3.  The Broadcasting Act 2009 .................................................................... 4 

Section 4.  RTÉ’s Editorial Principles ...................................................................... 5 

Section 5.  Roles and responsibilities ....................................................................... 7 

Section 7.  Trust and Accuracy ................................................................................. 9 

Section 8.  Impartiality ............................................................................................ 12 

Section 9.  Editorial Integrity and Independence .................................................... 15 

Section 10.  Serving the Public Interest .................................................................... 18 

Section 11.  Reporting of Sieges, Kidnappings, Hijackings, Hostage-taking ............ 22 

Section 12.  Fairness ................................................................................................. 23 

Section 13.  Privacy .................................................................................................. 26 

Section 14.  Doorstepping for News, Current Affairs and Factual Programmes ....... 29 

Section 15.  Children and vulnerable people ............................................................ 31 

Section 16.  Accountability ....................................................................................... 33 

Section 17.  Legal Liabilities and the Relationship with Legal Affairs ..................... 35 

Appendix 1.  The BAI Code of Fairness, Objectivity & Impartiality in News and Current Affairs ..................................................................................... 37 

Appendix 2.  Guidance on reporting from the Internet and Social Media sources .. 38 

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Section1. IntroductionandContextThese Guidelines are being introduced in an interim form pending thecompletionofthenewBAICodeonFairness,Objectivity&ImpartialityinNewsand Current Affairs. Note that the BAI also has plans to introduce a Code onPrivacyinarevisionofitsCodeofProgrammeStandardsduein2013.Theseguidelinesare subject to regular review. Pleaseensure that it isalwaysthemost recent edition that is consulted. This editionwas last reviewedon2April2012.TheseGuidelinesapplyprimarilythoughnotexclusivelytoNews,CurrentAffairsand Factual Programming. Guidelines in regard to other programming such asEntertainment,DramaandChildren’sareduetobecompletedduringthecourseoftheyear.Inthemeantimethe2008EditionoftheRTÉProgrammeStandardsandGuidelinesappliestothosegenresofproduction.RTÉwishestoacknowledgewithgratitudetheassistanceitreceivedfromfellowpublicservicebroadcasters,BBCandABC,indraftingtheseguidelines.MandatoryObligationsSomeobligationsand referralsaremandatoryandare identified in thisformat.Timelyreferralsareessentialtoallowproperconsiderationofanyrelevant issues thatmayarise.Latereferralsclose toplannedbroadcastwillonlybeconsideredinexceptionalcircumstances.

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Section2. RTÉ’sEditorialValues‘RTÉ’s vision is togrow the trustof thepeople of Irelandas it informs, inspires,reflectsandenrichestheirlives’RTÉ’seditorialvaluesincludeacommitmentto:

•Operate in thepublic interest,providingNewsandCurrentAffairs that isfairandimpartial,accurateandchallenging

•Behonestandtransparentinallofouractivities•Takepersonalresponsibilityforpursuingtheorganisation’sgoals

TheseEditorialGuidelinessetoutRTÉ’sapproachtoembeddingthosevaluesinallourjournalisticactivitynomatterhowitiscreatedandhoweveritisreceivedbyouraudiences.Fromtimetotimeourjournalismmaybesochallengingthatitoffendsorshocks;thatisasignofstrength,notweakness.Ourguidelinesaretobeapplied inawaywhichmaintains independenceanddeserves trustwithoutconstraininglegitimatejournalisticenquiry.But the freedom to publish carries the responsibility to actwith integrity andmaintainthehigheststandardsofprofessionalresponsibility.TheGuidelinessetout the standards expected of everyone making or presenting RTÉ’s output.Theyareintendedtoprovideclearadvicetoanyone,in‐houseorcommissioned,on how to deal with difficult editorial issues, meet the expectations of ouraudience,andproducedistinctiveandchallengingcontenttothehighestethicalandprofessionalstandards.WhiletheGuidelinescontainmanyimperatives,theyshouldnotberegardedasasubstituteforthepersonalqualitiesandresponsibilityexpectedofRTÉstaff(andindependent programme‐makers): integrity, fairness, open‐mindedness, self‐criticism and an appreciation of the potentially significant consequences ofbroadcastjournalism,especiallyforvulnerableindividualsorgroupsinsociety.AswellasrepresentingthevaluesandstandardsofRTÉ,theEditorialGuidelinesreflecttherelevantprovisionsofSection39oftheBroadcastingAct2009.Theyalsoreflect theprovisionsof theCodeofFairness,Objectivity& Impartiality inNewsandCurrentAffairsoftheBroadcastingAuthorityofIreland(referredtoastheBAIintheseGuidelines).TheBAIhastheresponsibilityofdrawingupcodeswhich govern standards and practices to be observed by all broadcasterslicensedintheRepublicofIreland.TheaboveBAICodeiscurrentlyindraftformonlyandwhenpublishedwillbeattachedatAppendix1.

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Section3. TheBroadcastingAct2009Section 39 of the 2009 Act lays down the duties and obligations for public servicebroadcasting (RTÉ and TG4) and for all licensed commercial and communitybroadcasters.Thekeydutiesaretoensurethat:(1) Allnewsbroadcastby thebroadcaster is reportedandpresented inanobjective

andimpartialmannerandwithoutanyexpressionofthebroadcaster’sownviews.(2) Thebroadcasttreatmentofcurrentaffairs,includingmatterswhichareeitherof

public controversy or the subject of currentpublicdebate is fair toall interestsconcerned and that the broadcast matter is presented in an objective andimpartialmannerandwithoutanyexpressionofhisorherownviews,exceptthatshoulditproveimpracticableinasinglebroadcasttoapplythisparagraph,twoormore related broadcasts may be considered as a whole, if the broadcasts aretransmittedwithinareasonableperiodofeachother.

(3) Anythingwhichmay reasonably be regarded as causing harm or offence, or asbeing likely to promote, or incite to, crime or as intending to undermine theauthorityoftheState,isnotbroadcastbythebroadcaster,and

(4) Inprogrammesbroadcastbythebroadcaster,andinthemeansemployedtomakesuchprogrammes, theprivacyofany individual isnotunreasonably encroachedupon.

MandatoryObligation1AnyproposaltostepoutsidetheseEditorialGuidelinesmustbeeditoriallyjustifiedanddiscussedandagreedinadvancewiththerelevantManagingDirector.

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Section4. RTÉ’sEditorialPrinciples

4.1 Trust

Trust is the corner stone of RTÉ:we seek to be honest, reliable, authoritative,impartialandindependentofvestedinterests.

4.2 Accuracy

Westriveforaccuracyinallouroutput.Ourreportingiswellsourced,basedonsoundevidence,thoroughlytestedandpresentedinclear,preciselanguage.Wearehonestaboutwhatwedonotknowandavoidunfoundedspeculation.

4.3 Impartiality

Weprovide impartialnews,currentaffairsandfactualprogrammes.Weaimtopresentcontentthataddressesabroadrangeofsubjectsandissues.Weseekto:

maintainabalanceofopinionthatreflectstheweightofevidence ensurefairtreatment beopen‐minded provideopportunitiesovertimesothatnosignificantstrandofthoughtis

ignoredorunder‐represented.

4.4 EditorialIntegrityandIndependence

WemustmaintainourindependenceandintegrityifwearetowinthetrustandrespectofthecommunityRTÉ’saudiencesshouldbeconfidentthatoureditorialdecisions are not influenced by outside interests, political or commercialpressures,orbyanypersonalinterests.

4.5 ServingthePublicInterest

We report stories of significance to our audiences. We are rigorous inestablishing the truthof a storyandwearewell informedwhenexplaining it.Weasksearchingquestionsofthosewhoholdpublicofficeandotherswhoareaccountable, and we provide a comprehensive forum for public debate. Theconceptofthepublicinterestistreatedonpages11and12.

4.6 Fairness

We respect our contributors and our audiences. We deal with them and theissueswereportfairly.Ouroutputisbasedonhonestyandstraightdealing.

