7C Channel 4 : Rules of Practice and Procedure for Secret Filming and Recording for Channel 4 Programmes
Introduction
Surreptitious, or secret, filming and recording are powerful journalistic tools. Material obtained covertly may be the only independent account of the wrongdoing it captures. Secretly filmed or recorded exposés have led to the revision of working practices, changes in the law, the closure of institutions and have even sent criminals to prison. Advances in technology have enabled a degree of infiltration previously unheard of.
As a powerful tool which is capable of invading individuals' privacy secret filming must be handled with due responsibility. Covert filming and recording is not just another programme technique and must be handled in accordance with best journalistic practice. Law-abiding individuals who have done nothing wrong are entitled to have their privacy respected. The right to privacy can only be overridden where the public interest outweighs it and any infringement of privacy must be warranted and proportionate.
Channel 4 has drawn up these rules of practice to ensure that the secret filming and recording carried out on our programmes is in accordance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code ("the Code") and in order to maintain the highest journalistic standards.
After transmission of a programme, footage obtained covertly may become evidence in a criminal prosecution, in a libel or privacy action or in an Ofcom investigation. The way in which the footage is obtained must not, therefore, be open to criticism as to its authenticity or for the methods used to obtain it. In addition, Channel 4's reputation depends on its viewers being able to trust that what they see is true and justified.
This document must be copied to all members of your production team and it is the responsibility of the executive producer and the producer to ensure that its provisions are carefully read, understood and followed by all team members.
This document refers throughout to secret filming but the rules apply equally to secret audio recording for the purpose of broadcast. Secret filming covers not just the use of covert camera technology but also certain situations where the subject does not realise they are being filmed, including when they may believe the camera is switched off.
The Code defines "surreptitious filming or recording" as follows:
"Surreptitious filming or recording includes the use of long lenses or recording devices, as well as leaving an unattended camera or recording device on private property without the full and informed consent of the occupiers or their agent. It may also include recording telephone conversations without the knowledge of the other party, or deliberately continuing a recording when the other party thinks that it has come to an end."
Procedure before undertaking secret filming
Secret filming requires careful consideration and must be approved by Channel 4 in advance and in writing before the filming/recording is carried out (Stage I) and before it is broadcast (Stage II). This requirement will only be waived in exceptional circumstances. Please tell Channel 4 in good time of any plans to film secretly, preferably at least three working days in advance, so that the approval process is not delayed. Last minute requests run the risk of being rejected if there is no good reason for the delay in submitting them.
You should take the following steps: -
- Consider how your proposals will meet the requirements of Section 8.13 of the Code which says that the material acquired through secret filming must be "necessary to the credibility and authenticity" of a story which must itself be "prima facie in the public interest". In addition there must be "reasonable grounds to suspect that further material evidence could be obtained" by secret filming/recording.
- Discuss your plans with your Commissioning Editor and with the Channel 4 lawyer advising on your programme. If you do not know who your assigned lawyer is, ask your Commissioning Editor.
- Make a detailed written request to the Commissioning Editor, copied to the lawyer, setting out your proposals including:
- Who will be operating the equipment and who will accompany them?
- What equipment will be used and where will the secret camera(s) be placed, e.g. in a jacket or in a bag?
- The subject(s) of the secret filming (i.e. the person/people/locations to be secretly filmed).
- The proposed circumstances of the secret filming.
- The reason you think it complies with the test under Section 8.13 - what evidence is there of wrong doing, why can't the footage be obtained conventionally and why is there a public interest to the story? A public interest is not simply something of interest to the public. Your case must be logically argued.
- What is the proposed cover story for the secret cameraperson and their companion(s)?
- What arrangements have been made for their safety, where appropriate?
- Make arrangements for the undercover reporter to be briefed by a Commissioning Editor and Channel 4 Lawyer and, wherever possible, the Controller of Legal & Compliance before undertaking the secret filming.
An outline pro forma Stage I application which you should follow and complete is attached. Each new request should be numbered sequentially.
