S.L. 350.14 Art. 4

Accuracy and Impartiality 4.1 Opinion should be clearly distinguished from fact. As such, opinions and comments on news items should only follow an accurate report on the facts and should respect the requirements listed in sub-paragraph 2.1.3 above. 4.2 The Broadcasting Act demands that the Broadcasting Authority secures due impartiality on the part of a broadcaster in its news bulletins so far as matters of political or industrial controversy or current public policy are concerned.

4.3 A broadcaster should ensure that principal divergent points are reflected in a single news bulletin when the issue involved is of a current and active controversy. Editorial judgement can be used when it is not possible to include all views in a single news bulletin.

4.4 It shall not be permissible for the broadcaster to claim that news bulletins on other channels will ensure that opposing views will be heard. A news bulletin should consist of a mix of active and passive reports. It should avoid looking like a notice board and, more importantly, as if it forms part of an organisation’s propaganda machine. 4.5 In dealing with major matters of controversy, a broadcaster must ensure that justice is done to a full range of divergent views and perspectives during the period in which the controversy is active. 4.6 Regarding matters of political or industrial controversy or current public policy, the Broadcasting Act requires that any news, given in whatever form, must be presented with due accuracy and impartiality.

4.7 A news bulletin should comply with the following standards:

i. news should be presented with accuracy and without bias; ii. news should not be editorial; iii. news should not be selected for the purpose of furthering or hindering either side of a controversial public issue; and iv. news should not be designed by the beliefs, opinions or desires of the broadcaster or others engaged in its preparation or delivery. 4.8 A news item has to be factual or at the very least based on fact. Conjectures, distortions, remarks, opinions, judgements or convictions should not be allowed whether they are termed as [

comments or opinions and whether they are related to the item in question or not simply because they can - and usually do - mislead the audience and lead to confusion as to whether the so -called comment/opinion is what the station/newscaster thinks or whether it resulted from the fact being reported. 4.9 Editorial opinion shall be clearly labelled as such and kept entirely distinct from regular broadcasts of news bulletins. 4.10 Combinations of semi-fabricated news items, without care for accuracy solely aimed for partisan propaganda shall be prohibited. SECTION 5 Location Reporting