BBC produces online tests to help public understand editorial changes

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The BBC Academy has produced a series of online quizzes, masterclasses and hypothetical scenarios to help the public better understand changes to its editorial policy launched this week. The 20 modules for the public will test their decision making and editorial judgement. The modules have been developed with the help of BBC programme makers and journalists and the Academy is planning more in the coming year.

The modules have been released to accompany new editorial guidelines from the BBC , which update previous guidance published in 2005. The new guidelines include advice for journalists on the use of social media and user-generated content.

According to a BBC Trust commentary on the guidelines, "the new edition takes account of editorial issues raised by technological developments such as mass audience voting by phone, email and text, and the availability of material from social media".

Editorial issues raised included breaking a story in a regional newsroom and impartiality issues in news stories to appropriate levels of violence and strong language in programming after nine o'clock.

"The modules have been designed to test people's judgement and their knowledge of the Editorial Guidelines. As people run through the exercises they will have constant access to the relevant sections of the Guidelines and associated Guidance so that they can read them in the context of real live programming and content. They’ve been made with the aim of making them pithy and fun, fully interactive and engaging, while delivering some very serious and critical messages for everyone who makes content for the BBC," says the Academy.