You must notify Channel 4 in writing, beforehand if possible, of each new secretly filmed encounter even if it is already covered by an existing secret filming approval.
Procedure for obtaining approval at Channel 4
- Your Commissioning Editor will discuss your proposals with the Channel 4 lawyer and with his/her Editorial Head, where appropriate. Once satisfied, the Commissioning Editor is responsible for making a written application to the Head of News & Current Affairs, or her appointee in her absence, for written approval. The Stage I application, before it is approved and once it has been approved must be copied to the lawyer advising and the Controller of Legal & Compliance if different.
- The Stage 1 application must first be approved by the lawyer and the Controller of Legal & Compliance (if different). Your Commissioning Editor will tell you when approval has been granted or if your application has been turned down. In the latter case you may be required to provide more information or satisfy any concerns raised.
Responsibilities of the producer once secret filming has been approved by Channel 4
- There must be set up an adequate logging system for secretly filmed rushes which shows:
- The date and time of filming
- The place
- Who was filmed and who was present with the secret camera person
- When the rushes were received at the production company
- When they were viewed by the producer and any other production personnel.
Channel 4 may wish to see rushes and/or accurate transcripts at any time during production, before transmission and after transmission, in the event of any legal or regulatory issue arising.
Original secretly filmed rushes and the logging system must be preserved for at least eighteen months from the date of the programme's transmission or longer if required by Channel 4.
- Producers are directly responsible for logging and viewing all the secretly filmed rushes as soon as reasonably practicable, ideally no later than 24-48 hours after they are delivered to the production company.
- The Executive Producer, if there is one, is responsible for ensuring that he/she has viewed all necessary secretly filmed rushes, depending on the nature of the project and production personnel.
- The Producer (and Executive Producer where applicable) are responsible for telling the Commissioning Editor and/or the Channel 4 lawyer promptly of any matter of concern of which he/she becomes aware. This includes:
- Any inappropriate behaviour by the secret cameraperson and/or their companions, for example, any attempt to provoke or improperly entrap the subject(s)
- Any matter suggesting someone's safety was put at risk (including the subjects of the secret filming)
- Any matter which suggests that the footage is not authentic
- Any matter which could have a bearing on the direction of the story and the content of the film.
- No further secret filming should take place until the rushes of the previous secret filming have been checked by the Producer, unless there is a compelling reason why this cannot be done.
Rules of conduct for secret camera operators
- The Producer (and Executive Producer, where applicable) are individually and directly responsible for the conduct of the secret cameraperson and anyone accompanying him/her undercover and for making them aware before filming commences that they:
- Must remember that whatever they say once the camera is running may one day be heard by the subjects of the covert filming. They must, therefore, be sensible about what they say and how they behave before and after the filming of the subject(s).
- Are required to keep a detailed diary of their secret filming and all other meetings/conversations with the subject(s). This will form a contemporaneous record of their dealings with the subject(s) and/or a valuable evidential record if the camera fails.
- Must agree their cover story with the producer and Channel 4 beforehand. The level of any deception must be proportionate.
- A secret cameraperson and anyone who accompanies them undercover will usually be playing a role which goes well beyond simple observation. In the process of interacting with the secretly filmed subject(s) care must be taken to ensure that wherever possible the secret camera operator avoids encouraging conduct which might not have occurred at all but for their intervention. A careful line must be trodden to avoid a subsequent accusation of improper entrapment.
- If a subject becomes aware they have been secretly filmed, Channel 4 must be notified as soon as reasonably practicable.
- If any payment is made by the secret cameraperson or their companions to someone secretly filmed this payment should be referred to Channel 4, and, if possible, approved in advance. Such a payment may affect the credibility of that person and we may decide it is necessary to inform viewers about it.
- Our reputation for strong journalism is retained through honest, accurate and fair reporting. On no account must a secret cameraperson or anyone undercover construct, reconstruct or otherwise fabricate scenes and pass them off as if they really happened. No filming which could have taken place openly should be passed off as secret. Any scenes which reconstruct or re-enact real events, even with the real people involved, must be clearly labelled in the programme to avoid confusion on the part of the viewer.
