UNIT 27: Factual Programme Production Techniques for TV

 BBC Editorial guidelines.

Accuracy

Accuracy in the BBC is not directly the truthfulness of the information being produced, although it is a major part of it, it is also when, perhaps, an issue presented is controversial to approach and announce to the general public so therefore the BBC needs relevant opinions to discuss the topic along with facts that need to be carefully considered and compared to understand the truth.

• Finding correct material and information via primary sources 
• Confirm and correct facts and data
• Check the factualness of documents and digital material and evidence
• Accuracy > Speed

Example:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2284783.stm

'Blondes to die out in 200 years'

In 2002 BBC news online published an article claiming that in the next 200 years natural blondes will die out. The article speaks of this information coming from a study in Germany that, on research, does not actually exist. It goes on to say that dyed blondes are more attractive to men which has no supporting information.  

Section 5: Harm and Offence - Violence 

Section 5: harm and offence - violence is used to warn and protect audience members, especially young children, who are particularly frightened and distressed at real life violence being shown in the media.

Example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFs0b97sqg4

In 2011 the London Riots broke out across several London Boroughs it included; looting, arson, mass deployment of police and general chaos. This news report shows several long clips of arson and violence in the streets but it is forewarned.

Ofcom codes

Section 3: Crime

Section 3: crime is to ensure that material and information that was involved in the creation of a crime will not be included in radio and news reports.

Example:

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/broadcasters/broadcasters-cleared-over-coverage-of-woolwich-killing/5065050.article

In a radio report that covered the Woolwich killing of Fusilier Lee Rigby many audience members claimed that the descriptions were too graphic in detail and caused distress among viewers. 

Privacy

Example:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/kate-mccann-felt-violated-by-newspaper-6266466.html

In 2008 Kate Mccann's phone was hacked and then used in an article against her knowledge. This went against ofcoms codes.