4.7 Privacy

Werespectprivacyanddonotinfringeitwithoutgoodreason,whereverweareoperating.Intrusionintoaperson’sprivatelifewithoutconsentmustbejustifiedinthepublic interestandtheextentoftheintrusionmustbe limitedtowhatisproportionateinthecircumstances.

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4.8 Accountability

Weholdourselvestothesamestandardsofaccountabilityweexpectofothers.Weareopenincorrectingmistakeswhentheyaremadeandencourageacultureofwillingnesstolearnfromthem.

WecomplywithourlegalandregulatoryobligationssetoutintheBroadcastingActanddealwiththeBAIinanopen,timelyandco‐operativemanner.

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Section5. Rolesandresponsibilities5.1 EditorialResponsibility

EditorialresponsibilitywithinRTÉrestswiththeeditorialchainofmanagementfrom reporter and producer to editor, whether in‐house or commissioned,throughtotherelevantManagingDirectorandtheDirector‐General,whoistheeditor‐in‐chief.The number of links in the editorial chain depends on thedurationandcomplexityofthereport.AllthoseinvolvedinthecreationofRTÉcontent includingresearchers,reporters,producersandeditorsarerequiredtoexerciseeditorialresponsibilityforit.

Whenindoubtaboutaneditorialmatter,referituptotheeditorialmanagementchain for advice or decision.When any editorialmatter (including an editorialmatternotbeingreferredupforadviceordecision)islikelytocausecontroversyorhaveanextraordinaryimpact,programme‐makersareobligedtogivepropernotice of it to the most appropriate senior manager. Whenever you thinksignificant legal issuesmay be involved communicate this at an early stage toLegalAffairs.

MandatoryObligation2Knowledge of these guidelines is the personal responsibility of allproductionstaffandanessentialprofessionalrequirementandamatterofcontractualobligation.

5.2 RTÉDirectorGeneralasEditor‐in‐ChiefInaccordancewiththeBroadcastingAct2009,theRTÉDirectorGeneralshallactaseditor‐in‐chiefinrespectofcontentbroadcastorpublishedbyRTÉ.However,itisnotpossibleorpracticalfortheDirectorGeneraltobeinvolvedinroutinedaytodayeditorialdecisionmakingacrossallofRTÉ’soutput.TheDirectorGeneral’seditorialroleisthereforeprimarilyastrategicone,wherehe/shesetsoveralleditorialpriorities,standardsanddirectionfortheorganisation.MandatoryObligation3Any proposal to proceed with a programme despite legal advice of asignificant or serious risk must be referred to the relevant ManagingDirector.IftheManagingDirectorproposestobroadcasttheprogrammehe/shemustbring thematter to theattentionof theDirectorGeneral inaccordance with procedures in section 17 Legal Liabilities and theRelationshipwithLegalAffairs.

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Section6. RTÉEditorialStandardsBoard

InadditiontolineeditorialmanagementRTÉhasanEditorialStandardsBoard.Thepurpose of this board is tomaintain andmonitor contents standards. TheEditorialStandardsBoardisindependentofexistingeditoriallineswithinoutputdivisions.Itscorefunctionsinclude:

1. Where a significant investigative programme is planned, the Boardwillfunction as a separate and additional resource which can be used tofurtherassessandscrutinisetheprogrammepre‐broadcast.Insuchcases,production teams shall present a detailed report to the EditorialStandardsBoardat least7daysinadvanceofscheduledtransmissiontoenabletheBoardtoassessthequalityofthereport,thereliabilityoftheevidence assembled that supports the claims being made and todetermine if the public interest is best served by the report beingbroadcast.

2. To provide an independent assessment of the merits of formal andsubstantive complaints lodged against RTÉ programmes and output inorder to determine the RTÉ response to such complaints. (SeeAccountability)

3. To carry out reviews of RTÉ Programmes and output, selected post‐transmission,toensureconformitywithRTÉ’sProgrammeStandardsandGuidelines.TheoutcomeofthesereviewswillbereportedtotherelevantManagingDirectors.

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Section7. TrustandAccuracy7.1 TrustTrustrequiresconfidencethatRTÉ’sjournalists,programmemakersandcontentcreatorsarestraightforwardandhonestinallthatwedo.RTÉexiststoserveallthepeopleofIreland.Theirexpectationisthatwewilltreattheirinterests,viewsandbeliefsaccuratelyandfairly;thatwemakeourbestefforttobetruthful;thatwe do not favour one side or another of a contested issue; that we don’trepresent vested interests; and thatwe have no personal interest inwhatwebroadcast.7.2 AccuracyAccuracyisnotsimplyamatterofgettingfactsright.Ifanissueiscontroversial,relevantopinionsaswellasfactsmayneedtobeconsidered.Allrelevantfactsandavailableinformationshouldbeweighedtogetatthetruth.Whereappropriatetotheoutput,weshould:

gathermaterialusingfirsthandsourceswhereverpossible checkandcrosscheckfacts validatetheauthenticityofdocumentaryevidenceandmaterial and wherever possible corroborate claims and allegations made by

contributorsandensurethatcontentiousstatementsoropinionsarenotcloakedbyanonymity.

Innewsandcurrentaffairscontent,achievingaccuracyismoreimportantthanspeed.A commitment to accuracy includes a willingness to correct significant errorsand clarify ambiguous or otherwise misleading information in as timely andappropriate amanner as possible. Swift and prominent correction can reduceharmfulrelianceoninaccurateinformation,especiallygiventhatcontentcanbequickly,widelyandpermanentlydisseminated.7.3 OurstandardsonAccuracy

Takeallreasonableeffortstoensurethatmaterialfactsareaccurateandpresentedincontext

Donotpresent factual content inaway thatwillmateriallymislead theaudience. (In some cases, this may require appropriate labels or otherexplanatoryinformation)

Acknowledge significant factual errors and correct themquickly, clearlyandappropriatelyinconsultationwiththerelevanteditorialmanager.

Weshouldtrytowitnesseventsandgatherinformationfirsthand.Wherethisisnot possible, we should talk to first hand sources and, where necessary,corroborate their evidence.We should be reluctant to rely on a single source

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especially if the information from that source has been given on condition ofanonymity. Ifwe do rely on a single source, a named on‐the‐record source isalwayspreferable.7.4 SourcesofinformationWe normally identify sources of information and significant contributors, andprovidetheircredentials,sothatouraudiencescanjudgetheirstatusIf we have been unable to verify material sufficiently, we should say so andattributetheinformation.Protecting the identity of confidential sources is an important journalisticprinciple. However, when relying on an anonymous source, we should satisfyourselvesthatextendingtheprotectionofanonymityisessentialtothetellingofthestory.Insuchcasesweshouldalsogiveouraudiencewhateverinformationwe can about the source in a form that provides some evidence of theircredibility but that does notmateriallymislead about the source's status, anddoesnotputtheiranonymityatrisk.Itisalwaysimportanttoask:howdoesthispersonknow,andwhyaretheytellingusthisnow?In a story originated by RTÉ, the relevant editor has the right to ask for theidentityofthekeysource.Incasesinvolvingseriousallegationsweshouldresistanyattemptbyananonymoussourcetopreventtheiridentitybeingrevealedtoa senior editor. If this happens, the reporter should make it clear that theinformationobtainedconfidentiallymaynotbebroadcast.Weshouldrecordourresearch interviewswithsourceswhereverpossibleandwhereconsentforrecordinghasbeenobtainedfromthosebeinginterviewed.Incircumstances where recording might inhibit the source, full notes should bemade, preferably at the time or, if not, as soon as possible afterwards, andpreservedbythestaffmemberconcerned.We should take accurate, reliable and, wherever possible, contemporaneousnotesofall significantresearchandotherrelevant information.Wemustkeeprecords of research including written and electronic correspondence,backgroundnotesanddocuments.Theyshouldbekeptinawaythatallowsfordouble‐checking,particularlyatthescriptingstage,andifnecessarybyanothermemberoftheteam.ThereareseparateconsiderationsforreportingsocialmediasuchasTwitterorFacebook and other user generated content. We should not automaticallyassume that the material is accurate and should take reasonable steps,dependingonhowit is tobeused, toseekverificationbothof itsaccuracyandorigin.Wemusttakespecialcareoverhowweuseanymaterialthatwesuspecthasbeensuppliedbyamemberofa lobbygroupororganisationwithavestedinterestinthestory,ratherthanbyadisinterestedbystander.SeeGuidanceonreportingfromtheInternetandSocialMediasourcesatAppendix2.

