6.1 Introduction
The BBC strives to be fair to all – fair to its audiences, fair to its contributors and potential contributors, fair to sources and fair to those its output is about.
BBC content should be based on respect, openness and straight dealing.[1] The BBC also has an obligation under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code to 'avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes'.[2]
Much of this section concerns the process of recruiting those who participate in or are otherwise involved in content, and it should be considered alongside Section 7 Privacy: Privacy and Consent.
Due care is owed to contributors or potential contributors, as well as to sources, who are at risk of harm or distress as a result of their contribution. Due care is the level of care that is appropriate to the individual and particular circumstances.
The assessment of due care takes into account the editorial content, the nature and degree of the individual's involvement and their public position, along with other relevant factors such as safety risks or whether the individual is vulnerable.
Material inaccuracies in the way people are referred to, or featured, may risk causing unfairness. This applies to scripted and unscripted content. For example, in factual output when representing the views of, and information about, others and also in drama when portraying real people or organisations. Consequently, this section of the Guidelines should also be read in conjunction with Section 3: Accuracy.
The informed consent of contributors should normally be obtained. Individuals and organisations should be appropriately informed about the planned nature and context of their contributions before they participate unless there is an editorial justification for proceeding without their consent.
6.2 Principles
6.2.1 The BBC will be open, honest, straightforward and fair in its dealings with sources, contributors, potential contributors and audiences unless there is a clear public interest in doing otherwise, or unless there are important reasons such as legal matters, safety, or confidentiality.
6.2.2 Individuals and organisations should normally be appropriately informed about the planned nature and context of their contributions when they are asked to take part in BBC content and give their consent, unless there is an editorial justification for proceeding without their consent.
6.2.3 When output contains allegations of wrongdoing, iniquity or incompetence or lays out a strong and damaging critique of an identifiable individual or organisation, those criticised should normally have a right of reply, unless there is an editorial justification to proceed without it.
6.2.4 The BBC owes a duty of care to its contributors or potential contributors, as well as to its sources, who may be at risk of significant harm or distress as a result of their contribution to the output.
6.3 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
6.3.1 Any proposal to broadcast a serious allegation without offering an opportunity to reply, must be referred to a senior editorial figure, or for independent production companies to the commissioning editor, and to Director Editorial Policy and Standards.
(See 6.4.46)
6.3.2 Any proposal to create a website which conceals any connection to the BBC must be referred to a senior editorial figure, or for independent production companies to the commissioning editor, and Director Editorial Policy and Standards.
(See 6.4.54)
6.3.3 The portrayal of a real person in a significant way in a drama against their wishes or those of their immediate surviving family must be referred to Director Editorial Policy and Standards for approval before a commitment is made to the production.
(See 6.4.58)
6.3.4 Any proposal for BBC content producers to enter a country in a way that avoids visa restrictions must be referred to a senior editorial figure, or for independent production companies to the commissioning editor. Director Editorial Policy and Standards must also be consulted.
(See 6.4.57)
Other Referrals
6.3.5 Proposals to pay anything more than a disturbance fee to contributors to news and current affairs output and factual journalism for telling their story must be referred to Editorial Policy.
(See 6.4.13)
6.3.6 The proposed wording of all appeals for contributors and contestants, including those for talent and entertainment programmes, must be referred to a senior editorial figure or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor.
(See 6.4.20)
6.3.7 Any access, filming or recording agreement must be referred to a senior editorial figure, or for independent production companies to the commissioning editor. Where the proposed wording risks compromising the BBC's editorial integrity or independence, Editorial Policy must also be consulted. If the wording cannot be amended to the BBC's satisfaction the production must not go ahead.
(See 6.4.39)
6.3.8 Any request from output areas outside daily newsgathering for interviews with, or exclusive appearances by, members of the Royal Family must be discussed with the BBC's Royal Liaison Officer and Editorial Policy.
(See 6.4.40)
6.3.9 Any proposal to deceive a contributor to news or factual output must be referred to a senior editorial figure or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor. Editorial Policy must also be consulted.
(See 6.4.50)
6.3.10 Any proposal to deceive a contributor for comedy, entertainment or satirical purposes, whether or not they are in the public eye, must be referred to a senior editorial figure or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor. Editorial Policy must also be consulted.
(See 6.4.53)
6.3.11 Any proposal to create a false persona, or account on social media must be referred to a senior editorial figure, or for independent production companies to the commissioning editor. Editorial Policy must also be consulted.
(See 6.4.55)
6.3.12 Anyone actively intervening to steer the course of an online or social media discussion for a BBC purpose, without revealing their link to the BBC, must be acting in the public interest and must refer to a senior editorial figure or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor. Editorial Policy should also be consulted. In the most serious cases, referral must also be made to Director Editorial Policy and Standards.
(See 6.4.56)
