Unit 27: Impartiality In Broadcast Journalism

Impartiality is when a range of different opinions and perspectives are given, but they all have the same equal value. Philip Harding, New News, "One of the most basic elements of impartiality has to present a wide range of viewpoints on any particular issue. The more controversial the issue, the greater the responsibility on the broadcaster to let all sides air their views." (P69, 2002) 
In this quote Philip Harding states that impartiality within broadcasting is risky because it takes a lot of responsibility and professionalism when a conversion subject is arisen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Q7X5lZBlk

As a further example of Philip Hardings perception of impartiality I have found a episode of BBC's 'Question Time', which debates the controversial topic of drugs.  Because 'Question Time' is run and commissioned for the BBC, their programs including question time needs to be impartial. This is partly due to the BBC being a public broadcasting network, Meaning it is paid for by the tax payer. This may effect the BBC because the united kingdom is a multi cultural society, and if the BBC were to favour one person opinion over another, than this could create problems due to different races and cultures.
 The BBC also needs to keep it's vales which were created since the BBCs inception. "Trust is the foundation of the BBC: We are independent, impartial and honest". [www.BBC.co.uk/aboutthebbc]

In this episode of question time the debate is about "the governments war on drugs". Because the BBC needs to remain impartial they have to listen to all the opinions that are given while discussing the subject. The disadvantage of this is that objective opinions can be given, for example in this episode, John Lydon is against taxing drugs, because their is a "lack of education', but does not clearly give evidence as to why drugs should not be taxed. So his viewpoint becomes subjective, and to be imparial you need a more objective opinion.