France

[FR] CSA Makes Recommendations on Reality TV Programmes

IRIS 2011-10:1/18

Amélie Blocman

Légipresse

In response to the concern expressed frequently by a large number of viewers, the audiovisual regulatory body (Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel - CSA) called on its Committee for considering programme evolution to carry out a considered analysis of reality TV programmes. This was done between February and July 2011, and has resulted in a list of the CSA’s actions in respect of these broadcasts, concluding with the compilation of a number of recommendations, which were made public on 4 October 2011. The CSA stresses the need to reinforce protection for the two categories of people most at risk, namely young people and participants, as shown unfortunately by the suicide this summer of a former candidate in the “Secret Story” programme. It is calling on both producers and channels on the one hand and adults responsible for children on the other to exercise greater responsibility and vigilance. On the protection of participants, the CSA is calling for much more care to be taken in selecting candidates for programmes based on the principle of confinement, particularly with regard to young or potentially fragile people. It wants participants to have the benefit of real, personalised medical and psychological accompaniment before, during, and for several months after filming, and for this to be stated in the rules for the broadcast. It should be borne in mind that participants must not in any circumstances be placed in degrading situations. Their contracts must indicate that they are entitled to apply to the CSA on any matters within its remit. In order to afford young people more protection, producers and editors are being called on to think about their social and ethical responsibility concerning the values promoted by these programmes. The CSA is encouraging them to display the “not for the under-10 age-group” pictogram for the entire duration of reality TV programmes, and the signage for Category II. Producers and editors are also being invited to provide audiences with information on the way the broadcasts are produced (filming conditions, selection of participants, any specific staging, etc). Adults responsible for children are being asked to be more vigilant and to discuss the content of the programmes they watch on television or follow on the Internet. The CSA draws their attention more particularly to certain risks connected with the substantial mobilisation of young people via the Internet (particularly on social networks) around certain programmes. Lastly, the CSA proposes meeting any of the various parties who so wish, with a view to promoting discussion and cooperation.