Editorial Guidelines

DRAFT

Prepared by Senior Lecturer Kevin McQuillan

ONLINE EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

School of Arts & Sciences January 2011

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The following editorial guidelines are designed to provide direction to staff and students participating in the School of Arts and Sciences, Convergent Journalism course. 

The University defines itself as a Catholic university through its Objects as set out in The University of Notre Dame Australia Act, 1989.  This is also outlined in the University’s Strategic Plan. 

The following guidelines are taken from the University’s Academic Freedom Policy Statement. (These documents can be found on the University’s website - www.nd.edu.au/university.)

• The University has formally adopted a statement on how it defines itself as a Catholic university and the key strategies and practical steps it adopts to achieve its objects as a Catholic university. This is included in the University’s Strategic Plan.
•  The University hopes and anticipates that most of its students and staff will support and contribute to the context of Catholic faith and values within which it functions as an institution of higher learning. The core of this context is the person of Jesus: his life, death, resurrection, example and teachings, as set out in the New Testament.
•  The University must be a liberal and unfettered place where the basic values and beliefs of Christians are exposed, explained, researched, debated, freely challenged, and openly affirmed or rejected. No person within its community can or should be oppressed, vilified, demeaned or discriminated against because of their faith and values. All must be free and comfortable within the life of the University.
•  In speaking, writing or acting as a representative of or on behalf of the University, a staff member must act conscientiously and with full respect for Catholic faith and values.
•  The University expects from its staff and students conduct that is truthful, honourable, compassionate, fair, just and charitable. It hopes that all staff and students will conduct themselves within and beyond the institution in a manner which reflects these values and enhances the reputation of the University.

 If a staff member or student acts in a manner clearly contrary to principles set out in this document, he or she may be subject to counselling by the Vice Chancellor. Any such action by the Vice Chancellor may be the subject of appeal to and reversal by the Trustees of the University.

 1.        INTRODUCTION

 1.1     The unit lecturer will be considered the Executive Producer of student productions and will be acknowledged as such in the credits.  Content of productions will conform to the Notre Dame Editorial Guidelines, 2011.  It is the role of the Executive Producer to ensure that student productions comply within the guidelines and has the right to intervene editorially if this is not the case.

 1.2     These Editorial Guidelines apply to the content produced by Notre Dame students in film, radio, television, photography, online and other emerging media platforms.

 1.3    The word ‘content’ is generally used throughout the Guide and covers material prepared for public consumption provided in Notre Dame publications, online and through emerging media platforms.

 1.4    These Editorial Guidelines set out the major principles which apply to Notre Dame website content. The guidelines apply to the following three types of content:  News and current affairs current affairs; Opinion; Film and video – moving and still pictures

 1.5    All three content categories are covered by the general content codes below. In addition specific requirements apply to the content categories of news and current affairs, opinion, and topical and factual.

 Introduction 1

2.    GENERAL CONTENT CODE

 The guiding principle in the application of the following general content codes is context. What is unacceptable in one context may be appropriate and acceptable in another. However, the use of language, sound or images for no other purpose but to offend is not acceptable. This guideline is not intended to ban certain types of language or images from bona fide dramatic or literary treatments, nor is it intended to exclude such references from legitimate reportage, debate or documentaries.

 From time to time Notre Dame students will prepare content that we recognise may disturb or offend some of the audience. Where appropriate, the audience will be given advance notice about such content.

 2.1     Violence. There will be times when there are genuine reasons for using violent images and sounds to adequately illustrate a story. Particular care must be taken in the presentation or portrayal of violence. The decision to use such images or sounds should be based on editorial judgement, together with regard for the reasonable susceptibilities of audiences to the detail of what is broadcast or published. Such content should not put undue emphasis on the violent images or sounds, and where appropriate it should be preceded by a warning.

 2.2     Language. Variations of language favoured by different groups of Australians are valid and have their place in our content. On occasions, the language of one group may be distasteful to another. Use of such language is permitted provided it is not used gratuitously and can be justified in the context of, for example, news, current affairs, fiction, documentary, dramatisation, comedy or song lyrics.

 2.3     Intrusion into Grief. Sensitivity should be exercised in presenting images of or interviews with, bereaved relatives and survivors or witnesses of traumatic events. Except in special circumstances, children who have recently been victims of, or eyewitnesses to, a tragedy or traumatic experience should not be interviewed or featured.

 2.4     Religious Content. Notre Dame religious content includes coverage of worship and devotion, explanation, analysis, debate and reports. This content may include major religious traditions, indigenous religions and new spiritual movements, as well as secular perspectives on religious issues.

 2.5     Indigenous Australian Content. Significant cultural practices of Indigenous Australians should be observed in content and reporting.

 2.6     Confidential Sources. In  keeping with industry practice and state and Commonwealth laws, Notre Dame students will not be obliged to disclose confidential sources which they are entitled to protect at all times.