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7.5 UseofreconstructionsofcurrenteventsNewsprogrammesshouldnotnormallystagereconstructionsofcurrenteventsbecauseof the riskof confusing theaudience.Where currentaffairsor factualprogrammeusereconstructionstheyshouldbeaccurateandneithermisleadnorsensationalise.Theyshouldalsobeidentifiableasreconstructions,forexample,byusingverbalorvisuallabellingorvisualoraudiocues,suchasslowmotionorgrading.Itshouldalsobeobvioustotheaudiencewhereareconstructionbeginsand ends. The label “Reconstruction” should only be used where what isrepresented is in fact a reconstruction; where the representation does notattempt to reconstruct events but merely uses a visual or audio device toillustratethemthisshouldbemadecleartotheaudience.

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Section8. Impartiality8.1 RTÉ’sRolepursuanttotheBroadcastingAct2009RTÉ, a broadcaster operating under statute with public funds, as the majorproviderofspaceforpublicdebateisexpectedtobedifferentfromothermedia.Onourairwavesandplatforms,thelistening,viewingandreadingpublicshouldbeabletoseeandhearallsidesofthedebate.TheyshouldbeabletoregardRTÉand the presenters of its programmes to be neutral on issues of publiccontroversyasrequiredinsection39oftheBroadcastingAct2009.Initsprogramming,RTÉmustreflectthemaintrendsofthoughtandthemajorcurrents of opinion, butwithout over‐simplifying complex issues or arbitrarilyexcludingrelevantminorityviewpoints.TheseminorityviewpointswilloftenbecriticalviewpointsandRTÉrecognisesthatthosewhoholdsuchpositionsstandcountertothemaintrendsofthoughtandthemajorcurrentofopinion.Itmeansthatprogramme‐makersacceptanobligation topresent fairly the factsas theyfind them, and to report and interpret events in a manner that respects thecontextaswellasthehighlightsofnewsandcurrentaffairs.8.2 Presentersandprogramme‐makersandpotentialconflictofinterestPresenters and programme‐makers should declare any potential conflict ofinterest to their editorial line managers. A Register of Interests will beestablished for all key editorial staff. Arrangements regarding the nature andadministration of this registerwill be determined by provisionswhichwill bedeterminedbytheBAICodeofFairness,Objectivity&ImpartialityinNewsandCurrentAffairswhenitisfinalised.8.3 DiversityofprogrammingRTÉisobligedtoprovideaservicewhichisavailabletoallthepeopleofIreland.Itsoutputshouldreflecttheirexperiencesandinterests.AsIrishsocietychanges,RTÉmustbesensitivetothosechanges.RTÉ’soutputmustreflectfairlythemosaicthatisIrelandtodaywithitsreligiousand spiritual beliefs, its ethnic mix, its age and sex profile, its equality andinequalities, its educational attainments, its political views, its geographicalspread,itseconomicpositions,itslinguisticmix,itsdiverseinterestsinartsandsports,anditsculturaldiversity.Programmecontributorsandthevaluesfoundinprogrammingneedtoreflectthatdiversity.Programming should address a broad range of subjects from a diversity ofperspectivesindiversityofwaysandfromadiversityofsources.That includescontent created by RTÉ staff, that generated by audiences, and thatcommissioned or acquired from independent programmemakers. We seek tomaintain a balance of opinion that reflects the weight of the evidence.Impartialitydoesnotrequirethateveryperspectivereceivesequaltime,orthateveryfacetofeveryargumentispresented.Itcannotalwaysbeachievedwithina

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singlebroadcastbutmustbeachievedwithinareasonableperiodbyabalancingcontributionwhichisclearlysignpostedassuch.Impartialitydoesnot allow for the incitementofhatred towardsanygrouponthe basis of their ethnic origin, nationality, religion, race, gender, sexualorientation,maritalstatus,disability,illness,ageormembershipofthetravellingcommunity.RTÉNewsmustbeakeypurveyorof impartial informationtotheIrishpeople.Whatever licence may exist for opinion and expression of personal views ingeneral programming, there is a strict obligation within news to observe dueimpartiality.8.4 Ourstandardsonimpartiality

Gatherandpresentnewsandinformationwithdueimpartiality. Presentadiversityofperspectivessothat,overtime,nosignificantstrand

of thought or belief is knowingly excluded or disproportionatelyrepresented.

DonotstateorimplythatanyperspectiveistheeditorialopinionofRTÉ.RTÉtakesnoeditorialstanceotherthanitscommitmenttofundamentaldemocratic principles including the rule of law, freedom of expressionandreligion,parliamentarydemocracyandequalityofopportunity.

Donotmisrepresentanyperspective. Donotundulyfavouroneperspectiveoveranother.

Newsinwhateverformmustbetreatedwithdueimpartiality,givingdueweighttoevents,opinionandmainstrandsofargument.Thismayrequirepackagestobebalancedinternallyandnotrelyonasubsequentinterview.8.5 Personalviewsofpresenters,reportersandcorrespondentsPresenters,reportersandcorrespondentsarethepublicfaceandvoiceofRTÉ–they can have a significant impact on perceptions ofwhether due impartialityhasbeenachieved.Ouraudiencesshouldnotbeabletotellfromouroutputthepersonal views of our journalists or news and current affairs presenters onmattersofpublicpolicy,politicalor industrialcontroversy,oron ‘controversialsubjects’ in any other area. They may question vigorously or provideprofessionaljudgements,rootedinevidence,butmaynotexpresspersonalviewsin RTÉ output, online or elsewhere, andmust be careful in their use of socialmediatoavoidanyperceptionofpartiality.Personal view programmes or “authored” items are acceptable, subject tonormaleditorialcontrol,buttheirinclusiondoesnotexempttheprogramme(ora series of related programmes) from the obligation to be impartial, objectiveand fair toall interestsconcerned. Suchprogrammesor itemsmustbeclearlysignalledtotheaudienceattheoutset,orinthecaseofaseriesofprogrammes,atthestartofeachprogramme.

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Weshouldnotautomaticallyassumethatcontributorsfromotherorganisations(suchasacademics,journalists,researchersandrepresentativesofcharities)areunbiasedandwemayneedtomake itclear to theaudiencewhencontributorsareassociatedwithaparticularviewpointorspecialinterest,ifitisnotapparentfromtheircontributionorfromthecontextinwhichtheircontributionismade.

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Section9. EditorialIntegrityandIndependence9.1 PublicServiceandIntegrityandIndependenceRTÉexiststoservethepublic.Thepublicmusthaveconfidenceintheintegrityand independence of what they hear and see on RTÉ’s services. We have anobligation to be independent of all vested interests and not to compromiseourselvesforanyreason.RTÉmustbeeditoriallyindependentofgovernment,businessinterests,politicalparties,tradeunions,andpressuregroups.Thereisnoroomforanyperceptionthatpresenters, reportersorproducerspersonallybenefit fromtheirdecisionsas to who participates in programmes, what products are featured and whatissuesarediscussed.Equallyimportantly,theremustbenogroundsfortheperceptionthateditorialdecisions in some way reflect the personal views of production teams. Ascitizens, all programme‐makers have rights to their own private views abouttopics of current debate. These viewsmust not be seen to determine agendas,linesofquestioning,oreditorialdecisionsinprogramming.MandatoryObligation4Programme‐makersmust ensure that in their use of socialmedia theyavoiddamagingperceptionsoftheirownorRTÉ’simpartiality.MandatoryObligation5Anypersonal,professional,businessorfinancialinterestwhichcouldcallinto question the perceived fairness, objectivity or impartiality of apresenterorstaffmembershouldbedeclaredtotheappropriateeditorialmanager.Iftheeditorialmanagerdeemsthattheconflictofinterestmightbeperceivedassignificant,thePresenterorReportermayresolvetheconflictbynotworkingontheproject,orbydeclaringtheintereston‐air.9.2 FinancialjournalismTo ensure that our audiences can be confident that RTÉ’s output is notunderminedbytheoutsideactivitiesorfinancial interestsofanyofourpeople,journalists and presenters covering financial news should register all theirshareholdings,financialandbusinessinterestsordealingsinsecurities.InsiderDealingandMarketManipulationRTÉpresentersand journalistsmustnotengage in insiderdealingbyusing fortheirownprofitorfortheprofitofathirdparty,anyfinancialinformationtheyreceive in advance of its general publication. In considering whetherinformationisinsiderinformationjournalistsshouldhaveregardtowhetheritis

