RTHK-Producers' Guidelines-contents-4.1

3	MATTERS OF PRINCIPLE

3.1 Impartiality　

The guiding principles for RTHK programme-makers will always be that the programmes we broadcast are accurate and impartial according to recognized standards of objective journalism. DUE IMPARTIALITY remains our core value. It requires programme-makers to show open-mindedness, fairness and a respect for the truth. We must not allow our professional judgement to be influenced by pressures from political, commercial or other sectional interests or by our personal bias.

RTHK is not unique in laying stress on DUE IMPARTIALITY. All established broadcasters throughout the world place similar emphasis on it. In Hong Kong, the Broadcasting Authority's codes of practice, which are applicable to RTHK and other broadcasters, stipulate that every current affairs or documentary programme dealing with controversial issues of public importance must attempt to be impartial.

In achieving DUE IMPARTIALITY the term "due" is to be interpreted as meaning adequate or appropriate to the nature of the subject and the type of programme.

There are generally more than two sides to any issue and impartiality in factual programmes cannot be achieved simply by a mathematical balance, i.e. a crude form of balance in the sense of equal time or an equal number of lines in the script being devoted to each view.

DUE IMPARTIALITY

DUE IMPARTIALITY also does not require absolute neutrality on every issue of public concern or detachment from such fundamental principles as freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law - principles which are essential to a just and open society. We will be failing in our duty if in the attempt to upset no-one, to disturb no institution, we limit the comprehensiveness and open examination of issues and events.

In trying to achieve DUE IMPARTIALITY, the following standards apply:

Programme-makers will avoid any conflict of interest in the performance of their duties.
Balance will be sought through the presentation as far as possible of principal relevant viewpoints on matters of importance. This requirement may not always be reached within a single programme or news bulletin, but will be achieved within a reasonable period.
Impartiality does not require programme-makers to be unquestioning, or for RTHK to give all sides of an issue the same amount of time. Editorial values and judgements will be the guiding criteria in reaching decisions.
In serving the public's right to know, editorial staff will be enterprising in perceiving, pursuing and presenting issues which affect the community and the individual.

It cannot be emphasised strongly enough that the over-riding principle in all programming areas must always be that we report or reflect equitably relevant facts and significant points of view; that we deal fairly and ethically with persons and institutions, issues and events.

Here it is worth mentioning TALK SHOWS and PHONE-IN PROGRAMMES and the role the hosts of these programmes play or ought to play. When the programmes were first introduced by us, the idea that listeners might be given the chance to air their views and to criticize was considered not only undesirable but even dangerous. Attitudes changed as the community became more open and overcame their inhibition to question authority or to voice complaints. Today, the popularity of talk shows and phone-in programmes is proof that they are part of everyday life in Hong Kong. The role of the hosts of these programmes is also evolving and will continue to evolve as public attitudes change. Instead of being passive and merely acting as on-air telephone operators, they have to be demonstrably inter-active. On-air personalities are expected to contribute to the discussion in talk shows and phone-in programmes. Using their journalistic knowledge and judgement, they may question, comment, challenge or criticize to stimulate the debate, bring out new insights, and generally encourage the widest possible airing of views. There is no place, however, for personal bias or prejudice. Programme hosts must always treat the subject matter and their callers fairly.

CREDIBILITY

CREDIBILITY is the most essential attribute of a good media organization. Credibility is dependent not only on qualities such as accuracy and fairness in reporting and presentation, but also upon avoidance by both the organization and its journalists of association or contacts which could reasonably give rise to perceptions of partiality. Credibility is built up over time and we have to be constantly on guard to retain the trust that the community has placed in us.

FACTUAL PROGRAMMES

FACTUAL PROGRAMMES :A factual programme dealing with controversial public policy or matters of political, economic or social controversy will meet its commitment to due impartiality if it is fair, accurate and maintains a proper respect for the truth. A programme may choose to explore any subject, at any point on the spectrum of the debate, so long as there are good editorial reasons for doing so. It may choose to test or report one side of a particular argument. However, it must do so with fairness and integrity. It should ensure that contentious views are signalled as such and opposing views are not misrepresented.

NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS : News is to be presented with due accuracy and impartiality and in context. Reporting should be dispassionate, wide-ranging and well-informed. News and current affairs programmes should offer viewers and listeners an intelligent and informed account of issues that enables them to form their own views. Reporters and on-air personalities may express a professional journalistic judgement but not a personal view. For journalists to be professional is not to be without opinions, but to be aware of those opinions and make allowances for them so that their reporting and presentation is judicious and fair.

PHONE-IN PROGRAMMES

PHONE-IN PROGRAMMES : Phone-in programmes are an accepted and very popular way of broadcasting individual points of view. However, as mentioned earlier on, care must be taken to maintain the principles of fairness, integrity and balance by securing a broad range of views. Presenters of phone-in programmes are expected to participate in discussions on air and must always treat their callers fairly. Additionally, programmes must be protected against capture by organized pressure groups or by irresponsible individuals.

PERSONAL PLATFORM PROGRAMMES

PERSONAL PLATFORM PROGRAMMES : RTHK regularly invites individuals or groups such as academics, specialists and journalists to provide a range of views. The diversity of perspectives enrich programmes. We should try to use different people. In making the selection we should go for commentators and analysts whose background qualifies them to give expert opinion. Their credentials/qualifications should be stated to help listeners appraise the views being expressed.

RTHK staff or regular presenters or reporters associated with news and public policy related programmes should normally not present personal platform programmes.

PROGRAMME SERIES

PROGRAMME SERIES : There are two types of series:

A number of programmes where each programme is clearly linked to the other/s and which deal with the same or related issues. In this case, the programmes may achieve impartiality over an entire series, or over a number of programmes within a series.
Where a number of programmes are broadcast under the same title, but where widely disparate issues are tackled from one edition to the next. In this type of series, due impartiality should normally be exercised within each individual programme.

RIGHT OF REPLY

RIGHT OF REPLY : When a programme reveals evidence of inequity or incompetence, or where a strong critique of an individual or institution is laid out, those criticized should be, or should have been (as is normally the case in documentary productions), given an opportunity to respond. However, there may be occasions when this is not possible (for example for legal reasons) in which case the section head concerned should be consulted. It may also be appropriate to consider whether an alternative opportunity should be offered for a reply at a subsequent date.

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