News & Current Affairs
Handbook
November 2014
© Television New Zealand
OUR NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS ‘FUNDAMENTALS’
‘THE FUNDAMENTALS’
x We act with integrity.
x We obey the law.
x Our health and safety is a priority.
x We support and trust one another.
x We uphold the highest standards of journalism, we show no fear or
favour.
x We are each responsible for the actions we take and the decisions
we make.
x Being first is important, but being right is more important.
x We comply with our editorial processes and checks.
x If in doubt – refer up.
x Any concerns – speak up.
x Need help – look up.
News & Current Affairs Handbook
7
November 2014
PART 1: EDITORIAL LIFE, LEGAL RISK AND
RESPONSIBILITY
Refer:
Free-To-Air Code of Broadcasting Practice
TVNZ Policy Manual
TVNZ Employment Code
TVNZ Code of Conduct and Editorial Guidelines for Presenters
TVNZ Social Media Rules
KEY
EDITORIAL LIFE, LEGAL RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY
POINTS
x We all play a role, we all accept responsibility.
x We maintain the higest standards of journalism and ethics.
Part 1
x Legal risk must be actively managed: identify risk and seek advice.
Pages 9 - 12
x If in doubt ‘refer up’. But, refer up does not mean to “give up” editorial
oversight and care.
x We operate without fear or favour.
x Any potential conflict of interest, refer up.
x All media interviews by staff must have prior HONCA approval.
1. Who we are and what we do
Television New Zealand (
TVNZ) is New Zealand’s leading television and digital media company. We
provide high quality content that is relevant to, and enjoyed and valued by, New Zealand audiences,
encompassing both New Zealand and international content and reflecting Māori perspectives.
For NCA this means providing independent, comprehensive, impartial and in-depth news and current
affairs.
TVNZ’s strategic vision is to engage the hearts and minds of New Zealanders with the most watched
content. We provide viewers with the content they want and expect from an important national
institution.
NCA prides itself in maintaining the highest standards of journalism and ethics. At the heart of what we
do is great journalism, on all platforms.
2. Governance
TVNZ is a Crown Entity. It has a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Broadcasting and the
Minister of Finance. The Board exercises stewardship on behalf of the shareholders ensuring the
ongoing health and financial viability of the company, by its oversight of TVNZ's management.
The Chief Executive is also the Editor in Chief, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring all
programmes comply with the law, programme standards and recognised standards of objective
News & Current Affairs Handbook
9
November 2014
journalism. The Head of News & Current Affairs (HONCA) is delegated the responsibility for the day to
day operations and management of NCA activities.
3. Editorial responsibility
The Supervising Producer and Executive Producer have editorial control over their programme, and are
responsible for its output. On air staff is required to comply with all editorial directions from them, and
any referral up the editorial chain of management through to the HONCA and Editor in Chief.
Where an issue arises out of something we have published, it is the responsibility of the Supervising
Producer and Executive Producer to ensure it is addressed at the earliest opportunity. Each case will
depend on its own circumstances. Staff will follow the directions of the Supervising Producer and the
Executive Producer, including making an on-air apology if they consider it appropriate. Any serious or
sensitive issues should be referred up in accordance with NCA policy.
It is the Executive Producer’s responsibility to ensure that any inappropriate comments are edited from
all platforms and any repeat offering.
While the EP has overal editorial responsibility, it is important to be aware that each member of the
team is also individual y responsible for the actions you take and the decisions you make. While NCA
supports you in what you do, in return we expect you to exercise high standards of care and skill in your
work.
4. Legal risk and responsibility
Legal risk needs to be proactively managed. This involves a team approach:
x Identification of legal issue – we all play a role here. It’s up to each programme’s EP to ensure
legal issues are identified and managed appropriately.
x Advice
from
NCA
Legal
– anyone can seek legal advice, but generally is coordinated by the
programme EP. Please involve NCA Legal early enough to enable considered advice to be
provided.
x The HONCA must be informed of any significant legal issue.
The decision whether to broadcast, or what to broadcast given the legal risks, is an editorial one. Any
editorial decision that is inconsistent with legal advice must be referred to the HONCA.
Legal risk must be managed in respect of coverage on al platforms and channels. As a general rule,
the EP is responsible to ensure that any legal issues are communicated across NCA to ensure a
coordinated and consistent approach.
The company carries ultimate legally responsible for what we do. However, we are all responsible for
the decisions we make and actions we take.
Where appropriate, external counsel will be appointed. Except in an emergency, this must be arranged
by NCA Legal, with approval from the responsible Executive Producer.
All threats of legal action must be referred to NCA Legal, who will report to the HONCA and to TVNZ
General Counsel.
News & Current Affairs Handbook
10
November 2014
5. The practice of referral up
The practice of referral up is vital to the successful operation of NCA programmes. The basic rule is -
“If in doubt - refer up”. The rule applies at every stage of the news gathering process and in every
aspect of news production.
When referring-up it is essential that full and accurate information must be provided so that a
manager can make informed decisions. Refer Up does not mean ‘give up’ when it comes to
editorial care and attention.
It is
mandatory to refer up in the following situations:
x Covert
filming/recording
x Door
stepping/walk-ins
x Where legal action has been threatened or a lawyer is involved
x Any
matter
with
legal
implications,
including
where there is a risk of defamation, breach of
privacy or any other form of legal action
x Where the matter is sub judice and the story goes outside a report of the case itself
x Where children are the subject matter
x Any matter where the content is controversial or is likely to have an extraordinary impact
x Under-cover
work
x Death
knocks
x Suppression
orders
x Suicide/threat of self-harm
x Explicit material or language
x Footage of death or dead bodies
x Trespass or potential trespass
x Requests for anonymity
x Bomb
threats
6. Editorial independence
The principle of editorial independence recognises the vital importance of separating control of editorial
content from commercial or political interference, whether inside or outside TVNZ. Operating without
fear or favour is fundamental to an objective and impartial newsroom, and critical to a free and
democratic society.
Editorial decisions in NCA must be made freely, based solely on recognised principles of objective
journalism. Any attempt to undermine that must be referred to the HONCA.
TVNZ’s freedom from editorial influence by its shareholders and Board is enshrined in the Television
New Zealand Act 2003. It is also enshrined in policy through the Board’s Editorial Protocol. The Editor
in Chief is wholly independent editorially of the TVNZ Board.
News & Current Affairs Handbook
11
November 2014
