IPSO Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is IPSO?
Established in 2014 it is a UK newspaper and magazine watchdog - intervenes adjudicates when people are unhappy about what has been published about them.
What guidelines do IPSO follow?
Editor’s Code of Practice to adjudicate on complaints
What is clause 1 of the editor’s code of Practice?
Accuracy
i) The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by the text.
ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and — where appropriate — an apology published. In cases involving IPSO, due prominence should be as required by the regulator.
iii) A fair opportunity to reply to significant inaccuracies should be given, when reasonably called for.
iv) The Press, while free to editorialise and campaign, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact. Remember this covers photos, headlines and readers comments online
v) A publication must report fairly and accurately the outcome of an action for defamation to which it has been a party, unless an agreed settlement states otherwise, or an agreed statement is published.
Example for clause 1 of Editor’s Code of Practice
Gorman vs Daily Star (2017) - newspaper published missing people from Manchester Arena bombing.
One of the photographs was of the complainants daughter with the caption “Missing: Lucy Cross”
The complainants said her 13 year old daughter was not missing: her daughter, who was not called Lucy Cross, had been at home at the time of the attack
Daily Star published an apology, as they were in breach of “inaccurate, misleading or distorted information.”
What is clause 2 of the Editor’s Code of Practice?
- Everyone entitled to respect for privacy including digital communications
- Justify intrusions into an individual’s private life without consent
- Unacceptable to photograph individuals in private places without their consent. Public or private (reasonable expectation of privacy).
What is clause 3 of the Editor’s Code of Practice?
Harassment
- Intimidation, harassment, or persistent pursuit (not engage)
- Once asked to desist you must not persist in questioning, telephoning, or photographing
- Editors must observe those working for them/do not use non-compliant material from other sources.
What is clause 4 of the Editor’s Code of Practice?
Intrusion into Grief or Shock
A person’s death is a matter of public record and may affect a community as well as those who knew them.
Journalists can report a person’s death once the immediate family are aware, even if surviving family members would prefer there to be no reporting and regard the death as private.
Journalist should show sensitivity towards people in state of grief/shock.
Journalist can use pictures and tributes that are on open social media profiles so long as the family are aware and they are accurate not insensitive.
What is clause 5 of the Editor’s Code of Practice?
Reporting Suicide
Publishing excessive details about a suicide may lead to simulative acts
- Take particular care when reporting on novel methods
- As inquests are held in public, the information revealed during proceedings is already in the public domain
- When reporting on inquests and other legal proceedings, the publication’s role is to give an accurate account of the evidence given
What is clause 6 of the Editor’s Code of Practice?
Children
All pupils should be free to complete their time at school without unnecessary intrusion.
They must not be approached or photographed at school without permission of the school authorities.
Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed on issues involving their own or another child’s welfare unless a custodial parent or similarly responsible adult consents.
Children under 16 must not be paid for material involving their welfare, nor parents or guardians for material about their children or wards, unless it is clearly in the child’s interest.
Editors must not use the fame, notoriety or position of a parent or guardian as sole justification for publishing details of a child’s private life.
What is clause 9 of the Editor’s Code of Practice
Reporting of crime
Relatives or friends of persons convicted or accused of crime should not generally be identified without their consent, unless they are genuinely relevant to the story.
Particular regard should be paid to the potentially vulnerable position of children under the age of 18 who witness, or are victims of, crime. This should not restrict the right to report legal proceedings.
Editors should generally avoid naming children under the age of 18 after arrest for a criminal offence but before they appear in a youth court unless they can show that the individual’s name is already in the public domain, or that the individual (or, if they are under 16, a custodial parent or similarly responsible adult) has given their consent. This does not restrict the right to name juveniles who appear in a crown court, or whose anonymity is lifted.
Example for clause 9 of Editor’s Code of Practice
Jamelia vs Daily Echo (2019) - Jamelia’s stepbrother appears in court facing a murder conviction. She says she’s estranged from him and should not be named by the local paper. IPSO rules for the paper because she’s named in his application for a reporting restriction.
What are the 10 Sections of OFCOM?
1) Protecting the under-eighteens
2) Harm and offence
3) Crime, disorder, hatred, and abuse
4) Religion
5) Due impartiality and due accuracy
6) Elections and referendums
7) Fairness
8) Privacy
9) Commerical references on TV
10) Commercial communications on radio
What does section one of the OFCOM Broadcasting code state?
Protection from Harm: Broadcasters must take steps to protect children from harmful content.
Scheduling: Programs with potentially harmful material should be scheduled to avoid exposing children.
Sensitive Content: Special care is needed for content that could be distressing or inappropriate for younger viewers.
Clear Guidance: Appropriate content classification and viewer guidance should be provided to help parents make informed choices.