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informationwhich ispreciseandwhichan investorwouldbe likely tobaseaninvestmentdecision.RTÉ journalists must not engage in market manipulation. In particular,journalistsmustnotgivefalseormisleadingsignalsastothesupplyof,demandfororpriceoffinancialinstruments.Any journalists engaged in financial journalism or any form of reporting onfinancialmarketsmusthaveregardtothelegaldefinitionsofinsiderdealingormarketmanipulationwhichcanbeobtainedfromLegalAffairs. Insiderdealingandmarketmanipulationarecriminaloffencesandcanpotentiallyattractafinenotexceeding€10,000,000andaprisonsentenceofupto10years.InvestmentRecommendationsMandatoryObligation6Financial journalists must not promote, or give the impression ofpromoting,anybusinessorfinancialserviceinouroutput.The law imposes particular rules to the production and distribution ofinvestmentrecommendations. In thiscontext,arecommendationhasaprecisestatutory meaning, that is “research or other information recommending orsuggesting an investment strategy, explicitly or implicitly, concerning one orseveral financial instrumentsorthe issuersof financial instruments includinganyopinionastothepresentorfuturevalueorpriceofsuchinstruments,intendedfordistributionchannelsorforthepublic”.Any such recommendationsmust be clear and not misleading and the sourceshouldbedisclosed. IfanRTÉ journalist is tomakearecommendationshe/hemustdiscloseallofthecircumstancesthatmayreasonablybeexpectedtoimpairtheobjectivityof therecommendation.This includesdisclosureofany interestin the financial instrumentswhichare thesubjectof the recommendationheldbythatjournalistoramemberoftheirclosefamily.9.3 WearingofreligiousorPoliticalBadgesorSymbolsRTÉdoesnotpermitpresenterstowearreligiousorpoliticalbadgesorsymbolsonscreenwhichcouldbeperceivedtoundermineimpartiality.9.4 OurStandardsoneditorialindependenceandintegrity

MaintaintheindependenceandintegrityofRTÉ Exercise RTÉ editorial control over the content RTÉ broadcasts or

publishes. Ensurethateditorialdecisionsarenotimproperlyinfluencedbypolitical,

sectional,commercialorpersonalinterests External activities of individuals undertaking work for RTÉ must not

underminetheindependenceandintegrityofeditorialcontent.

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9.5 AcceptanceofGiftsRTÉpresentersandotherproductionstaff, including freelancecontractorsandsole traders, must not accept any offers which might compromise RTÉ’sindependenceandintegrity.Inparticulartheacceptanceofgiftsbeyondthoseofanominalvalueisnotpermitted.MandatoryObligation7Allrequestsforspeakingengagements,chairingofmeetings,includingofa charitable/not‐for‐profit nature,must be referred to the appropriateeditorialmanagerforapprovalinadvance.9.6 InvolvementincommercialactivityandinvestmentsFreelance or independent contractors employed as presenters by RTÉ areobligedtodiscloseanycommercialactivityor investmentstheyare involvedinwhichmightcompromiseRTÉtotheappropriateeditorialmanager.MandatoryObligation8RTÉ presenters must not promote in their programmes commercialventures that theyareassociatedwithor fromwhich theystand togainfinancially.

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Section10. ServingthePublicInterest10.1 PublicinterestrequirementspursuanttotheBroadcastingAct2009RTÉisrequiredbysection114(2)oftheBroadcastingAct2009tobe:

Responsive to the interests and concerns of the whole community, bemindfuloftheneedforunderstandingandpeacewithinthewholeislandofIreland,ensurethattheprogrammesreflectthevariedelementswhichmakeupthecultureofthepeopleofthewholeislandofIreland,andhavespecial regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and inparticularfortheIrishlanguage

Uphold the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution, especiallythoserelatingtorightfullibertyofexpression,and

Have regard to the need for formation of public awareness andunderstanding of the values and traditions of countries other than theState, including in particular those of other Member States of theEuropeanUnion.

10.2 OurapproachtoservingthepublicinterestWe commit to investigate stories of significance and to hold to account thosewho hold public office or who are in other ways responsible to the public.Ourapproachtoservingthepublicinterestisbyreportingonsuchmattersandprovidingaforumfornationaldebateonrelatedandothersignificantissues.Webaseourapproachonthefollowingassumptions:

Citizens inademocratic statehavean interest in informationabout theworkings of the state, its institutions and officials, both elected andappointed. This interest, however, is not confined to the state’sinstitutions, but also to private corporations and individuals and tovoluntaryorganisationswhichrequirethepublic’strust.

When an individual holds an office,whether in a public institutionor a

privatecompanyorvoluntaryorganisationwhichseeksthepublic’strust,itisinthepublicinterestthatthatindividual’sactionsinpursuitofthesegoals be open for inspection, analysis and investigation by the newsmedia.

Suchanindividualistobejudgedforhis/herpublicacts,notprivateones.

Inthiscase,“private”shouldbetakentomeanissuestodowithpersonalrelations, personal communications, beliefs andpast affiliations unlessthese can be shown to be directly and significantly relevant to theperformance of their public duties. The test is always the impact onpublicactionsorduties.

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The division between private and public is rarely absolute: if, in an

investigation,linksareshowntoexistbetweenthepublicandtheprivate,thenthelatterbecomesalegitimateareaofinquiry.

We report and show the consequences of violence, tragedy, trauma orcriminal exploitation with sensitivity and care. We do not flinch fromrevealing reality but avoid causing gratuitous distress to victims,witnessesorbereavedrelatives.

Investigations areobviously an importantwayofuncoveringmattersofpublicinterest ranging frommaladministration, crime and corruption, the misuse ofpublic funds, theabuseof those in thecareof thestate, thestateofanti‐socialbehaviourtothequestionableactivitiesofindividualsorgroupsofprofessionals.Anypublicinterestjustificationwillinclude:

Disclosing information that allows people to make a significantly moreinformeddecisionaboutmattersofpublicimportance

Preventingpeople frombeingmisledbysomestatementoractionofanindividualororganisation

Informingdebateonkeyissues Promoting accountability and transparency for decisions and public

spending Revealingcrimeorsignificantlyanti‐socialbehaviour Exposingfraudandcorruption Helpingpeopleunderstandandchallengedecisionsaffectingthem.

10.3 OurstandardsonservingthepublicinterestRTÉ’s investigations and reporting will be proportionate to what is beinginvestigatedandclearlytargeted.Thatimplies:

aclearsenseofwhatthepublicinterestjustificationmightbe the possession of some justifying evidence to take an investigation

forwardsothatitisnota“fishingexpedition” the avoidance of subterfuge except in clearly defined and authorised

circumstances veryclearruleswheneversecretrecordingisinvolved a clear set of authorisations fromwithin the editorial linemanagement

chain a clear rationale forwhat is eventually put into the public domain, and

how.

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10.4 Investigationsandpublicinterest

MandatoryObligation9Anyproposalbeyondpreliminaryresearchtoundertakeaninvestigationintoseriouscrimeorsignificantanti‐socialbehaviouroranotherissueinthepublicinterestmustbereferredtotherelevantsenioreditorialfigureor,forcommissionedprogrammes,tothecommissioningeditor.

Broadcastinglegislationimposestheobligationonallprogramme‐makersnottobroadcastanything“likelytopromoteorincitetocrime”.

