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The Broadcasting Act

The Broadcasting Act 1989 gives the Broadcasting Standards Authority responsibility for working with the broadcasting industry to ensure that broadcasters maintain standards consistent with:

Statutory Requirements

  • the observance of good taste and decency
  • the maintenance of law and order
  • the privacy of the individual
  • the principle that, when controversial issues of public importance are discussed, reasonable efforts are made, or reasonable opportunities are given, to present significant points of view either in the same programme or in other programmes within the period of current interest
  • any approved codes of practice.

Code Requirements (s21(1)(e)

The Act also states that the Authority shall encourage the development and observance by broadcasters of codes of broadcasting practice appropriate to the type of broadcasting undertaken by such broadcasters, in relation to:

  • the protection of children
  • the portrayal of violence
  • fair and accurate programmes and procedures for correcting factual errors and redressing unfairness
  • safeguards against the portrayal of persons in programmes in a manner that encourages denigration of, or discrimination against, sections of the community on account of sex, race, age, disability, or occupational status or as a consequence of legitimate expression of religious, cultural or political beliefs
  • restrictions on the promotion of liquor
  • presentation of appropriate warnings in respect of programmes, including programmes that have been classified as suitable only for particular audiences.