Working with Television

As the number of enquiries to AFT from TV companies increases, and more AFT members are approached directly by programme-makers seeking their involvement, we thought it helpful to list relevant issues to consider and potential pitfalls to avoid.

How will I know what I’m letting myself in for?

Many television programmes are of high quality and many are not. Some are potentially harmful.

It is harder to assess the merits of a particular production company or project than it is to make informed assumptions about the ‘angle’ of a particular newspaper or journalist (partly because staff move between TV companies so quickly and so many more people are involved in making the final ‘product’).

Production companies are often reluctant to release advance details on programme content and tone to those not directly involved in the production. Prospective presenters and/or consultants are often asked to sign confidentiality clauses before full details are given.

It is therefore essential to glean as much information as you can before agreeing to proceed, as AFT may not be given sufficiently detailed information to advise fully.

Can I contact AFT if I am approached by a TV company?

Yes. Key points are listed below, but AFT’s experience in the field may prove invaluable in helping you decide whether to take part in a particular programme or project.

What’s AFT’s stance on ‘reality’ programmes involving families?

Briefly, AFT believes members should only involve themselves in programmes that involve no compromise of professional ethics regarding participants' welfare or other issues.

As a general 'rule', AFT advises members not to take part in programmes involving 'real' families. Most good rules have exceptions, but it would have to be an exceptionally good project with a very sound ethical base before AFT would consider endorsing participation.

It is the responsibility of members to explore the ethics of any production with the production company before they agree to take part in any capacity. Issues to consider include

‘Informed consent’. AFT advises members to insist that all potential participants be given information about the range of potentially negative consequences on their lives should they agree to take part, including loss of privacy for themselves and their family members and the stresses on individuals and family relationships should any be portrayed in ways they find humiliating, embarrassing or that don’t reflect how they see their situation.
The needs of children need particular consideration. Even if they are judged old enough to give consent, they will need help to consider the possible consequences of participation to their family, school and social relationships. If they are deemed too young to give consent, those considering consent on their behalf may need help to consider the potential consequences for them during production and after screening. These shows can be repeated years after completion.
Screening processes. These should exclude those who are psychologically vulnerable, including those with a history of mental health difficulties, and those who may be unable to understand and appreciate the implications of taking part.
Editorial procedures. Are procedures in place to minimise participants’ exposure to offensive and discriminatory behaviours on and off-screen? How are concerns about discrimination to be managed?
Participants’ rights. Those asked to ‘screen’ potential participants are advised to negotiate the right to withdraw vulnerable participants during the course of the production if they believe this is necessary for their well-being. Participants should have the right to leave the production should they wish, and be offered the opportunity to talk in confidence to a suitably trained family therapist or similar professional before and during the production and once the programme has been screened.

What else should I ask/consider if approached to take part in a television programme or project?

What are you being asked to do? Involvement can include advice to television programmes on the viability or shape of a particular project, screening participants for involvement in programmes, being part of a programme, providing live or indirect comment on a programme or participants or offering counselling or support to participants before, during and after the making of the production.
If the programme is a new one-off or series, ask to see the programme proposal (sometimes also called the programme ‘treatment’ or ‘development’)? This is the document sent to channel commissioning editors, outlining the proposed content and tone of the programme. If this is not possible, ask for details of content and tone to be sent to you in writing (either by email or letter).
Ask whether the project a ‘pilot’ (to be shown to channels in the hope of a commission) or is a commissioned programme with a definite transmission slot? This may influence whether you decide to give it your valuable time.
Ask on which channel will it be shown (listen carefully to researchers’ descriptions – ‘prime time BBC’ may mean prime time on a BBC digital channel watched by few)?
What programmes have the production company, the producer and team made before? This will give you a more accurate picture of the likely final product than any amount of researcher’s ‘spin’.
If the company hasn’t done a similar programme in the past, can they tell you what programme/series it will be most like?
Can you view the programme prior to transmission? Producers rarely (though very occasionally) grant editorial control over programme content to an interviewee, presenter or consultant. Some will, however, agree to prior viewing. This at least gives those involved an opportunity to propose and discuss alterations. Ask for all agreements to be put in writing.
How do they see your role? How many others have they approached? Researchers often approach 10-20 people as potential consultants/on-screen presenters/interviewees. If they don’t choose you, it may have nothing to do with your abilities. Logistics, costings, the ‘mix’ of people in the programme, the ‘fit’ of the presenters to its tone and content etc will all have to be considered. Try not to take ‘rejection’ personally.
What amount of work might be involved? Does the company envisage you being involved in three days’ filming over six weeks, or on one afternoon, or in detailed discussions and script consultancy from the start?
Will you be paid? Interviewees often get paid nothing more than expenses. If your role is to be more complex, don’t feel you have to agree to the first fee offered.
Who else will be appearing/involved? If families/children etc, what ethical issues are being considered? What permissions have been requested/given (see ‘AFT’s stance’, above)?
As a general rule, all but the most high-profile shows on daytime television are best avoided. Programmes with studio audiences, in particular, are more interested in entertainment than genuine discussion, and contributors rarely get sufficient airtime to make their case as they wish.
It is possible to discuss issues constructively on extended news programmes (Newsnight, regional and Channel 4 news etc). Again, check out in advance the tone/approach/aims of the discussion and who else might be taking part.
If invited to take part in on-air discussions, you might find it helpful to write a brief summary of points you wish to make. This can be offered in advance to the programme-makers (often useful in terms of directing debate) and act as a personal reminder.
Many employers insist employees gain permission from them before talking to the media. Check you employment contracts and codes of conduct, or speak to your union about this. Many employers grant consent when they are reassured that an employee will speak as an individual (rather than an employee or representative) and about issues generally rather than the organisation or agency’s policy and practice, or about their clients.
Remember, you are speaking as a systemic family therapist (or however you describe yourself professionally), not as an employee or as a spokesperson for AFT. Please express this clearly to the programme makers.
Trust your instincts. We live in an age besotted by television, but if it doesn’t feel right don’t do it.

Core ethical issues

Examine your own motivation for involvement in the project
If you are to be quoted or shown, consider the impact on your current clients.
Ensure that you keep the participants’ needs at the centre of your concern
Think about any children or vulnerable relatives of any participants
Ensure that participants are fully informed of all details of the programme and are made aware of how stressful participation might be
Do not get involved if the subject matter is outside your area of expertise
Inform and challenge the programme makers on any areas of concern
Adhere to the same ethical guidelines that would apply to clients in other contexts

If you have any further queries, please contact AFT’s media and communications officer, Jan Parker, via email: janparker@aft.org.uk or tel: 07931 726247.