BBC Producers' Guidelines [antikvár]

Producers' Guidelines The Producers' Guidelines enabie programme-makers and tlie public alile to see the editorial and ethical principles that drive the BBC. They represent the most comprehensive and coherent code of ethics in broadcasting. They draw on the experience and wisdom of BBC programme-makers over seventy years. They take account of the needs of current legislation and of the various regulatory authorities. And, most importantly, they seek to reflect the standards that BBC audiences expect of ftieir national broadcaster. Guidelines alone do not make good programmes: that takes determination, flair, originality, persistence, and creativity - all talents which the BBC has in abundance. But the guidelines do offer programme-makers an assurance: if we are seen to work assiduously within this shared ethical code we should have the support of our audience when, and for good and considered reasons, from time to time we challenge, shock, disturb or even anger them. In the pages that follow there are only a few absolute rules. They apply to areas of pl-ogramme judgement where the need for consistency of approach across the BBC requires programme-makers to refer to a central editor. But for the most part the Guidelines offer a frame of reference, aimed at helping our programme people make difficult judgements for themselves. This second edition of the Producers' Guidelines contains several new chapters and much re-writing of existing ones in a bid to make them more accessible. No-one is expected to know them all by heart, but all our programme-makers need to be familiar with the principles behind them and to have a clear grasp of the matters that most touch their daily lives. For the public, the Producers' Guidelines offer more than just an insight into the way the BBC approaches its work. They constitute a measure against which viewers and listeners may judge our programmes. If what they see and hear belies the principles we claim to espouse, they will tiave a right to call us to account and we must expect them to do so.1GENERALProgramme making for the BBC must be based on straight dealing.Straight dealing is important to everyone involved. It reflects concern for the interests of the programme, the interests of the people who appear in it and the interests of the audience. None is automatically predominant and all are important.These considerations apply to all programme departments. Compromises or concessions may seem tempting for the sake of particular programmes. They are undesirable because they create precedents which may damage the position of all programme makers.2STRAIGHT DEALING IN PRODUCTIONThe need for straight dealing covers all the activities involved in making a programme. From the start, the programme makers should be as clear as they can be about the nature of the programme and its purpose. Unless there are special considerations of confidentiality, they should be open about their plans. It will often make sense to put arrangements in writing.It is very important to be honest with people who are taking part, shown or referred to in a programme. Remember that such people may be unfamiliar with programme making and may not share assumptions about aspects of the process that professionals regard as obvious.3DEALING WITH CONTRIBUTORSContributors ought to be able to assume without doubt that they will be dealt with in a fair way. They should not feel misled, deceived or misrepresented before, during or after the programme, whether they are public figures or ordinary citizens:3.1They should be told what the programme is about.3.2They should be told what kind of contribudon they are expected to make -an interview or a part in a discussion, for example.3.3They should be told whether their contribution is to be live or recorded; and, if recorded, whether it is likely to be edited. They should not be given a