4C Fairness : Key Points
- The unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes should be avoided.
- Informed consent. Programme-makers and broadcasters should be fair in their dealings with contributors. Contributors should take part in programmes on the basis of their informed consent. Any deviation from this rule must be justified by the public interest or otherwise.
- Parental consent will normally be required for contributors who are under 16. For individuals over 16 who are not able themselves to give informed consent, consent should be sought from an appropriate responsible adult.
- Fair editing. Programme contributors' interviews and contributions must be fairly edited and presented within programmes.
- Fairness and accuracy. Factual programmes should be fair and accurate and not cause unfairness to individuals or organisations. Similarly, dramas and dramas based on fact should not portray facts, events, individuals or organisations in a way which causes unfairness to an individual or organisation.
- Opportunity to respond. Any programme which is critical of, or alleges wrongdoing or incompetence on the part of an individual or organisation should normally give that person or organisation the opportunity to respond. Any relevant response should be included in a manner which is fair.
- Deception in factual programmes. Where any deception is used in the making of factual programmes, such deception should be necessary and be justified by and proportional to the public interest served.
- Deception in entertainment programmes. The use of deception on contributors in entertainment programmes, where there is no public interest, is acceptable subject to certain safeguards but footage cannot be broadcast without the prior informed consent of the subject.