1. Media Regulations
By Georgina Nelson

2. Truth & Accuracy
Viewers are entitled to This applies to all types
expect that programmes of programming, which
are completely accurate includes;
and truthful and the
audience must not be • Entertainment
misled. programmes with
factual elements.
• Portraying real The viewer is entitled to take
events, whether in at face value, must respect
documentary, featur truth and accuracy.
es, factual Programmes must be
entertainment, dram honest, fair and accurate and
a or any other must not mislead viewers.
programme.

3. PROTECTING UNDER 18s & HARM AND
OFFENCE
Under 18s have to be
protected from potentially Programmes with anything to The watershed is
harmful and offensive do with sex , drugs and 9 pm.
material. One of the main ways violence is normally played
of achieving this is through the after the watershed.
appropriate scheduling of
programmes. In programmes
Offensive language e.g.
“cunt”, “motherfucker”, most likely to be
“fuck” and more these seen widely by
words must never be under 18s at any
used in programmes time, alcohol, smoki
before the watershed. ng and drugs should
not be encouraged
or glamorised
unless there is
editorial
justification.

4. Secret Filming
Individuals must not be filmed or recorded secretly for
programmes unless approved by the broadcaster in advance.
The maker of the programme Before any secret
must set out in writing their filming is
justification for covert undertaken, there
filming/recording. It must are detailed
satisfy the provisions of guidelines you must
Section 8.13 of the Code. follow.
The show Rogue Traders that is
shown on Watchdog is legal even
though they film undercover and
exposing rip off merchants for years.

5. Fairness & Privacy
Must avoid the unfair If the programme Any significant infringement of
treatment of you’re making privacy of an individual or
individuals or involves criticising organisation, in the making or
organisations in or making any broadcast of a programme, must be
programmes. damaging warranted by the public interest.
allegation about
any living
individual or
organisation, seek
advice from your
programme
lawyer.

6. Copyright
• All material must be properly
cleared for use within programmes
and this is the responsibility of
producers. Wherever programme-
makers wish to rely on one of the
statutory defences to copyright
infringement e.g. fair dealing or
incidental inclusion, they must seek
advice from the programme lawyer
at an early stage.