Wheninvestigatingcriminalactivitywemay,onrareoccasions,wanttorecordaspecificcrime.Whenthatmightraisequestionsaboutourrelationshipwiththecriminal or the crime, it must be referred to a senior editorial figure or, forcommissionedprogramming,tothecommissioningeditor,andtoLegalAffairs.AdecisionwillneedtobemadeaboutinformingtheGardaí.

Approvaltobepresentatorrecordseriousillegalactivitywillbegivenonlyifitisclearlyinthepublicinterest.Eventhenwemustavoid:

condoning,aidingorabettingcriminalbehaviour

encouraging or provoking behaviour which would not otherwise haveoccurred

directingtheactivityinanyway.

Anyone admitting to or carrying out an illegal act could be prosecuted. Ourresearch notes, diaries, emails and other paperwork as well as untransmittedrushes may be obtained by court order. This material may also have to bedisclosedasevidencetoacourt,tribunalorinquest.MandatoryObligation10Wedonotnormallypayindividualsortheirintermediariestotalkabouttheircrimes. Anyproposaltomakesuchapaymentmustbereferredtothe relevant Managing Director and would only be approved if itjustifiable in the public interest and unobtainable without such apayment.Careshouldbetakentoensurethattheidentitiesofanyconfidentialsourcesareprotected and do not appear in any notes thatmight become the subject of acourtorder.MandatoryObligation11Sensitive documents, recordedmaterial and other informationmust bekeptsecurelyandanydistributionofsuchmaterialkepttotheminimum.Confidentialityofrecordsandinformationisanobligationthatappliestoall journalism. Localprotocolswillbeput inplace toensuresafetyandsecurity.

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Accurateandreliablenote‐taking isanessentialandprime journalisticcraft; itcanalsobecrucial toprotecting the reputationofan investigativeprogramme,its production teamandRTÉ.When filmedevidence is laterdisputedby thoseunder investigation, records and notes documenting the rationale for theinvestigationandwhyitiswasconsideredtobeinthepublicinterest,whathasbeencaptured,howitwasrecordedandanyrelevantsurroundingeventsareanimportanttoolforvalidatingtherecordingandtheprogramme.

It is important to think through possible scenarios and dilemmas thatmay befaced inadvanceanddrawupprotocolsonhowtoproceed.Weshouldensurethat the public interest in our journalism is not outweighedbypublic concernaboutanyharmthatmayhavebeencausedbyourmethods.

If theparametersof the investigationshift significantlyduringproduction, thisshouldbeconfirmedandagreedwith thesenioreditorial figure responsible. Itmaybenecessary togo throughsomeof the initialproceduresagain toensurethe refocused investigation still has the necessary prima facie evidence andpublicinterest.

Whenmakinguseofevidencefromwhistleblowersorotheranonymoussources,first take the appropriate steps to protect their anonymity. It is important tointerrogatetheirmotivation,particularlyifinthecaseofwhistleblowerstheynolongerwork for theorganisationorcompanyconcernedandtheirclaimscouldbe discredited by the manner of their dismissal. Whistleblowers should notnormallyreceiveanypaymentorotherinducementfortheirinvolvement.

Throughout the editing process, it is important to ensure the finishedprogramme reflects the evidence fairly and accurately, taking account thecontextinanywhichsecretlyrecordedincidentstookplace.

Anindependenteditorialfiguremayberequiredtotestthepublicinterestthesisoftheprogrammeandthefairnessofitspresentation.

When the allegations to bemadehave been clarified, they should normally beputtotheindividual,organisationorcompanyconcernedintimeforaresponse.

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Section11. ReportingofSieges,Kidnappings,Hijackings,Hostage‐taking

Weneedtobeparticularlysensitivetotheimpactofourreportingmayhaveonsituations such as sieges, kidnappings, hijackings or hostage taking. Ourreporting may be accessed by people directly involved in these events andthereforemayunintentionallyplayapartintheunfoldingofevents.MandatoryObligation12Wedonotbroadcastliveinterviewswithknownperpetratorsandsenioreditorialconsentisrequiredbeforeusingpre‐recordedmaterialmadebyorwithperpetrators.Co‐operation and communication between all programmes reporting andcommentingonsucheventsisessentialtoensureconsistencyofapproachandastrict adherence to whatever collective decisions have been taken as to thenatureofRTÉ’scoverage.MandatoryObligation13TheNewsandCurrentAffairsDivisionhastheprimaryresponsibilityonoccasionssuchastheseandallreportingnomatteritssource(broadcastoronline)mustbeagreedbytheNewsdesk.Note this requirement only applies in these particular situations and is not ageneralrequirement.Normally we respect advice from the Garda about not revealing informationwhich may either be of help to those involved in the events or which mayinterferewiththesecurityforceshandlingoftheevents.MandatoryObligation14WhentheGardaaskthatinformationbewithhelditistheresponsibilityoftheRTÉjournalisttoinformhis/hereditoriallinemanagerandanyothercolleagues reportingon theevents.The informationmustbe circulatedthroughoutallrelevantareaswithinRTÉasquicklyaspossible.However,wemayonoccasion consider thepossibilityofmakingpublicinformationwhichtheGardahaverequestedbewithheld.Thisshouldnothappenwithoutreferraluptheeditorialchain.SuchadecisioncanonlybetakenwiththeapprovaloftherelevantManagingDirector.

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Section12. Fairness12.1 BroadcastingAct2009requirementsonfairnessSection39(1)oftheBroadcastingAct2009requiresobjectivityandimpartialityin news. In addition there is a requirement for fairness in current affairs(defined as the broadcast treatment of matters which are either of publiccontroversyorthesubjectofcurrentpublicdebate).Fairandhonestdealingisessentialtomaintainingtrustwithaudiencesandwiththosewhoparticipate in or are otherwisedirectly affectedbyour content.Wemust be open and straightforward in our dealings with contributors andaudiencesunlessthereisaclearpublicinterestindoingotherwise,orweneedtoconsiderimportantissuessuchaslegalmatters,safety,orconfidentiality.Individualsshouldnormallybeappropriatelyinformedabouttheplannednatureand context of their contribution and give their consent, unless there is aneditorial justification for proceeding without their consent. Their contributionwillbeeditedinawaythatdoesnotdistorteitherthecontextorthemeaningoftheoriginalinterview.12.2 OurStandardsonfairness

Participants inRTÉcontent shouldnormallybe informedof thegeneralnatureoftheirparticipation.

Wetreatourcontributorsandpotentialcontributorswithrespect.Wedonot threaten, humiliate, or behave aggressively or intrusively tocontributors,eithertoobtaintheirconsentorduringtheirparticipationinouroutput.

Changes to the focus or structure of the programme or item will benotifiedtothecontributorwherenottodosocouldbedeemedunfairorpartial.

Where allegations are made about a person or organisation, we makereasonable efforts in the circumstances to provide a fair opportunity torespond.

We aim to attribute information to its source. Where a source seeksanonymity, do not agreewithout first interrogating the source’smotiveandthepossibilityofidentifyinganyalternativeattributablesources.

Assurancesgiveninrelationtoconditionsofparticipation,useofcontent,confidentiality or anonymity must be honoured except in rare caseswherejustifiedinthepublicinterest.

Where a person or organisation refuses to contribute or chooses to make nocomment,theprogrammeshouldmakethiscleartotheaudienceandreportthereasongivenaccuratelywherenottodosocouldbedeemedunfair.