No one should ever feel under pressure to "get the story". We would rather not broadcast at all than broadcast something that is untrue.
Supervision of secret filming by the producer
- The producer must ensure that:
- All members of the production team have received a copy of this document and have read and understood its terms and that its terms are followed.
- The person secretly filming is able to take on the tasks and responsibilities required of them. He/she must be familiar with the operation of the equipment and the risks involved. The safety of those undercover, and in many cases those with whom they interact, is paramount.
- The undercover reporter has been briefed by a Commissioning Editor and Channel 4 Lawyer and, wherever possible, the Controller of Legal & Compliance before undertaking the secret filming.
- He/she adequately supervises the secret cameraperson throughout their research as well as throughout the undercover operation.
- If the secret cameraperson is not an experienced television journalist, before secret filming commences, Channel 4 is likely to require to see and approve:
- A police check on whether he or she has any previous convictions, if considered appropriate
- A detailed CV
- References, as appropriate
- A written report on any existing relationship between the secret cameraperson and the proposed subjects of the secret filming
- The proposed CV and details of referees for the undercover role, where applicable.
These must be sent to the Commissioning Editor and Channel 4 lawyer.
- If it is thought appropriate, even if the secret cameraperson is an experienced television journalist, Channel 4 may well require him or her to undergo a police check on their previous convictions if the undercover operation is likely to involve him/her in the technical commission of a criminal offence, for example buying drugs or handling stolen goods.
In the event that the journalistic purpose might involve the technical commission of a criminal offence, albeit without criminal intent, early advice should be obtained from the Channel 4 Legal and Compliance Department on the specific procedures, which should be followed. A clear public interest case will have to be made out. The physical evidence obtained may well form the basis of a subsequent prosecution of the individuals whose criminality has been exposed and will need to be the subject of an appropriate protocol to ensure its integrity is preserved as far as reasonably possible.
Undercover in an organisation or company
- If the secret camera operator or other person going undercover is to be obtaining a position as an employee or similar position in a company or organisation, specific advice must be sought from the Legal and Compliance Department beforehand. In particular, the following rules must be followed:
- Any remuneration received from the company/organisation must be paid into an account set up for that purpose.
- The secret cameraperson must not purport to have qualifications or experience which he/she does not have where this might put them or others at risk or lead to legal problems.
- Channel 4's Legal and Compliance Department must be consulted before application forms for such positions are filled in, letters and emails written etc.
- Channel 4 must see and approve the proposed CV and details of referees for
the undercover role.
Procedure for approval of the secret filming before transmission
- Your Commissioning Editor is required to seek prior approval in writing from the Head of News & Current Affairs or her appointee (who may be the Controller of Legal & Compliance) to broadcast material obtained by secret filming or recording. This includes material filmed/recorded surreptitiously or covertly by third parties. This is called a ‘Stage II' request and the material for broadcast must satisfy the requirements of Section 8.13 and 8.14 of the Code i.e. it must be "necessary to the credibility and authenticity" of a story which must itself be "prima facie in the public interest".
- Before approval is sought the application must have been seen and approved by the Controller of Legal & Compliance or one of her deputies if she is unavailable. The secretly filmed material may raise other editorial, legal or compliance issues. These will be discussed with you at rough and fine cut viewings.
- The Stage II, before it is approved and once it has been approved must be copied to the lawyer advising and the Controller of Legal & Compliance if different.
A pro-forma Stage II application is attached.
After transmission
- If the secret filming has revealed the commission of a criminal offence by the subject(s) of the secret filming, Channel 4 may volunteer the secretly filmed footage and other material to the prosecuting authorities, subject to any confidentiality issues.
- In these circumstances, it will usually be necessary for the police or other prosecuting authority to interview the secret camera operator and members of the programme team about the methods they used. In addition to the diary he/she is required to keep, the secret camera operator should be made aware that their notes and other records may be considered relevant and that they will be a pivotal witness in any subsequent prosecution.
