Spain

[ES] RTVA adopts a Self-Regulation Code on the Reporting of Sexist Violence on Television

IRIS 2011-8:1/25

Trinidad García Leiva

Universidad Carlos III, Madrid

The Council of Professionals of Canal Sur Television and Canal Sur 2, both Andalusian public service broadcaster Radio y Televisión de Andalucía (RTVA) channels, have elaborated a code containing recommendations and guidelines on gender equality and the portrayal of sexist violence on television. These consist of a set of principles to be followed by professionals linked to the corporation and have been developed in broad consultation with experts in law, security and sociology, as well as with associations for gender equality and protection.

By the end of June 2011 RTVA’s general manager, Pablo Carrasco, was presented with a Self-Regulation Code on Sexist Violence Related Information that aims to combat sexist stereotypes and violence in the media, while backing public policy on gender equality. The document, closely connected to journalism ethics, presents best audiovisual editorial practices and answers to most frequently asked questions and doubts as regards sexism, violence and privacy issues.

A special conference dedicated to the protection of minors and the reporting of violence against women on television, held by Canal Sur in Seville, was the origin of the code, which is dedicated to supporting the use of non-sexist language in the media, especially when reporting news. The initiative is one of the first of its kind in Spain.