Broadcasting News - Code of Practice

1. Core Mission & Audience Sensitivity

• Hospital-First Perspective: Our primary listeners are patients, staff, and visitors. News bulletins must be chosen and framed with empathy, avoiding unnecessary distress, sensationalism, or panic.
• Tone: Professional, clear, balanced, and reassuring. Avoid overly graphic descriptions of violence, illness, or trauma.

2. OFCOM Compliance & Editorial Integrity

• Accuracy: All news facts must be verified through at least two reliable sources (e.g., BBC, Press Association, official NHS press releases) prior to broadcast. Never report unverified social media claims.
• Impartiality: Present news fairly without personal bias. Editorialising or offering personal opinions during news bulletins is strictly prohibited.
• Defamation: Ensure all statements reported as fact are verifiable. Exercise extreme caution when reporting ongoing legal matters or allegations.

3. Patient Privacy & Healthcare Sensitivity

• Patient Anonymity: Never broadcast names, conditions, or identifying details of patients at Hereford County Hospital without explicit, written consent.
• Hospital Incidents: If a major incident or emergency occurs within the hospital or the local NHS Trust, report only official statements issued by the Wye Valley NHS Trust communications team.
• Sensitive Health Topics: When covering stories related to local health outbreaks, hospital performance, or NHS policy, present facts neutrally without causing undue alarm to patients currently receiving care.

4. Local News Focus

• Herefordshire & Local Community: Prioritise local events, Herefordshire community news, local sports, and positive local initiatives alongside national headlines.
• Charity & Community Events: Ensure local charity announcements and community notices comply with fundraising broadcast guidelines and do not endorse commercial ventures.

5. News Sources & Copyright

• Authorised Material: Use news copy from licensed wire services, official press releases, or original reporting by HHR volunteers.
• No Direct Copying: Rephrase and adapt national or local news articles into HHR’s broadcast voice rather than reading copyrighted print articles verbatim.

6. Station Standards & Presenter Conduct

• Pre-Transmission Review: Presenters must review news copy before going live to ensure proper pronunciation, smooth delivery, and appropriateness for the audience.
• Errors & Corrections: If an inaccurate statement is broadcast, issue a clear, polite correction at the earliest appropriate moment during the broadcast.

Updated July 2026  - Version 1.0