OUR CHARTER

What you are about to read on this page is not for the faint-hearted or easily annoyed. Make sure you are comfortably sat down, with a strong drink or four to hand. Warn anyone within hearing distance that gales of laughter and snorts of exasperation are to be expected, posibly both at the same time. Then read what the BBC actually promises to do in its own Charter. In their own words.

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Chapter II of the BBC's own broadcasting guidelines commit the service to the following:

1. fairness

2. respect for truth

3. due accuracy

4. attachment to fundamental democratic principles

5. not broadcasting own opinions on current affairs or matters of public policy

6. ensure that opposing views are not misrepresented

7. news programmes should be dispassionate, wide ranging and well informed

8. must take account of events as well as arguments

9. should offer viewers and listeners an informed account of issues, enabling them to form their own views

10. audience should not be able to gauge reporter’s personal views

11. research must be thorough, wherever possible- information should be gathered first hand by being there or by talking to those who were

12. be reluctant to rely only on one source

13. if controversial issue – relevant opinions as well as facts may need to be considered

14. if a legally contentious issue – its accuracy must be capable of withstanding scrutiny in a court of law

15. use language fairly

16. not use language inadvertently so as to suggest value judgements, commitment or lack of objectivity

I rest my case.

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