[cma-l] Climate Radio programmes available!

[Two Lochs Radio]

The Ofcom code is well-written and the associated guidance documents are required reading for all station managers, but one problem is that they tend to leave it entire to the station to decide on balance - Ofcom will not give decision on a specific case in advance, but will step in once it thinks a broadcast is in breach.  

A typical example is the guidance on political or public controversy:

...Whether a “matter of political or industrial controversy and matter relating to current public policy” is being dealt with in a programme will depend on a range of factors. Just because a ‘political’ or ‘policy’ matter is referred to in a programme, or broadcasters deal with particular matters that elicit strong emotions, does not mean that the special impartiality rules are engaged. Conversely, just because a number of individuals and institutions, or the majority of the audience to a service, share the same viewpoint on a contentious issue, does not necessarily mean that a matter is not, for example, a matter of political or industrial controversy. ...

So it might be, or it might not be a matter of controversy - I'm sure fossil-fuel industry people still maintain it is a controversy! 

The law, and as a consequence the Ofcom code, requires "special impartiality" to be shown on 'major matters relating to current public policy', and there's hardly a more major matter of public policy than climate change. 

I guess it's down to each of us to make sure we have read the codes and the guidance, and make the best decision we can.

Alex

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Alan Coote 
  To: tlr at gairloch.co.uk ; 'The Community Media Association Discussion List' 
  Sent: Friday, January 30, 2015 10:53 AM
  Subject: RE: [cma-l] Climate Radio programmes available!


  I haven’t listen to the Climate Radio programmes yet so this is a general comment. 

   

  There is bias of one form or another in all media – even broadcasting. Take the disproportionate airtime given to Nigel Farage – (I make not political point here). For a while last year UKIP managed to make sure he was available for comment on practically every subject going.   

   

  As long as one doesn’t fall outside the Ofcom broadcast codes then, the acid test I think is to be content that there isn’t “undue bias” given to a single point of view across the programme. That goes for politics as much as it does for local campaign groups or climate change.

   

   

  Kind Regards

  Alan

   


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