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The refusal of a person or organisation to participate should not preventbroadcast of the item.However,wemust reflect fairly the views of the absentpartybothinwhatissaidandhow.Whenwemakeallegationsofwrongdoing,iniquityorincompetenceorastrongand damaging critique of an individual or institution, the presumption is thatthose criticised should be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to theallegations.Wemustensurewehavearecordofanyrequestforaresponseincludingdates,times,thenameofthepersonapproachedandthekeyelementsoftheexchange.We should normally describe the allegations in sufficient detail to enable aninformedresponse,andsetafairandappropriatedeadlinebywhichtorespond.12.3 LiveProgrammingandfairnessThe standards RTÉ aspires to fulfil apply to all RTÉ programming. It isrecognised that in live programming, such as phone‐in shows, there may beparticulardifficulties in followingtheexactproceduresandprotocolssetdownin these guidelines. However the same standards apply to such programmes.Programme‐makersinphone‐inshowsareadvisedtofollowtheguidelinesanddotheirutmosttoensurethatfairness,objectivityandimpartiality,aswellasarespectforprivacy,remainparamountinallmattersrelatingtothepublic.In live programming dealingwith rolling or breaking news issues every effortshouldbemade to contact asearly aspossible relevantpotential contributors.Accountmustbetakenthatthenoticemaybetooshorttoenablecontributorstobe sufficiently informed or to have determined their responses. The audiencemay need to be informed that insufficient noticewas given to interestswhereparticipationinaprogrammecouldbeexpected.Any parts of the response relevant to the allegations broadcast should bereflected fairly and accurately and should normally be broadcast in the sameprogramme,orpublishedatthesametime,astheallegation.MandatoryObligation15Any proposal to rely on a single unnamed source making a seriousallegation or to grant anonymity to a significant contributor must bereferredtotherelevantManagingDirectorandLegalAffairs.TheManagingDirectorandLegalAffairswillconsider:

whetherthestoryisofsignificantpublicinterest whether the source is of proven credibility and reliability and in a

positiontohavesufficientknowledgeoftheeventsfeaturedandwhether,ifthisisasinglesource,thereisanycorroborativeevidence

anylegalissues safetyconcerns,forexample,forwhistleblowers

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whether a response to serious allegations has been sought from thepeopleororganisationsconcerned

sensitiveandpersonalissues whether the serious allegation was made or substantiated "off the

record".Inreportingtheallegation,caremustbetakentoexplain:

thenatureoftheallegation thattheallegationisclearlyattributedtotheanonymoussourceandnot

RTÉ. thedegreetowhichithasbeenpossibletoverifytheallegation.

MandatoryObligation16TherelevantManagingDirectormustapproveinadvanceanyproposaltobroadcastorpublishmaterialobtainedbysubterfugeornottohonouranassurancegiven inrelationtoconditionsofparticipation,useofcontent,confidentialityoranonymity.12.4 SourcesWenormallyrequiretwosourcesbeforewebroadcastsomethingasafact.Ifwehavetorelyonasinglesourcewemustbeveryconfidentthattheinformationisaccurateandthesourcereliable

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Section13. Privacy13.1 BroadcastingAct2009requirementsRTÉ’sapproachtothepublicinterestgovernsourapproachtoprivacy,asnotedatpagetwo.WearerequiredbySection39oftheBroadcastingAct2009not“toencroach unreasonably on the privacy of an individual” in the making ofprogrammes.13.2 Ourstandardsonprivacy

RTÉwillnotintrudeintoaperson’sprivatelifewithoutconsentunlessitisjustifiedinthepublicinterest

theextentoftheintrusionmustbelimitedtowhatisproportionateinthecircumstances

wemust be able to explain why an infringement of privacy is justifiedfromtheoutset,aswellaswhatisbroadcastordisseminated.

An individual's legitimate expectation of privacy is related to location and thenature of the information and behaviour, and the extent towhich informationaboutanindividualisalreadyinthepublicdomain.People’slegitimateexpectationofprivacyintheirownhomesorothersensitivelocations suchasahospitalormedical centreareevidentlygreater thanwhentheyare inpublicor semi‐publicplaces. Considerationalsoneeds tobegivenwherepeoplecanalsoreasonablyexpectprivacyeveninapublicorsemi‐publicspace,particularlywhentheactivityorinformationbeingrevealedisinherentlyprivate or its broadcast or publication could be regarded as unnecessarilyintrusive,forexample,theaftermathofacarcrash.Theremayalsobeoccasionswhensomeoneinalocationnotusuallyopentothepublicisengagedinanactivitywheretheyhavealowexpectationofprivacy,forexampleasalespitchorgivingpublicinformation.Thereisnosimplerulewhichcanbeappliedinallsituations.We do not, though, normally reveal information which discloses the preciselocation of a person's home or family without their consent, unless it iseditoriallyjustified.There is less of an expectation of privacy where an individual's behaviour iscriminalorseriouslyanti‐social.

We normally operate openly. When filming openly in public and semi‐publicplaces, we do not normally obtain express consent from individuals who areincidentally caught on camera as part of the general scene, unless they areengagedinanactivitywheretheyhavealegitimateexpectationofprivacythatisnot outweighed by a public interest in showing them. Where it might not beobvious that we are recording for broadcast, we seek to provide appropriate

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signsorotherindicationsandwheneverpracticableseektheconsentofthosewerecord.

However,ifanindividualororganisationasksustostopfilmingorrecording(whetherliveorrecorded)becauseofaconcernaboutprivacy,weshouldnormallydoso,unlessitiseditoriallyjustifiedtocontinue.

Wherepeoplehavebeenkilled,injuredoraremissing,itisimportantthat,asfarasisreasonablypracticable,familiesornextofkindonotfindoutfromRTÉoutput.Wenormallyawaitconfirmationfromtherelevantauthoritythattheyhavebeeninformed.

13.3 SecretrecordingThefollowingtechniquesareconsideredtobesecretrecording:

theuseofhiddencamerasormicrophones the general use of audio‐video equipment including long lenses, small

videocameras,mobilephonecameras,webcamsandradiomicrophones,whenpeopleareunawaretheyarebeingrecordedforbroadcast

thedeliberateuseofaudio‐videoequipment including long lenses,smallvideocameras,mobilephonecameras,webcamsandradiomicrophones,either toconceal theequipment fromtargeted individualsor togive theimpression of recording for purposes other than broadcasting, forexampleaholidayvideo

recording telephone calls for broadcast without indicating to the otherparticipantsonthetelephonecallthatisbeingrecorded.

deliberately continuing a recordingwhen the other party thinks that ithas come to an end, or starting it before the other party thinks it hasbegun.

Normally,RTÉwillusesecretrecordingonlyforthefollowingpurposes:

as an investigative tool where there is clear prima facie evidence ofbehaviour, or intention to carry out behaviour, that it is in the publicinteresttoreveal,andtherecordingisnecessarytoprovethebehaviour,and there is no viable, alternativemeansof gathering the evidence thatprovesthebehaviour.

as a method of consumer, scientific or social research in the publicinterest,wherenoothermethodscouldnaturallycapturetheattitudesorbehaviourinquestion

Secretrecordingdevices,misrepresentationorothertypesofsubterfugemustnot be used to obtain or seek information, audio, pictures or an agreement toparticipateexceptwherejustifiedinthepublicinterest,andwherethematerialcannotreasonablybeobtainedbyanyothermeans;orwhereconsentisobtainedfromthesubject;oridentitiesareeffectivelyobscured

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MandatoryObligation17Theremustbeprima facieevidenceof thebehaviour toberevealed (orintentiontocarryoutthebehaviour)beforesecretrecordingisusedasaninvestigativetool.

The relevantManagingDirectormust assess anyproposal touse secretrecording in the production of content commissioned, produced or co‐produced by RTÉ, including any safety or security concerns, beforepassingtotheDirectorGeneralforapproval.Arecordmustbekeptofthedecisiontoapproveornotapproveoftherequesttosecretlyrecord.TherelevantManagingDirectormustthengivefinalapprovaltotheuseofsuchmaterialintheprogrammebeforebroadcast.