Respect for Audience: Broadcasters should ensure that their programming is suitable for under-eighteens.
What does section two of the OFCOM Broadcasting code state?
Avoiding Harm: Broadcasters must avoid content that could cause undue harm or distress to viewers.
Sensitive Topics: Care should be taken when broadcasting material that deals with sensitive subjects, ensuring it is handled appropriately.
Offensive Material: Content should not include material that is likely to cause widespread or serious offence, particularly to specific groups.
Context Matters: The context of content is important; what may be acceptable in one context might not be in another.
Protection of Minors: Additional measures should be in place to protect children from potentially harmful or offensive content.
What does section three of the OFCOM Broadcasting code state?
Avoiding Crime Promotion: Broadcasters must not promote or condone criminal behavior or disorder.
Sensitive Coverage: Care must be taken in how crime and related issues are reported, ensuring responsible portrayal.
Incitement to Hatred: Content must not incite hatred or violence against individuals or groups based on race, religion, or other characteristics.
Avoiding Abuse: Programs should not include material that glorifies or trivializes abuse or violence.
Contextual Responsibility: Broadcasters should provide context to discussions around crime and related themes to avoid misinterpretation.
What does section four of the OFCOM Broadcasting code state?
Respect for Beliefs: Broadcasters must respect religious beliefs and practices, avoiding content that could cause unnecessary offense.
Fair Representation: Programs should provide fair representation of different religions and beliefs.
Sensitive Handling: Content related to religion should be handled sensitively, particularly when discussing controversial issues.
Inclusivity: Broadcasters should aim to include a range of religious perspectives in their programming.
Protection of Audiences: Care must be taken to avoid content that could incite religious hatred or intolerance.
What does section 5 of the OFCOM broadcasting code state?
Impartiality: Broadcasters must present news and current affairs in a fair and impartial manner, reflecting a range of viewpoints.
Accuracy: Information provided in programming must be accurate, and any errors should be corrected promptly.
Handling Controversial Issues: In programs discussing contentious subjects, all significant viewpoints should be represented.
Due Weight: Broadcasters should give appropriate weight to different perspectives based on their relevance and significance.
Avoiding Bias: Content should be free from bias that could mislead audiences or influence public opinion.
What does section six of the OFCOM Broadcasting code state?
Impartial Coverage: Broadcasters must provide fair and impartial coverage of elections and referendums.
Equal Opportunity: Candidates and political parties should be given equal opportunities to present their views.
Clarity in Reporting: Coverage should be clear and accessible, helping audiences understand the electoral process.
Avoiding Bias: Programs should avoid any bias that could influence the outcome of elections or referendums.
Respect for the Process: Broadcasters should respect the democratic process and promote informed public debate.
What does section 8 of the OFCOM Broadcasting Code state?
Respect for Privacy: Broadcasters must respect individuals’ privacy, particularly in sensitive situations.
Intrusion: Care should be taken to avoid unnecessary intrusion into private lives, especially when reporting.
Consent: Consent should be obtained where appropriate, especially in situations that could invade privacy.
Public Interest: In some cases, privacy may be overridden by the public interest, but this must be carefully justified.
What does section 7 of the OFCOM Broadcasting Code state?
Fair Treatment: Broadcasters must treat individuals and organizations fairly in their programming.
Right to Reply: Those featured in a story should have the opportunity to respond to any allegations made against them.
Accuracy and Clarity: Information must be presented accurately and in a clear manner.
Handling of Sensitive Issues: Care should be taken to handle sensitive topics fairly and with respect.
Avoiding Misrepresentation: Broadcasters should avoid misrepresenting individuals or groups.
What does section nine of the OFCOM Broadcasting Code state?
Clear Distinction: Commercial references must be clearly distinguishable from other content in programs.
No Undue Influence: Content should not be influenced by commercial considerations to the detriment of editorial integrity.
Transparency: Viewers should be made aware of any commercial references, including product placements.
Protection of Audiences: Special care should be taken when commercial references involve vulnerable audiences, such as children.
Compliance with Regulations: Broadcasters must adhere to specific rules governing commercial references to ensure fair practice.
What does section 10 of the OFCOM Broadcasting Code state?
Clear Distinction: Commercial communications must be clearly distinguishable from other content in radio programming.
Truthfulness: Advertisements must be truthful and not misleading, providing accurate information about products or services.
Protection of Vulnerable Audiences: Special care should be taken to avoid exploiting vulnerable audiences, particularly children and young people.
Content Standards: Commercial communications should not cause harm or offense and must comply with relevant regulations.
Compliance with Regulations: Broadcasters must adhere to specific rules governing commercial communications to ensure fair practice.