- In the event of legal proceedings or regulatory issues arising after transmission all rushes and other material will be central to our defence and so may be disclosed to the Claimant, in the case of legal proceedings, or to the complainant in the case of a regulatory issue, and to Ofcom, the regulator, itself.
Secret filming can be unpredictable with situations arising that need urgent attention. It is essential you maintain regular contact with your Commissioning Editor and feel free to call however trivial the question may seem at the time. If you are in any doubt about anything in this document or require advice please contact your Commissioning Editor
or Channel 4 lawyer, as appropriate.
Please also see the Current Affairs Rules and Procedures for Best Practice and Compliance - available from the Legal & Compliance Department on 020 7306 8496 or Current Affairs on 020 7306 5359.
If you need urgent legal advice out of office hours a member of the Legal & Compliance Department is always available on a mobile- contact the Viewer Enquiries Department on the Channel 4 main number for the duty lawyer details or call the Legal & Compliance Department on 020 7306 8496 to have your details added to the duty lawyer memo.
Legal & Compliance Department
November 2005
STAGE I PROFORMA
(To be typed on production company notepaper)
To: [Commissioning Editor]
Channel 4 Television
124 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2TX
Cc: Controller of Legal & Compliance, Legal and Compliance Department, Channel 4
[Programme Lawyer, if not Controller], Legal and Compliance Department, Channel 4
[Programme Title]
Application for Stage 1
Secret Filming and/or Recording Permission
under Section 8.13 Ofcom Broadcasting Code
Date of application: [Insert date]
Number of application: [Insert sequential number for your project]
Subject(s): [Insert name of individual(s) or organisation(s) to be secretly filmed or recorded including their address, if known]
Background: [Details of the investigation (e.g.) An investigation to examine how staff at a funeral parlour are disrespectful to bodies placed in their care]
Evidence for concern: [Details of past abuses or cause of concern (e.g.) evidence from former employees; concerns raised by relatives; published reports of industry regulator in which the company is criticised]
Your plans: [include any cover story (e.g.) to send a member of the production team undercover to work as a trainee funeral director. This includes his first interview, formal company training in the handling of bodies and on the job training and practice]
Why covert filming/recording is necessary to the credibility and authenticity of the programme: [Explain why evidence could not be gathered by conventional methods]
Why story is of itself of important public interest: [Set out reasons
Proposed date(s) of filming/recording: [Insert date(s)]
Proposed likely venue(s) for secret filming/recording: [Insert venue(s)]
Signed
Print your name
Title (e.g. Producer)
Date
STAGE II PROFORMA
CHANNEL 4 MEMO
To: Dorothy Byrne, Head of News & Current Affairs
From: Commissioning Editor
Cc: Jan Tomalin, Controller of Legal & Compliance
[Programme Lawyer, if not Jan], Legal and Compliance Department, Channel 4
[Programme Title]
Application for Stage II
Secret Filming and/or Recording Permission
under Section 8.13 and 8.14 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code
Background: [Brief description of the investigation/purpose of the film and the issues for concern or being addressed. Indicate who the film maker(s) are and name the Producer/Executive Producer and their experience]
Material to be broadcast: [State who carried out the secret filming, the dates during which filming took place, and what the footage reveals (e.g. Unhygienic food handling practices, including not washing hands after using the toilet and sneezing over food preparation surfaces)].
The section 8.13 test: [You will need to show that the secret filming was warranted, which must include: 1) Why the filming was done in the public interest - i.e. what is the public interest element? 2) Why the filming was necessary to the credibility and authenticity of the programme; 3) Whether further material evidence (additional to that obtained prior to the Stage I application) was obtained.]
Right of reply: [If applicable, you should indicate whether any parties filmed for the programme were given an opportunity for a right of reply, and if so, how any such replies will be dealt with in the programme. If any injunction proceedings have been issued as a result of giving a right of reply, then include the status of those proceedings.]
Privacy issues: [If there are any issues regarding privacy, such as concealing identities of subjects, then please indicate briefly why and how this will be achieved.]
Signed ____________
Print your name ________________
Title ______________
Date ____________