PRESS OMBUDSMAN:RTÉ SHOULD consider whether each Prime Time Investigates series should be reduced from four to three programmes to allow for the possibility a programme cannot be transmitted, a report on the broadcaster's current affairs has recommended.
It also recommends any reporter undertaking a long-form documentary for the first time should be given a “brief, informal but intensive induction”, arranged by the editor of current affairs, a report on RTÉ’s current affairs has recommended.
The producer/director of a programme should prepare a brief risk assessment document specifically covering any potential risks such as defamation, within a month of being assigned to the production.
And it recommends any written communication from the legal representatives of an actual or potential interviewee should be dealt with exclusively by legal affairs in consultation with the recipient and current affairs editor.
The report on editorial processes and risk management procedures in RTÉ television current affairs, was prepared by Press Ombudsman John Horgan at the request of RTÉ’s director general Noel Curran.
The nine-page report, which included 11 main recommendations, was completed in December last year and published yesterday.
The ombudsman stressed the recommendations aimed to reflect “the needs of the production and editorial process as a whole, and should not be interpreted as a commentary on the actions or decisions of any of those involved in Mission to Prey”.
He said they aimed to ensure “appropriate levels of responsibility, accountability and efficiency exist within public service” and the “necessary fluidity of many journalistic processes should not [be] trammelled by exaggerated, unduly onerous or over-bureaucratic checks, balances or procedures”.
He said that, over time, documentaries of this type have become more reporter than producer driven and this was positive because it “contributes greatly to the vision, impetus and energy” but because of thee special requirements of long-form documentaries, a brief, informal but intensive induction process should be arranged for any reporter undertaking a long-form documentary for the first time.
The ombudsman said in light of this there was a need to rebalance or restatement of responsibilities within RTÉ’s current affairs editorial team.
The reporter “is responsible for the collection” and validation of evidence but “initial responsibility for assessing the value of this evidence must remain with the producer/director” and should be clearly stated in guidelines and form part of in-service training, the report also states.
