editor's code of practice

Question 1

public interest

Answer 1

regulator considers the extent to which material is already in the public domain. editors need to demonstrate the publication will serve public interest. an exceptional interest would need to be demonstrated to override interests of children under 16.

Question 2

accuracy

Answer 2

an inaccuracy must be corrected. distinguish between comment and fact.

Question 3

privacy

Answer 3

everyone is entitled to respect for their private life. editors must justify intrusions into a private life without consent. unacceptable to photograph.

Question 4

harassment

Answer 4

don’t engage in intimidation or keep questioning once asked to desist.

Question 5

intrusion into grief/shock

Answer 5

enquiries made with sympathy and handled sensitively. provisions don’t restrict the right to report legal proceedings.

Question 6

reporting suicide

Answer 6

avoid excessive detail of method used. media has a right to report legal proceedings.

Question 7

children

Answer 7

free to complete school without intrusion. not approached at school without permission of authorities. under 16 must not be interviewed without parent consent or paid without it being in their interest.

Question 8

children in sex cases

Answer 8

do not identify children under 16 who are victims in sex offences. adult can be identified. “incest” not used. nothing in the report can imply the relationship between the accused and child.

Question 9

hospitals

Answer 9

journos must identify themselves and get permission from an executive before entering non-public part of hospital. privacy rules.

Question 10

reporting of crime

Answer 10

relatives of persons convicted shouldn’t be identified without consent. pay regard to children under 18 who witness crime. shouldn’t restrict right to report legal proceedings. avoid naming children after an arrest unless it’s already in public domain.

Question 11

clandestine devices and subterfuge

Answer 11

don’t use hidden cameras. can only be justified only in the public interest and when material can’t be obtained by other means.

Question 12

victims of sexual assault

Answer 12

press mustn’t identify material likely to lead to identification of a victim.

Question 13

discrimination

Answer 13

avoid prejudicial reference to someone’s race/physical. avoid details unless relevant.

Question 14

financial journalism

Answer 14

don’t use financial info received before publication for your own profit. don’t write about shares you have interest in without disclosing it to the editor. don’t buy/sell shares you have written about.

Question 15

confidential sources

Answer 15

protect them.