On-Air Guidelines

Strong Language

This is to be avoided and used only when contextually relevant and justified. Songs with strong language should also be avoided and radio edits used when available.

Songs with strong language may be played if contextually and/or culturally relevant and justified, YOU MUST advise that strong language will be used. Please always speak to the Network Manager before using or playing a song with strong language.

Representation

Shock will not tolerate any forms of; bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual violence, discrimination, domestic abuse, stalking, physical violence, microaggressions, racism, homophobia, transphobia, intentional misgendering, intentional dead-naming and any form of hate crime.

Programmes are not to denigrate or promote hatred towards any groups or individuals based upon the above categories in point 2a. Moreover, denigration of any kind is not permitted.

However, ‘fair comment’ or "honest opinion’ can be expressed (particularly by contributors – see point 3 below) about the behaviours of, say, public figures or ‘people in general’ providing this is considered, balanced and felt to be ethically, editorially and tonally in context with the content of the programme.

Defamation

Building on point 2 above, your programmes are not to bring into disrepute or lower the overall standing of individuals. Broadcasting, like print media, is considered ‘publication’. As such, if you use words that could damage the reputation of an individual, this could be libellous.

 Content can be considered libellous if there is any suggestion of criminal activity, dishonesty, fraud, hypocrisy, immorality, lack of professionalism, incompetence, failing in a duty, sexual impropriety and bullying. This is by no means an exhaustive list.

 However, ‘fair comment’ or ‘honest opinion’, can be expressed - but do bear in mind that comments such as these must be clearly identified as an opinion and they must be based on facts that are true ( ‘fair comment’/‘honest opinion’ cannot be used as a defence when someone making a comment gets their facts wrong).

Contempt

If you are commenting on a court case that is in the news you must be careful not to broadcast any material which could prejudice the outcome of the case (i.e.. influence the listener’s – or indeed a jury’s - opinion of the defendant)

You must not, on social media, use pictures, video or descriptions ‘where identity is at issue’ (i.e. the defendant is denying the offence completely and the prosecution are calling for eyewitnesses. Those eyewitnesses will be involved in an ID parade and must rely on their memory of the crime, not your publication).

Do not assume guilt of a defendant (such as reporting that the arrested person is the one who committed the crime).

Do not engage with ‘character assassination’ – i.e. damaging a defendant’s name/standing which could prevent a jury from trying him or her fairly.