Ethics in Media

Ethics are basically what is socially acceptable in the Public Eye. When this is applied to Media it normally refers to what a broadcast company/news company/website director/film team should morally be allowed to include in the media they are producing without being offensive to anyone. The sorts of things that producers must be sensitive about as to the content they are producing include Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Mental/Physical disabilities, religion etc... It also means that in factual output such as News programs and documentaries the output must be ensured as fact and honestly is very important.

There are many rules, regulations and situations that these occur in and affect. here are some examples and explanations according to the BBC's ethical standards -

Race, Gender, Disabilities, Orientation and Religion -
All these must be treated with care in Media and, especially in factual output programs, none of these can be treated as below anybody else and cannot be subject to prejudice. In comedy programs it may be slightly more acceptable for comic purposes however it is still something that must be treated with care.

Portrayal of real people in drama -
If a real person is being portrayed in a drama and their role is significant then they or their surviving relatives should be notified in advance and, where possible, their co-operation secured. If dealing with people in the public eye or particularly if the portrayal is mostly of public aspects of their life then their co-operation is not as required.

Deception, News and Factual Output -

In areas of Media where there is a clear public interest, such as in the news, sometimes it might be acceptable for the company to not reveal the full purpose of the output to the source. This sort of deception is normally only acceptable when the information could not be acquired any other way. It should be the minimum necessary and in proportion to the subject matter.

Contributors and Informed Consent -

All companies should treat their contributors honestly and with respect. Fairness is usually achieved by ensuring that contributors provide ‘informed consent’ before they participate in sharing information. What this means is that contributors should have the correct knowledge that is required for a reasoned decision to take part in contributing to the content in the final output.

Acquired Programs -
These programs must always comply with the Editorial Guidelines of that company according to the Harm and Offence section. The company should check every acquired program prior to broadcast to ensure the
content is suitable for the likely audience according to what day and time it is and whether it is before or after the Watershed. Film classifications are only a guide and extra care must be taken with films rated as 18 certificate, which should not play before 9pm on any service.

Flashing Images, Strobing and Photo-Sensitive Epilepsy -

Broadcasting companies should follow the Ofcom guidance referred to in Rule 2.12 which states that all broadcasters must minimalize risk to individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. On some occasions it might not be possible to follow this rule when flashing content is impossible to avoid, such as in a press event or a live news report. 

Hypnotism -
Any demonstrations of hypnotism for public entertainment must be licensed as a requirement of the The Hypnotism Act 1952. It prohibits demonstrations on people under 18 and applies to any broadcast demonstration of hypnotism as entertainment for the public.

Children and Dangerous Imitation -

Children are sometimes  influenced by what they see, hear and read. Dangerous behavior that is likely to be easily imitated by children must not be broadcast before the watershed or on radio when children are likely to be in the audience or online.