Editorial Guidelines
BBC Ethical Code
What is it?
How will it specifically affect your work?
Truth and Accuracy
Look to establish the truth about topics, which will not only be done by getting the facts right but also through statistics from reliable sources. They will also need to be voiced clearly and precisely.
I will have to make sure that I am careful when talking about facts and figures, as they could be wrong if obtained by the internet. I will have to make sure they are from a reliable source.
Impartiality and Diversity of Opinion
We will look to be fair and open minded when examining evidence and weighing material facts. We will try and reflect impartiality through a diversity of opinions which will also strengthen the breadth of the topic. Will look to make sure no side of the argument is under-represented or not reflected.
The more opinions I get for the pros and the cons of the different options and also for the tuition rise, the more impartial my documentary will be seen as, because it has a lot more breadth and conveys both sides of the argument. This will also give me a huge diversity of opinion which will enhance the documentary as a whole.
Editorial Integrity and Independence
The BBC is independent of any bias from outside interests. We do not stick to a general political or commercial view or even be biased to personal interests that we have.
I will have to portray the documentary in a neutral manner meaning not sticking to a specific political view, therefore I cannot constantly say the tuition fee rises are wrong as this will be seen as bias.
Serving the public interest
Will look into topics that are significance to our audience and then will provide them with relevant information to generate a cognitive debate around the topic.
I am looking at a extremely significant topic which is relevant to the present and future audience as it will help young people consider their options as the tuition fees rise seems to be permanent.
Fairness
Everything we produce will be based on fairness, honesty and straight-dealing. Everyone involved will be treated with respect and honesty.
I will have to make sure that everyone is portrayed fairly in the documentary and that during production everyone is treated with honesty and respect.
Privacy
Will respect the right of privacy and will not infringe unless there is good reason to do. The most common scenario where it is breached is when public interest outweighs the privacy of a person or group.
When filming, will have to make sure everyone that is involved in my final piece in terms of the being in the clip, allow me their permission to avoid any breaching of privacy.
Harm and Offence
We will aim to reflect the world as it is through broadcasting real human experiences in a innovative manner but at the same time will ensure no harm or unjustifiable offence is caused particularly in the aspect of the protection of children.
I will have to make sure I film my documentary in a way which takes the audience on a journey as if they were doing the research making the clip innovative. At the same time I will have to look that no harm or unjustifiable offence is caused to anyone during the reality of it all.
Children
Will preserve the rights of young people and children to speak and participate in a way that ensures their emotional and physical welfare is protected during the production and after the broadcast. Content which is not suitable for children will be broadcasted appropriately.
My documentary will be mostly based on young people therefore I have to make sure that they are able to voice their opinions with their emotional and physical well-being remaining intact. This will be done by making sure their opinions are appropriate and don’t cause and uproar which can lead to future conflict with them and a organisation or person.
Accountability
Will deal fairly with the audience. Will ensure our built trust will continue through by acknowledging relevant mistakes which we may have cause to further strengthen this strong relationship that the BBC pride themselves for.
If we do find that after broadcasting the documentary, the audience feel there are problems which make it offensive or inappropriate, we will remove it and apologise for these flaws.