34.6 The identity of rape victims and other victims of sexual violence shall not be divulged
in any broadcast without the prior consent of the victim concerned.
34.7 Licensees shall advise viewers in advance of scenes or reporting of extraordinary
violence, or graphic reporting on delicate subject-matter such as sexual assault or court
action related to sexual crimes, particularly during afternoon or early evening newscasts and
updates when children would probably be in the audience.
34.8 Licensees shall employ discretion in the use of explicit or graphic language related to
stories of destruction, accidents or sexual violence which could disturb children and
sensitive audiences.
35.

Comment
35.1 Licensees shall be entitled to broadcast comment on and criticism of any actions or
events of public importance.
35.2 Comment shall be an honest expression of opinion and shall be presented in such
manner that it appears clearly to be comment, and shall be made on facts truly stated or
fairly indicated and referred to.

36.

Controversial issues of public importance
36.1 in presenting a programme in which controversial issues of public importance are
discussed, a licensee shall make reasonable efforts to fairly present opposing points of view
either in the same programme or in a subsequent programme forming part of the same
series of programmes presented within a reasonable period of time of the original broadcast
and within substantially the same time slot.
36.2 A person whose views are to be criticised in a broadcasting programme on a
controversial issue of public importance shall be given a right to reply to such criticism on
the same programme. If this is impracticable however, opportunity for response to the
programme should be provided where appropriate, for example in a right to reply
programme or in a pre-arranged discussion programme with the prior consent of the person
concerned.

37.

Elections
During any election period, the provisions of sections 58, 59, 60 and 61 of the Act shall
apply, and all broadcasting services shall in terms of those sections be subject to the
jurisdiction of the Authority.

38.

Privacy
Insofar as both news and comment are concerned, broadcasting licensees shall exercise
exceptional care and consideration in matters involving the private lives and private
concerns of individuals, bearing in mind that the right to privacy may be overridden by a
legitimate public interest.

39.

Paying a criminal for information
39.1 No payment shall be made to persons involved in crime or other notorious

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