Institutional RegulationsRegulations, ethical and legal issues to

bear in mind when making production...

The ‘PCC’ public complaints commission gives institutional regulations in which I have to keep in mind, as I am producing a magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread.

I must maintain high professional standards as I, as a pop music magazine editor, will be working within the press and I have to uphold these set of standards.

The ‘PCC’ (Public Complaints Commission)...

Accuracy...The press must ensure not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information (including images).

If this happens, it must quickly be corrected and followed by an apology being published.

The press must understand the clear difference between fact, conjecture and comment, even though they are free.

Opportunity to Reply...People in the media must fairly reply to any inaccuracy’s when called for, and be aware of their mistakes.

Privacy...Everyone is entitled to respect his or her private family and home life, health and other associations (including digital communication).

If they do invade their life without consent, a report will be taken of the complaint.

It is unacceptable to take photos of others private places without their permission.

Harassment...Journalists cannot harass an individual for information, or engage in persistent pursuit or intimidation.

You must identify yourself and say who you work for if asked to.

You are not allowed to continue taking photos, pursuing, telephoning or questioning someone when asked to stop.

In cases involving personal grief or shock, investigation should take place with a level of understanding and empathy.

Children...Young children should be free to complete their time at school without unnecessary intrusion.

Children under 16 years of age cannot be interviewed or photographed on issues involving another child’s welfare.

Children in Sex Cases...Children under 16 years of age, who are victims or witnesses of sex offences, cannot be identified unless legally free to do so.

Adults may be identified.The word ‘incest’ must not be used where a child victim might be identified.

Hospitals...Those in the media cannot enter non-public areas of hospitals, or similar institutions, without permission from a responsible executive to do so.

Reporting a Crime...People, such as relatives and friends convicted of crime, must not be identified without their consent, unless they are truly relevant to the story.

Regards should be paid towards victim(s) of the crime.

Clandestine Devices and Subterfuge...

The press must not use hidden cameras or microphones, to seek out information.

They must also not intercept calls, messages or emails.

Victims of Sexual Assault...Victims of sexual assault must not be identified.

Must not also publish any material that would contribute towards the identification of the person.

Discrimination...The press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative references about peoples’ race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental illness or disability.

This must be avoided unless relevant to the story.

Financial Journalism...You cannot use your own money to bribe others, or financial information they receive before universal publication.

Confidential Sources...Journalists have a moral obligation to defend/protect confidential sources of information.

Witness Payments in Criminal Trials...No payments or offer of payment to witnesses (or a person who may be expected to be called as a witness), to gain information on cases.

The prohibition lasts until the suspect has been bailed or entered a guilty plea in court, or freed unconditionally without charge.

Payment to Criminals...Using money or offers of payment to gain added information, like stories or pictures of information which search to take advantage of a specific crime.

Would need to display that there was a good motive to believe the public interest, would be served if editors appeal to the public interest to justify payments or offers.

I am now confident with the 16 regulations, and what I should and should not do as an editor, when producing my pop music magazine product. I will keep them in mind, and fortunately I knew some of these principles already and now I have learnt the other rules that I was unknown of.