JOURNALISM GUIDELINES - RTÉ

Section 2.
RTÉ’s Editorial Values
‘RTÉ’s vision is to grow the trust of the people of Ireland as it informs, inspires,
reflects and enriches their lives’
RTÉ’s editorial values include a commitment to:
• Operate in the public interest, providing News and Current Affairs that is
fair and impartial, accurate and challenging
• Be honest and transparent in all of our activities
• Take personal responsibility for pursuing the organisation’s goals
These Editorial Guidelines set out RTÉ’s approach to embedding those values in
all our journalistic activity no matter how it is created and however it is received
by our audiences. From time to time our journalism may be so challenging that it
offends or shocks; that is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our guidelines are to
be applied in a way which maintains independence and deserves trust without
constraining legitimate journalistic enquiry.
But the freedom to publish carries the responsibility to act with integrity and
maintain the highest standards of professional responsibility. The Guidelines set
out the standards expected of everyone making or presenting RTÉ’s output.
They are intended to provide clear advice to anyone, in‐house or commissioned,
on how to deal with difficult editorial issues, meet the expectations of our
audience, and produce distinctive and challenging content to the highest ethical
and professional standards.
While the Guidelines contain many imperatives, they should not be regarded as a
substitute for the personal qualities and responsibility expected of RTÉ staff (and
independent programme‐makers): integrity, fairness, open‐mindedness, selfcriticism
and an appreciation of the potentially significant consequences of
broadcast journalism, especially for vulnerable individuals or groups in society.
As well as representing the values and standards of RTÉ, the Editorial Guidelines
reflect the relevant provisions of Section 39 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. They
also reflect the provisions of the Code of Fairness, Objectivity & Impartiality in
News and Current Affairs of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (referred to as
the BAI in these Guidelines). The BAI has the responsibility of drawing up codes
which govern standards and practices to be observed by all broadcasters
licensed in the Republic of Ireland. The above BAI Code is currently in draft form
only and when published will be attached at Appendix 1.
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