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Section14. DoorsteppingforNews,CurrentAffairsandFactualProgrammes

14.1 InterpretationofdoorsteppingDoorstepping involves recording, or attempting to record, an interview withsomeone for broadcast, or announcing that a phone call is being recorded forbroadcast, when that person is not expecting to be interviewed for broadcastbecausewehavenotmadeanarrangementwiththemtodoso.Itmayinvolveapotential infringementofprivacyand shouldnormallybe a last resort. Itmustnotbeusedsimplyfordramaticeffect.Doorsteppingcanbeinpersonoronthephoneorintercom,etc.Itcantakeplaceonpublicorprivateproperty.Doorstepping does not include vox pops. Additionally, the referrals ondoorsteppingthatfollowarenotintendedtopreventthelegitimategatheringofmaterialwithintheregularnewsagenda,suchasinterviewingpoliticiansastheyleave meetings. Such interviews are not regarded as doorstep interviews andthereforedonotrequireeditorialmanagerapproval.14.2 DoorsteppingwithPriorApproachMandatoryObligation18Any proposal to doorstep in an RTÉ produced or commissionedprogramme, whether in person or on the phone, where we haveunsuccessfully tried tomake an appointment for an interviewwith theindividualororganisationconcernedmustbeapprovedinadvancebytherelevantsenioreditorialfigure.Approvalwillnormallyonlybegivenwhenthereisevidenceofcrime,significantwrongdoing or if the subjectmatter is of significant public interest and for atleastoneofthefollowingreasons:

thesubjectofadoorstephasfailedtorespondtorequestsforinterviewinconnectionwiththewrongdoingalleged

a request for an interview has been refused without good reason andsubstantialallegationsofwrongdoinghavebeenavoided

thereisahistoryoffailuretorespondtointerviewrequestsorrefusaltobeinterviewed.

Doorstepping should be timely and proportionate to any wrongdoing.Consideration should be given to the safety of production staff and the risk ofinfringing the privacy of third parties who are not responsible for anywrongdoing,suchasfamilymembersorjunioremployees.

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14.3 DoorsteppingwithoutPriorApproachMandatoryObligation19Anyproposaltodoorstepanindividualororganisation,whetherinpersonor on the phone, where we have not previously tried to make anappointment for an interview, must be approved in writing by therelevantManagingDirector.Thisdoesnotapply todailynewsgatheringor regular current affairs practices of interviewing politicians leavingmeetingsandthelike.Approvalwillnormallyonlybegivenif:

thereisclearevidenceofsignificantwrongdoing,and ithasnotbeenpossibletorequestaninterview,or thereisgoodreasontobelievethataninvestigationwillbefrustratedor

allegations avoided (for example, because those under investigationmightgooutofcontact)ifapriorapproachismade.

Considerationmust be given to both the timing and the consequences of suchdoorsteps. It must always be possible to assess and evaluate any newinformationorlegalinterventionpriortotransmission.

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Section15. Childrenandvulnerablepeople15.1 GeneralPrinciplesindealingwithchildrenandvulnerablepeopleItistheexceptionratherthanthenormthatchildrenandvulnerablepeopleareincluded in RTÉ’s News and Current Affairs programming. However whenchildrenorvulnerablepeopleare includedweconsider carefully the impactofparticipation in a programme or news item on any child (normally someoneundertheageof18)orotherwisevulnerableindividualsinvolvedinit.Achild’sownconsentshouldalwaysbesoughtaboutbeinginterviewedandtheconsentofaresponsibleperson(parentorguardian).Thecontentof the interviewandthecontextshouldbeexplainedclearlytothechildinalanguageandtermstheycanunderstand.Achild’srefusaltotakepartshouldalwaysbeaccepted.Achild’sability to give consent depends on the stage of development and degree ofunderstandingthechilddisplays,aswellasthechild’sage.15.2 ConsentandchildrenandvulnerablepeopleConsent must normally be obtained from both the child and a responsibleperson(parents,guardianandsoon).Whenrecordinginschoolstheconsentoftheteacherorprincipalisrequired.Itisexpectedthattheschoolauthoritieswillinformtheparentsofthechildrenthataprogrammeorreportisbeingmadeandthatparentalapprovalhasbeensoughtandobtained.Childrenareofteneagertohelpprogramme‐makersbutmaylackjudgementabouttheirownimmediateorlong‐terminterests.Vulnerableadultsmayalsorequiretheinformedconsentofaresponsiblepersonsuchasaprofessionalcarerorcounsellor.Itisdesirabletoobtaintheconsentofbothparentswheninterviewingchildren.Inasituationwhereaninterviewee’sparentsareseparatedandconsentcannotbe obtained from both parents careful consideration must be given beforeproceeding.Nofinancialinducementsshouldbeofferedtoparentsorguardiansto get them to give consent, although, the legitimate payment of expenses isacceptable.MandatoryObligation20Where parental consent has been refused, or cannot be obtained, theconsentof theManagingDirectorsofNews,TelevisionorRadiomustbesoughtbeforetakinganydecisiontogoahead.Thiscannormallybejustifiedonlyiftheitemisofsufficientpublic importanceandthechild’sappearanceisabsolutelynecessary.We consult where appropriate professionals and experts when dealing withchildren and vulnerable people and sensitive subjects and may put in placesupport systems to protect them before, during and after the programmeprocess.

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MandatoryObligation21Whenwecomeacrosssituationswherewebelievethewelfareofachildisbeingendangeredbyothers,thechild’sinterestsandsafetytakepriority.Programme‐makers should, in consultationwith the relevantManagingDirector and LegalAffairs, consider how best to reportwhat they havefoundtotherelevantauthority.15.3 Reportingonchildrenandillegaloranti‐socialactivityWhenfactualprogrammesornewsreportsfeaturechildreninvolvedinillegalorantisocialactivity,identificationmayraisedifficultlegalorethicalissues.Theremaybeapublicinterestinidentifyingthechildren,butthelonger‐terminterestsof thechildmayargue foranonymity.Parentalconsentmaynotbeasufficientreasontoidentifyachild,ifthechild’slong‐termfuturewouldbebetterservedby anonymity. Programme‐makers should refer suchmatters to their editorialmanagersWhenrecordinganti‐socialorcriminalpracticescarriedoutbychildrenwiththeintentionofhighlightingthepracticeratherthanindividuals,thegeneralruleisthatindividualchildrenwillnotbeidentified.Interviewingchildrenrequirescare.Childrenshouldnotnormallybequestionedto elicit views of private family matters, or matters likely to be beyond theirjudgement,ormattersmoreappropriatetoadultdiscussion.MandatoryObligation22Asanabsolute rule,RTÉ shouldnotpublish inanyprogrammeornewsbulletin,thename,address,schoolattended,picture,orotherinformationwhichmayleadtotheidentificationofanychildoryoungperson(under18years)attendingcourtinacriminalcasewhetherthatchildisaccusedof a crime, is awitness in the case or is the victim of the crime or isinvolved ina family law relatedcase,exceptwhereany judgemayhaverequestedthemediatodoso.

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Section16. Accountability16.1 GeneralaccountabilityAsapubliclyfunded,publicservicebroadcaster,RTÉisaccountableforwhatwedo,howwedoitandhowwespendourrevenue.Whencalledupon,wemustbeready to explain and justify our editorial decisions and priorities. RTÉ iscommitted to responding meaningfully to all complaints we receive aboutprogrammestandardsandotheraspectsofouroutput.Allprogramme‐makersareobligedtoparticipateinthisprocess.16.2 TheBroadcastofCorrections,ClarificationsandApologiesNo matter how carefully prepared programmes are, there will always beoccasionswhen itwill be necessary to return to a subject to clarify or correctwhat was broadcast. Responding quickly and on our own initiative to openlycorrectmistakesisnearlyalwayspreferabletosubsequentlyhavingtodealwithacomplaint.If amistake ispointedout toRTÉand it isdeemed tobeof a relatively trivialnature,theprogrammewillnotrefertothemistakeonair.Howevereveryeffortmust bemade to avoid repeating themistake again in subsequent broadcasts.Ifthemistakeismoresubstantialandtheviewistakenbytheprogrammeteamthat thepublic recordneedsamending, theprogramme or service responsibleforthebroadcastorpublicationoftheinaccurateinformationwillclarifymattersassoonasfeasible.If theclarification issoughtbya thirdpartyandthere is thepossibilityofanyfollow up that might compromise RTÉ’s reputationany proposed clarificationmust be scripted and cleared with editorial management in advance ofbroadcast.MandatoryObligation23Clarifications: If there is thepossibilityofany legal issuesarisingeitherfromtheoriginalbroadcastortheclarification,programme‐makersmustinthefirstinstanceconsulttheireditorialmanagers.Legaladvicemustbesoughtbeforeanyagreementtobroadcast.Ifitisdecidedtobroadcastaclarificationitmustbescriptedinadvanceandapproved.Ifthematterissufficientlyserioustowarrantit,theclarificationshouldberecordedandnotbroadcastlive.

