±«Óătv

2010 review of the ±«Óătv's Editorial Guidelines

People expect the highest standards from the ±«Óătv and the ±«Óătv Trust is here to get the best out of the ±«Óătv for the public. One of the ways we do this is by approving the ±«Óătv Editorial Guidelines every five years.

The Editorial Guidelines set out the standards required of people making programmes and other content for the ±«Óătv. They exist to guide content producers in making considered editorial decisions that balance freedom of expression with their responsibilities to the audience, contributors and others.

The Guidelines cover these responsibilities in great detail including:

  • the need to be duly accurate and impartial and to avoid causing audiences unnecessary offence
  • the importance of treating people fairly and respecting their privacy when making and broadcasting programmes
  • how programme makers should deal with children and young people who contribute to programmes
  • how the ±«Óătv should cover politics and public policy
  • ensuring that votes and competitions are run fairly
  • and the need for programme makers to be mindful of potential conflicts of interest.

The Guidelines also take into account, as appropriate, requirements set out by Ofcom under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code that (under the ±«Óătv Agreement) apply to the ±«Óătv.

The Editorial Guidelines are also used by the ±«Óătv Executive and the ±«Óătv Trust when considering complaints about ±«Óătv content.

Whilst primarily an aid for programme makers and others making content for the ±«Óătv, it is important that the standards set out in the Guidelines reflect the expectations of the public. In 2009 the ±«Óătv Trust ran a consultation on the ±«Óătv's Editorial Guidelines, the first time such a consultation had been carried out. The consultation ran from October to 24 December 2009. There were 1630 online responses and 15 written submissions. Additionally there were 11 substantive submissions from industry bodies and interest groups. The ±«Óătv Audience Councils also submitted responses to the consultation.

The ±«Óătv Trust also commissioned Kantar Media to conduct qualitative research on the guidelines relating to harm and offence, and to impartiality and accuracy.

The Trust considered all the evidence outlined above, as well as a range of other data. The Trust approved changes to the draft Editorial Guidelines having taken into account the interests of content producers and audiences. The Trust's statement can be found here:

Press release of 12 October 2010

The Editorial Guidelines 2010 were published on 12 October 2010. The Editorial Guidelines and associated guidance are available on the ±«Óătv website:

±«Óătv Editorial Guidelines 2010

All people working for the ±«Óătv will be required to work within the new Guidelines.

Trust commentary

Below you will find the Trust's commentary together with a summary of the changes to the Guidelines that have come about as a result of the public consultation.

Supporting evidence

Equality impact assessment