6C Reality Shows,Factual Entertainment Programmes & Formatted Documentary Programming : Best Practice
Checks on contributors' Backgrounds
- Application forms and contributor agreements should always require contributors and potential contributors to disclose any criminal convictions or pending legal proceedings in which they are involved.
- If contributors are to be placed together in a ‘reality' setting, consideration should be given to requiring each contributor to obtain a Subject Access check on (a) the Police National Computer and (b) their local police authority's systems, to ascertain whether they have had any dealings with the police. [Note: the applications can take up to 12 weeks to process and must be made by the individual him/herself].
- If relevant to the content of the programme in which they are appearing, contributors should disclose details of any matrimonial and childcare proceedings, including any court orders made. If anything is disclosed, the commissioning editor and programme lawyer should be contacted immediately.
- Where appropriate, proof of identify and references i.e. personal and/or professional should be sought and checked.
- Through discussion with the contributor, programme-makers should ascertain whether there is anything else about the contributor or someone close to him/her e.g. a close family member, which could have the potential to lead to adverse public relations issues and whether there is any conflict of interest or matter that could compromise them or the programme, given the nature of the programme.
- In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to undertake research to confirm the credentials of a contributor (including presenters and experts) or the truth of what they are telling you. Potential contributors should not be taken at face value. Some may have reason to be less than totally honest, or may even be trying to deceive production staff deliberately.
Support for and Payments to Contributors
- It may be appropriate in certain circumstances to obtain an expert opinion e.g. medical, psychological or counselling-based, to ascertain a contributor's suitability for their taking part in a particular programme.
- It may be appropriate in certain circumstances for support e.g. medical, psychological or counselling-based, to be provided to relevant contributors e.g. throughout filming, to transmission of the programme and, sometimes, beyond.
- Consideration should be given as to whether contributors should be paid for their contribution and where they are, the actual amount that is paid. In some cases, it may be appropriate merely to recompense contributors for their time and the expenses they have incurred. Payments to Under 18s must be agreed in advance by the commissioning editor and programme lawyer.
- Care needs to be taken when payments are contemplated to anyone who has been involved in criminal or anti-social acts. Seek advice from the programme lawyer before any commitment is made.
- See Chapter 4B, Crime - ‘Payments'
Communication and Correspondence
- Queries and concerns raised by contributors should be dealt with promptly. The commissioning editor should be appraised of the circumstances as soon as possible.
- Programme-makers and commissioning editors should alert the programme lawyer to serious potential issues at the earliest possible stage, so they can advise on how to deal with the matter.