New BBC guidelines ban 'derogatory' jokes

The BBC Trust has published new editorial guidelines that prevent its presenters and entertainers from making cruel remarks about public figures in the name of comedy.

The changes are aimed at protecting people – not fictional or historical - from “unduly humiliating or derogatory remarks for the purposes of entertainment”.

The guidelines are based on the results of a public consultation which received more than 1,600 responses from individuals and organisations.

Their release follows the ‘Sachsgate’ row involving comedian Russell Brand and former BBC presenter Jonathan Ross.

The BBC received tens of thousands of complaints and a £150,000 fine from Ofcom after the pair left obscene messages on the answerphone of actor Andrew Sachs during Brand’s Radio 2 show in 2008.

Although they apologised for their comments, Brand resigned and Ross was suspended. He left the broadcaster earlier this year.

Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust, said: “We recognise the need for the BBC to be original, surprising and sometimes edgy.

“At the same time it must be fair, accurate, impartial and avoid giving broad offence,” he said.

“The need to get that right lies at the heart of these editorial guidelines – it's always been clear that the public expects the very highest standards from the BBC, and the editorial guidelines are a vital tool in achieving that.”

The new guidelines also extend the list of "controversial subjects" requiring "due impartiality" to include religion, science, culture and ethics.

The BBC said: "In practice, this means that when BBC content deals with controversy within these subjects, it must be treated with a level of impartiality adequate and appropriate to the content, taking account of the nature of the content and the likely audience expectation."