 2.7     Sex and Sexuality. Provided it is handled with integrity, any of the following treatments of sex and sexuality may be appropriate and necessary:

• it can be discussed and reported in the context of news, current affairs, information or documentary programs
• it can be referred to in drama, comedy, lyrics or fictional programs
• it can be depicted or implied.

 2.8     Discrimination and Stereotypes. To avoid discrimination and stereotyping, content should not use language or images which:

•  disparage or discriminate against any person or group on grounds such as race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, age, disability or sexual preference; marital, parental, social or occupational status; religious, cultural or political belief or activity:
• are not representative and reinforce stereotypes, or convey stereotypic assumptions  convey prejudice
• make demeaning or gratuitous references; for example to, people’s physical characteristics, cultural practices or religious beliefs.

 The above requirements are not intended to prevent content which is factual or the expression of genuinely-held opinion, or content presented in the legitimate context of a humorous, satirical or dramatic work.

 2.9     Privacy. The rights to privacy of individuals should be respected in all content. However, in order to provide information which relates to a person’s performance of public duties or about other matters of public interest, intrusions upon privacy may, in some circumstances, be justified.

 2.10   Suicide. Suicide is a legitimate subject for coverage in our content. The depiction or description of suicide must be handled with extreme sensitivity.

3.    NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS CONTENT

This section applies to content categorised by the executive producers as news and current affairs.

3.1     Every reasonable effort, in the circumstances, must be made to ensure that the factual content of news and current affairs is accurate and in context.

3.2     We will correct a significant error when it is established that one has been made. When a correction is necessary, it will be made in an appropriate manner as soon as reasonably practicable.

3.3     Content will be impartial. Editorial judgements will be based on news values. One perspective will not be unduly favoured over others.

3.4     Balance will be sought but may not always be achieved within a single program or publication; it will be achieved as soon as reasonably practicable and in an appropriate manner. It is not essential to give all sides equal time. As far as possible, principal relevant views on matters of importance will be presented.

3.5     Content will aim to serve the public interest by investigating issues affecting society and individuals.

3.6     Re-enactments of events will be clearly identified as such and presented in a way which will not mislead audiences.

3.7     In keeping with industry practice, content prepared for news and current affairs, opinion, topical and factual or performance programs do not require the written approval of interviewees either before interviews are carried out, interviewees’ approval of the questions, nor interviewees’ approval before publication.

4.  OPINION CONTENT

This section applies to content categorised as opinion content, examples of which include blogs, op-ed pieces, reviews, commentaries and so on.

4.1     Content must be signposted to audiences in advance.

4.2     Content of opinion pieces will abide by relevant Court rulings outlining the need for opinion writers to take reasonable steps to ensure factual content is accurate, reflects the honestly held views of the writer and that content does not misrepresent other viewpoints.

Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance Code of Ethics

Students are also expected to abide by the Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance (MEAA) Code of Ethics. The Notre Dame Editorial Guidelines do not conflict with the Code of Ethics for journalists issued by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (see below).

Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism. Journalists describe society to itself. They convey information, ideas and opinions, a privileged role. They search, disclose, record, question, entertain, suggest and remember. They inform citizens and animate democracy. They give a practical form to freedom of expression. Many journalists work in private enterprise, but all have these public responsibilities. They scrutinise power, but also exercise it, and should be accountable. Accountability engenders trust. Without trust, journalists do not fulfil their public responsibilities.

Alliance members engaged in journalism commit themselves to:

Honesty - Fairness - Independence - Respect for the rights of others

 Guidance Clause

Basic values often need interpretation and sometimes come into conflict. Ethical journalism requires conscientious decision-making in context. Only substantial advancement of the public interest or risk of substantial harm to people allows any standard to be overridden.

 The following 12 points form the basis of the Code of Ethics:

 1. Report and interpret honestly, striving for accuracy, fairness and disclosure of all essential facts. Do not suppress relevant available facts, or give distorting emphasis. Do your utmost to give a fair opportunity for reply.

 2. Do not place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability.

 3. Aim to attribute information to its source. Where a source seeks anonymity, do not agree without first considering the source’s motives and any alternative attributable source. Where confidences are accepted, respect them in all circumstances.

 4. Do not allow personal interest, or any belief, commitment, payment, gift or benefit, to undermine your accuracy, fairness or independence.

 5. Disclose conflicts of interest that affect, or could be seen to affect, the accuracy, fairness or independence of your journalism. Do not improperly use a journalistic position for personal gain.

 6. Do not allow advertising or other commercial considerations to undermine accuracy, fairness or independence.

 7. Do your utmost to ensure disclosure of any direct or indirect payment made for interviews, pictures, information or stories.

 8. Use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself and your employer before obtaining any interview for publication or broadcast. Never exploit a person’s vulnerability or ignorance of media practice.

 9. Present pictures and sound which are true and accurate. Any manipulation likely to mislead should be disclosed.

 10. Do not plagiarise.

 11. Respect private grief and personal privacy. Journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude.

 12. Do your utmost to achieve fair correction of errors.