Examination of The BBC's Approach to Managing Ethics and The Implications for A Future Code of Ethics

Abstract

This study attempts to draw on academic literature surrounding the media and business ethics to examine ethical issues, the management of those issues and the implications of a code of ethics for a media organisation like the BBC. Qualitative interviewing was used to provide the research data to compare and contrast with the literature discussed. With reference to the case study, it is concluded that ethics are important to the BBC. In addition, that a robust cultural climate of an organisation provides the basis for an effective ethics management programme. Therefore, there must be a clear understanding of the current ethical status of an organisation and its ethical agenda. This provides the foundation for any ethics management programme. It is also concluded that a code of ethics alone is not going to solve any ethical difficulties an organisation may have