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MandatoryObligation24Apologies: If the original broadcast is of such a nature that a formalapology is required, the broadcast must be approved by editorialmanagement, legal advice must be sought and the apology must berecorded inadvanceofbroadcast,normallybytherelevantPresentationDepartment.Thebroadcastneedstotakeaccountofthetoneandmannerofthevoiceofthepersonreadingtheclarificationorapology.16.3 HandlingComplaintsRTÉwillalwaysreceivealargevolumeofcomplaintsregardingitsprogramming.Allprogramme‐makersareobligedtotakecomplaintsseriouslyandrespondinaprofessionalandcourteousmanner.RTÉ is committed to responding in ameaningfulway to all complaintswithinfourweeks. Responsibility for responding restswith the production team thathas made the programme which resulted in a complaint being made.All significant complaints made about RTÉ output are to be referred byproductionteamstorelevanteditorialmanagersandtotheHeadofBroadcastingCompliance,beforeany response is issued. The Head of BroadcastingCompliance, as secretary of the Editorial Standards Board, is to identify anycomplaintwhichneedstobebroughttotheBoard’sattention.IntheeventthatacomplaintneedstobeassessedbytheBoard,theproductionteamshallensurethat all relevant information is provided directly to the Board to enable it toproperlyandfullyassessthecomplaint.IntheeventthattheBoard’sassessmentis that the complaint should not be defended by RTÉ, this decision and therationalewhyistobeoutlinedtotherelevantManagingDirector.16.4 AccountabilitytotheBAIRTEisalsopubliclyaccountabletotheBAIandisrequiredtoobserveitsCodeonFairness,Objectivityand Impartiality inNewsandCurrentAffairs (which isreflected in these Guidelines) and honour its Right of Reply scheme. Wecooperate openly and honestly with the Authority and abide by itsdeterminations.

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Section17. LegalLiabilitiesandtheRelationshipwithLegalAffairs

Thelawhasanincreasingimpactonthedisseminationofallformsofcontent.Inparticular news, current affairs and factual type programmes run the inherentrisk of claims in the civil courts for compensation andother remedies such ascorrectionorders.There isalsotheriskofcriminal liabilitywhichmayarise inany contempt of court or breach of specific statutory reporting restrictionswhichmayattachtoacaseandaffectingitsreporting.Failuretotakeaccountofanddealwiththeseinherentrisksarepotentiallyverydamaging, includingexposingRTÉand/ortheindividualprogramme‐makerstobothcivilandcriminalityliability.MandatoryObligation25Editors, journalistsand factualprogrammemakersmustseektheadviceof Legal Affairs at the earliest moment whenever legal problems areencounteredorsuspected.LegalAffairsareavailabletogiveadvicetoandassistprogramme‐makerswhenproblemsorquestionsfirstpresentthemselves.Contextiseverything.Themoreaccurate and detailed information programme‐makers can provide the better.This will enhance the ability of lawyers to provide useful advice towardspublicationorbroadcast.MandatoryObligation26AnycommunicationsfromlawyersactingonbehalfofcontributorsorthesubjectsofaprogrammemustbepassedtoLegalAffairsforconsiderationandadvice.Anywrittencommunicationfromthelegalrepresentativesofanypersonorbodyproposedtobefeaturedinaprogrammemustbedealtwith by Legal Affairs (in consultation with the programme‐makerconcernedandtheappropriateeditor).Legal advisors need adequate time to consider a programme in its rough cutform.Asageneralrule,inthecaseoflong‐formdocumentarytypeprogrammesrunning in excess of 30 minutes, a first rough‐cut and a draft (andcorresponding) scriptmust be supplied to Legal Affairs at least 3 days beforeany joint screening and discussion with the production team. In the case ofpieces between 15 and 30minutes in duration a script and rough cut (and asmuchinformationaspossible)shouldbeprovided2daysbeforejointscreening.Foritemsbetween5and15minutesdurationinformationshouldbeprovidedtoLegal Affairs on the piece as early as possible, and the first detailed legalengagementshouldoccurbeforethedateofproposedtransmission.Newspiecesand other items involving exceptional circumstanceswill be dealtwith on thedayof transmissionbutmustbe flaggedat theearliestpossibleopportunityasrequiringlegaladvice.

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MandatoryObligation27AnyproposaltoproceedwithaprogrammeorreportdespitelegaladviceofasignificantorseriousriskmustbereferredtotherelevantManagingDirector.If having considered the matter the Managing Director proposes tobroadcasttheprogrammeorreporthe/shemustbringittotheattentionof the Director General and must present awritten argument for thebroadcasttotakeplace.LegalAffairsshallmakeawrittenriskassessmenttotheDirectorGeneral.Thedecisiontoauthorisetransmission,however,remainswiththerelevantManagingDirector.There may also be occasions where providing accurate, impartial and faircoverage in the public interest raises issues of potential conflictwith the law.Wheresuchcasesarisewemustconsider:

thelaw’simpact whateffectbreakingthelawmighthaveonRTÉ whattheeffectmightbeonthepeopleconcerned

MandatoryObligation28AnyproposalwhichmayinvolveapotentialbreachofthelawinthepublicinterestmustbereferredtotherelevantManagingDirector,whoshouldconsultwithLegalAffairs.General legal advice notes on Protection of Reputation / Defamation Law,ContemptofCourt,StatutoryRestrictionsrelevanttoReportingandPrivacyLawareavailableontheRTÉIntranet.

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Appendix1. TheBAICodeofFairness,Objectivity&ImpartialityinNewsandCurrentAffairs

(tobeinsertedwhenfinalisedbytheBAI)

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Appendix2. GuidanceonreportingfromtheInternetandSocialMediasources

App.2.1 GeneralguidanceonreportingfromtheInternetandSocialMediasources

Greatcareshouldbetakenwhenusingonlinesourcesandmaterialemanatingfromsocialmediasitesorstreams.Asalways,bewaryofreportinganythingsecondhandandlookoutforthepossiblehiddenagenda.Corroboratewhereverpossibleandchecktheidentityofanycontributoryouintendtouse.

Whereasiteisrunningastoryofpotentialpublicinterest,seektoverifybeforerunningthestoryandattributeclearlysothatouraudiencescanassesstheinformationanditssource.

Remembertoothatwebsitesdonotnecessarilyproducecontentwhichmeetstherequirementofthelawondefamation,contemptorintellectualproperty.

App.2.2 HoaxesandSpoofs

Manywebsitesandsocialmediastreamscontainbogusinformationsuchasspoofnewsreports.Somecampaignandactivistsitesmimicthedomainnameanddesignofanofficialsourceforreasonsofsatireormisinformation.Youmusttakecaretoperformthoroughprovenancechecksbeforeusingmaterialfromawebsiteorasocialmediastreamusingforexample,“aboutus”sectionsor“WHOIS”.

App.2.3 BiasedSources

Aswithanymedium,hiddencommercialorpoliticalagendascanshapeaWebsite'scontent.Youshouldcheckthelinkstoandfromasiteasthesecanoftenrevealpoliticalorcommercialaffiliations.

App.2.4 OutofDateInformation

Eventrustworthysourcescancontainpagesthathavenotbeenupdatedinyears.Contextualinformationcanprovideanideaofthedateitwasauthored,butalwaysuserecognisedsourcestocorroborateanyinformationfound.

App.2.5 SocialMediaSites

Individualspostmaterial,includingpictures,audioandvideo,whichmayrevealinformationaboutthemselves,generallyforthebenefitoffriendsandacquaintances.Abalanceneedstobestruckbetweenappropriateuseofmaterialthatanindividualmayhaveunthinkinglyputinthepublicdomainandfairnesstothatindividualandrespectfortheirprivacyeveniftheyhavebecomepartofanewsstory.

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(NotethereareseparateSocialMediaGuidelinesintheNewsandCurrentAffairs Division, the Radio Division and under development in theTelevisionDivision. These provide advice on the use as opposed to thereportingofsocialmediabyRTÉstaff.)