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Taste & Decency; Code of Programme Standards

Broadcasters must adhere to the Code of Programme Standards. This Code specifies standards to be complied with, and rules and practices to be observed, by Irish licensed broadcasters in respect of the taste and decency of programme material. A copy of this code is available from the BCC or on this site, Code of Programme Standards (PDF).

 

The Code has two fundamental sections: Section 2, Programming Content Principles and Section 3, Programming Content Rules. The main provisions of these Sections are as follows: -

 

2. Content Principles:
2.1 General Community Standards
Programming material shall not offend against commonly held standards considered acceptable in contemporary Irish society.

 

2.2 Due Care
A broadcaster shall exercise due care by taking all reasonable measures to ensure that viewers and listeners of programme material on its channel/service are protect from undue offence and from harm.

 

2.3 Protection for Children
The BCI Code of Programme Standards recognises that broadcasters share a responsibility with parents and guardians in protecting children i.e. those under 18 years of age, from exposure to inappropriate and harmful programme material.
To this end, broadcasters shall have due regard to the protection of children when scheduling programme material.

 

2.4 Assessment
Programme material shall be assessed with reference to the principles and rules contained in the code.  The principles are indivisible – that is, all programme material shall conform to all principles.Programme material shall be assessed in whole and in context.  The following contextual factors shall apply: -

• Time of broadcast
• The type of programme
• The use of audience information and guidelines
• The channel/type of service
• Whether the inclusion of material is editorially justified.
• The likely composition of the audience listening to or watching the programme.’

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3. Content Rules
3.1 Violent Programme Material
3.1.1 As a general rule, broadcasters shall have due regard to the appropriateness of, and/or justification for, the inclusion of violent content in programming material.

 

3.2 Sexual Conduct
3.2.1 As a general rule, broadcasters shall have due regard to the appropriateness of, and/or justification for, the inclusion of sexual conduct in programming material.

 

3.3 Coarse and Offensive Language
3.2.1 As a general rule, broadcasters shall have due regard to the appropriateness of, and/or justification for, the inclusion of coarse and/or offensive language in programming.

 

3.4 Persons and Groups in Society
3.4.1 The manner in which in persons and groups in society are represented shall be appropriate and justifiable.

 

3.5 Factual Programming – News, Current Affairs and Documentaries
3.5.1 Factual programming shall not contain material that could reasonably be expected to prejudice for human dignity.
3.5.2 Factual programme shall not contain material which could reasonably be expected to cause undue distress or offence unless it is editorially justified and in the public interest.
3.5.3 Factual programme shall only emphasise age, colour, gender, national or ethnic origin, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation when such references are justified in the context of the programme or in the public interest.

3.5.4 Factual programming shall ensure that the dead are treated with respect.  The moment of death shall not be shown nor shall the dead be shown in close-up, unless, in exceptional circumstances, it may be justified in the public interest.

 

3.6. Children’s Programming

3.6.2 Graphic violence, strong sexual content and strong coarse language shall not feature during children’s programming.

3.6.3 The use of illegal drugs, the abuse of drugs and/or solvents and the misuse of alcohol or tobacco shall not feature in children’s programming, unless there is strong editorial justification for the inclusion of such material.

3.6.4 Trailers for adult programming containing material not reasonably regarded as suitable for children shall not be shown immediately before, during or immediately after children’s programming.

3.6.5 Children’s programming shall not condone anti-social behaviour or encourage others to imitate such behaviour.

 

3.7 Drugs, Alcohol and Solvent Abuse
3.7.1 Programme material shall not encourage the abuse of drugs and /or solvents or the use of illegal drugs.

3.7.2 Programme material shall not encourage the over-consumption or abuse of alcohol.

3.73 Programme material shall not present depictions, either fictional or factual, which detail techniques for the administration of illegal drugs unless there is strong editorial justification for its inclusion.

3.7.4 The use of illegal drugs, the abuse of drugs and/or solvents, smoking or the consumption of alcohol by children shall not be presented in a favourable light.

 

3.8 Imitative Behaviour
Broadcasters shall avoid the inclusion of programme content which could encourage people to imitate acts which are dangerous or prejudicial to the environment and/or the health and safety of themselves or others.

 

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Relevant Section of Broadcasting Act 2001: Section 24(2)(d)

 

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