Ethical considerations when working in the media

Media production companies need to consider the way people are presented in a production. In television, production companies need to consider how different groups, religions and individuals are represented. In Eastenders for example, a range of all different ethnic groups and backgrounds with different religions are presented in Eastenders who live on “Albert Square”. In a gang which recently stabbed a boy in Eastenders, the production company made sure that a range of black and white people were part of the gang in order for none of the viewers to feel that they are presenting a stereotypical look of what they think a gang would look like. Production companies try not to be sexist, so there are a mixture of successful and unsuccessful characters in Eastenders, both male and female.

All production companies need to insure they cover all the acts and regulations (later explained in another section) which is set out to protect viewers in order for no one to be offended. They have to consider ethical issues such as trust, truth, privacy and serving the publics interest. Take the BBC for example. Their main aim principle is to serve the publics interest according to a quote by the charter; “the BBC exists to serve the publics interest.” The BBC follow their set principles and practices of acting ethically which they must obey. All production companies are expected to follow their editorial guidelines to insure that no viewers have any social concerns.