Legal And Ethical

Issues

● Keiron Harris
Copyright

Grants the creator of an original work rights to its use and distribution. I couldn’t therefore play
any music, although unlikely to anyway, without asking for permission, as this would go against
the copyright act. If I decided I wanted to use any music, even for a jingle I would be required to
request permission from the creator, or use royalty free music.
Royalties

Royalties are fees paid to artists and songwriters when a radio station plays their songs.
However, since I am producing a sports only radio show with no music on I won’t have to worry
too much about this, except for my soundbed when I am telling the news and for jingles.
Although, I will be using only royalty free music for these so no royalties will have to be paid.
Performance rights

Performance rights are the rights to perform music in public, and radio is considered a public
platform. I am currently not planning to use any music in my show, since I am producing a sports
radio show. Although, I will feature soundtracks for my soundbeds and jingles, which I will make
sure to be royalty free. Therefore, I will not have to pay royalties for performance rights.
Defamation

Defamation is the overall term for a false statement which harms the reputation of someone, or
something.

Slander is the action of a false spoken statement, differing from libel which is a false written
statement. Both are intended to tarnish a reputation.

Since I am producing a radio show, I will mainly have to make sure there is no slanderous
material in my show, since this could cause the individual/s to sue and go to court. For example:
If I made a controversial statement about a local footballer, without researching thoroughly and
it turns out to be false, then that could cause the footballer to have a damaged reputation,
therefore meaning they can take me to court.
Offensive language

Since my show is before the watershed at 9pm, I will have to make sure there is no offensive
language used deliberately in my show, otherwise I could face extremely large fines. Since I am
using live phone ins, this will have to be considered carefully, with there being no script, adding a
sense of unpredictability to what the listener is saying. However, I will make sure that listeners
know there is no swearing or offensive language allowed on the show, meaning if it does
happen, it will probably be deemed as accidental, therefore facing no fine.
Public Interest

Public interest is the theory that if a story is deemed to be in the national interest, either by way
of exposing a corrupt organisation, or solving a crime, etc. If it is deemed to be in public interest
then it is allowed to break certain codes and conventions of Ofcom.
Discrimination

Discrimination is the treatment of a certain group of people, either of a certain gender, race,
religion or sexual orientation which is stereotypical or favoured against them. I will have to
make sure my show has no discrimination to comply with the discrimination act, meaning I
cannot stereotype or generalise certain groups of people, or offend them in any way using
discriminatory language. This is especially poignant in sport broadcasting, as i couldn’t
discriminate players based on their skin colour, sexual orientation, etc.
Representation

I cannot speak or act on behalf of a group of people, or represent them in any specific way, as
this would be stereotypical, and a form of discrimination. If I were to do this, it could be
penalised through fines.
Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues include the moral dilemmas faced by journalists, including privacy of the person in
question, and includes any non-illegal methods to obtain news and stories, which may be
perceived as morally wrong. These include the debates around privacy, personal space of
sportspeople, and representation. I will ensure there are no moral issues with the broadcast of
my radio show, as otherwise it may get a bad reputation, leading to less listeners and therefore
less revenue and profit.
Ofcom

Ofcom are the regulatory body for radio in the UK. They aim to ensure that all radio is unbiased
and inoffensive, whilst maintaining a high quality, wide range of radio stations in the UK. They
have a set of codes and conventions which are expected to be followed by radio stations,
including the need to protect listeners from harmful material. They also manage complaints
from listeners. Ofcom has its own code of practice which radio stations are required to follow.
Some of their codes and regulations include the need to provide adequate protection for the
public from harmful and potentially offensive material, ensuring there are no infringements in
privacy, preventing any harmful/unfair material is broadcast which could be offensive to a
group of people. I will ensure that I follow all these conventions and won’t break any of them.