Complying with Regulatory Bodies

When creating a media product of any kind, it's always important to ensure that the final project will comply by all regulations.

Broadcasting Code - 

To research into the suitability of my video, I decided to look into Ofcom and their Broadcasting Code. Despite not intending to broadcast my video on television, these regulations would give me a basic guideline on the correct approach to sensitive issues.

Here I will outline specific sections within the broadcasting code that could possibly be involved with my video -

Section 1 - 'Protecting the Under-Eighteens'

There will be no issue with my video, as it doesn't fall under any of the following categories outlined in the broadcasting code:

• Drugs, smoking, solvents and alcohol
• Violence and dangerous behaviour
• Offensive language
• Sexual material
• Nudity
• Exorcism, the occult or the paranormal

'The involvement of under-eighteens in a programme' have specific rules that must be followed -

"1.28 Due care must be taken over the physical and emotional welfare and the dignity of people under eighteen who take part or are otherwise involved in programmes. This is irrespective of any consent given by the participant of by a parent, guardian or other person over the age of eighteen in loco parentis.
1.29 People under eighteen must not be caused unnecessary distress or anxiety by their involvement in programmes or by the broadcast of these programmes."

I think I have complied by these  regulations appropriately, as all students involved in the video have written parental consent to appear in the video. All students were also constantly asked throughout the production about their feelings towards the video, and volunteered themselves in the first instance to appear in the video.

Section 8 - Privacy

The 'Consent' appendix of this section states that - 

"8.8 When filming or recording in institutions, organisations or other agencies, permission should be obtained from the relevant authority or management, unless it is warranted to film or record without permission. Individual consent of employees or others whose appearance is incidental or where they are essentially anonymous members of the general public will not normally be required.However, in potentially sensitive places such as ambulances, hospitals, schools, prisons or police stations, separate consent should normally be obtained before filming or recording and for broadcast from those in sensitive situations (unless not obtaining consent is warranted). If the individual will not be identifiable in the programme then separate consent for broadcast will not be required."

Before creating this video, I received written consent from the Principal of the school, Ms Sparrow, who reassured me that she wished for the video planned to go ahead and be exhibited on the school website.

Privacy Law -

I also looked into the English Privacy Law to ensure that my video would comply. It stated that:

"An individual has a legal right to informational privacy - the protection of personal or private information from misuse or unauthorised disclosure."

There is no issue with my video and the privacy law, as no personal information on students is given out whatsoever. No outside parties will be able to access any sort of information, and there is no issue at all with data protection and safeguarding.

Bibliography
Ofcom Broadcasting Code
Webpage
No author stated
March 2013
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/broadcast-codes/broadcast-code/

Privacy in English Law
Webpage
No Author Stated
Not Dated
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_in_English_law