Task: Write about the issues facing producers of
factual programming
Factual programmes have to stick to the OFCOM’s broadcasting codes, in order to be fair and ethical towards the viewers and the people taking part in the programmes. Ofcom state that ‘Programmes must be true and accurate. It is the responsibility of programme-makers and broadcasters to ensure that viewers are not misled. Portraying real events, whether in documentary, features, factual entertainment, drama or any other programme, which the viewer is entitled to take at face value, must respect truth and accuracy’ (from the Independent Producer’s handbook). If a programme gives misleading information, misrepresents anyone or causes distress; viewers will complain. Ofcom can fine the programme makers. The programme producers will have to issue a public apology and they will lose credibility.
ACCURACY- is very important in factual programming for the information given, to be correct. The viewers have expectations and assumptions; facts are truths so the viewer will expect them to be correct. However, if they are not accurate, the viewers will be given a false impression. For example Michael Fish (a weather reporter) famously got the weather wrong, which resulted in damage to homes and he lost his job.
I will make sure that the facts in my documentary are accurate by doing lots of research.
BALANCE- in factual programming is showing both sides of an issue. Every story has two sides and Ofcom insist that a fair and balanced view is required. Producers must give a balanced view so that they are not accused of bias. In 2007, Channel 4 broadcasted a programme called ‘The Great Global Warming Swindle’, this showed environmental issues in a negative light and many of the contributors complained that they were misrepresented. The programme makers were forced to re edit the film and remove key interviews. Channel 4 was accused of making controversial programmes just to boost audience figures. I will make sure that my documentary is balanced and that my interviewees are represented in a respectful way.
BIAS- is when an argument or issue is shown from only one side; completely ignoring evidence from the other side. Ofcom state that ‘the unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes should be avoided’; a biased viewpoint will result in unfair treatment. Bias could offend the viewer and cause problems in society, for example the recent murder of a soldier by a radical Muslim could have been reported in a biased way, where the religion could be seen as dangerous and too different to exist in this society. This biased point of view may have caused racial tension and attacks on innocent people. I will not take sides and present a bias documentary.
IMPARTIALITY - Programmes dealing with matters of political or industrial controversy or matters relating to current public policy must be impartial. To be impartial means to not take sides, to be neutral. This is something you need to do otherwise you could cause a big amount of trouble. The News is a very good example of impartial reporting. Millions of adults watch the News and all of them take different views and opinions on life. One fact can have many different responses. I will be impartial by presenting interviews and opinions from all sides of the argument.
OBJECTIVITY- is about being able to show the story, without being biased. It is important to keep an open mind about the subject. Objectivity means getting the point across with an open mind. It is also linked to impartiality. Reporters can not get emotional or show their personal opinions when reporting a fact.
OPINION- giving a balanced view, a subjective belief. It is a view or judgement formed about a issue, not always based on research or facts, but someone's opinion could be biased due to the facts or information they have heard or been told. Documentaries use opinions.
SUBJECTIVITY- it’s a decision biased on someone’s impressions, feeling or opinions rather than facts. It normally gets avoided in the news they try to focus more on the facts. Inputting your thoughts, feelings could lead to it being biased.
REPRESENTATION- stereotyping people, places, events in a certain way can be characterized into groups. Some representations can be negative, depicting social groups in a bad light. It could also be a positive thing; it could make people feel inclined to them.
ACCESS- the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance: They have access to the files.
PRIVACY-the state of being private; retirement
or seclusion
Fairness
& Privacy
We must avoid the unfair treatment of
individuals or organizations in programmes.
If the programme you are making involves
criticizing or making any damaging allegation about any living individual or
organization, seek advice from your programme lawyer.
Any significant infringement of privacy of an
individual or organisation, in the making or broadcast of a programme, must be
warranted by the public interest.
CONTRACT WITH THE VIEWER- A close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind) Contract with the viewer- this means you need to tell the audience what the programme is going to be about, so that means you have made the contract with the viewer and need to show what has been promised in the programme. It must keep the same subject throughout in order for it to be consistent with the audience and not waiver from.
