BBCcom_Content_Index_for_June_23_2025.txt
Section_5_Harm_and_Offence_-_Guidelines.txt
Audience Expectations and roulette free playGenerally Accepted Standards 5.4.1 The BBC must protect audiences from offensive and harmful material unless it has sufficient editorial purpose. Content that is potentially highly offensive will need the strongest editorial justification. 5.4.2 When content includes material that may cause harm or offence, it must have a clear editorial purpose and be justified by the context. The BBC must take account of the intended audience for the content and also wider expectations of BBC output, referred to as 'generally accepted standards'. What constitutes 'generally accepted standards' will evolve over time and be informed by relevant research. It is a broader consideration than whether content meets the expectations of the intended audience and reflects what audiences generally would find acceptable for broadcast or publication, taking account of the context. The context includes the time of transmission, the platform and any signposting about the content. When content exceeds 'generally accepted standards' there is a risk of damage to the BBC's reputation. 5.4.3 The suitability of content for audiences, including children and young people, must be judged in relation to the expectations of the likely audience, taking account of context.
