This is not actual law, but a journalistic code. It’s more ETHICAL, reassuring the public. It builds a bond between journalists and their audience.
Three main codes:
PCC (Press Complaints Commission) – newspapers and magazines
Ofcom – broadcasters
BBC – for BBC staff and license payers
Purpose...
The law is specific and limited in action
It also offers a benchmark for behaviour amongst journalists
Key Areas
Ethical behaviour – how far is far enough
Fair Treatment – giving a respect for privacy
There is a requirement for accuracy and impartiality
Vulnerable groups are protected in codes
PCC
This is SELF REGULATING. It is often considered to have more relaxed rules because of it.
In the editors code of practice (found on pcc.org.uk), asterisks highlight areas which may not be held, if there is an overriding public interest. Due to this suiting newspapers, there is a lot of cynicism amongst the public over the actual codes effectiveness.
Ofcom
This is much more powerful that the PCC. They hold statutory powers which can result in much more trouble – for example large fines.
In the past, in response to the ITV competitions scandal, Ofcom fined ITV £5.6m.
They can give directions for a programme not to be repeated, and for the corrections to be broadcast. Fines of up to 5% of revenue can be imposed or they can even revoke broadcast licenses. In July 2010, Ofcom served the owners of four adult channels (Tease Me, Tease Me TV, Tease Me 2, Tease Me 3), Bang Channels Limited and Bang Media Limited with a fine of £157,250 for broadcasting sexually explicit material before the 9pm watershed. Later in November of the same year, the channels had their licenses revoked and were taken off air.
Broadcaster are obliged to be impartial in broadcasting, whereas newspapers appear to get away with more. Impartiality varies in different circumstances.
BBC
These are the BBC editorial guidelines, and in practice are a working document/reference for journalists.
They can be found at:
bbc.co.uk/guidelines/editorialguidelines
