3.1 Introduction
The BBC is committed to achieving due accuracy in all its output. This commitment is fundamental to its reputation and the trust of audiences. The term 'due' means that the accuracy must be adequate and appropriate to the output, taking account of the subject and nature of the content, the likely audience expectation and any additional information provided by the BBC that may influence that expectation.[1]
The due accuracy required of, for example, drama, entertainment and comedy, will not usually be the same as for most factual content. The requirements may even vary within a genre, so the due accuracy required of factual content may differ depending on whether it is, for example, factual entertainment, historical documentary, current affairs or news.[2]
3.2 Principles
3.2.1 The BBC must do all it can to ensure due accuracy in all its output.
3.2.2 All BBC output, as appropriate to its subject and nature, must be well sourced, based on sound evidence, and where possible corroborated. Content producers should be honest and open about what they don't know and avoid unfounded speculation. Claims, allegations, material facts and other content that cannot be corroborated should normally be attributed.
3.2.3 The BBC must not knowingly and materially mislead its audiences. Content producers should not distort known facts, present invented material as fact or otherwise undermine audiences' trust in the BBC's content.
3.2.4 Serious factual errors should normally be acknowledged and corrected quickly, clearly and appropriately.
3.2.5 In news and current affairs content, achieving due accuracy is more important than speed.
3.3 Mandatory Referrals
Mandatory referrals must be referred in advance. Mandatory referrals are an essential part of the BBC's editorial and compliance process and must be observed.
Referrals to Director Editorial Policy and Standards
3.3.1 Any proposal to rely on a single unnamed source making a serious allegation or to grant anonymity to a significant contributor making a serious allegation must be referred to Director Editorial Policy and Standards and Programme Legal Advice.
(See 3.4.21)
Other Referrals
3.3.2 Where content producers believe they have broadcast a defamatory inaccuracy, Programme Legal Advice must be consulted.
(See 3.4.34)
3.3.3 Any content producers intending to produce output about Northern Ireland or significant projects involving the Republic of Ireland, should notify Director Northern Ireland of their proposals at an early stage. Similarly, content producers creating material which deals with significant national or regional issues or themes about England, Scotland and Wales who are not based in the relevant nation should inform the director of that nation.
(See 3.4.37)
3.3.4 A senior editorial figure must be responsible and accountable for overseeing the deployment and continuing use of any Artificial Intelligence (AI). They should seek advice from Editorial Policy, who may consult the AI Risk Advisory Group, before any decision to deploy the AI.
For independent production companies a senior editorial figure, who is responsible for compliance within the production team, should be responsible and accountable for its use of AI.
(See 3.4.27)
- [1] The section of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code that relates to this is 5: Due Impartiality and Due Accuracy and Undue Prominence of Views and Opinions ↩
- [2] The Framework Agreement accompanying the BBC Charter requires the BBC to observe the accuracy requirements of the Broadcasting Code; however, by applying 'due accuracy' to all output, the BBC exceeds that requirement ↩