{"id":18434,"date":"2018-05-25T17:14:40","date_gmt":"2018-05-25T16:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nusic.org.uk\/wordpress\/?p=18434"},"modified":"2020-08-17T17:37:57","modified_gmt":"2020-08-17T16:37:57","slug":"nusic-conflict-of-interest-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nusic.org.uk\/wordpress\/nusic-conflict-of-interest-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"NUSIC CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s in our DNA to be as accurate, fair and transparent as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Obviously our number one reason for existence is to help Notts musicians.<\/strong> A significant part of Nusic\u2019s founding was also forged in the desire to be a local media outlet that had the editorial standards and rigor of a national outlet, not the nepotistic levels often prevalent in local. Let us be direct and transparent with you right now, as we have grown, we have had to be pragmatic at times, plus we have learned to loosen up a tad (which has given us some empathy for the challenges local media outlets have staying going). Is it really nepotistic to shout a charity gig raising money for a great cause that happens to be run by someone you know? Or is it just being editorially appropriate? You\u2019ll note we also said accurate (earlier). At times the right editorial decision will be one that involves someone you know, it is a Top Three gig, it is the stand out Release of the Week. Knowing others doesn\u2019t negate that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years we have learned the middle ground is not to deny reality, but to be transparent, to say yes we think this is the best gig of the week and we\u2019ll argue the case in Editorial Court (see FAQ 8 for more on that HERE<\/strong><\/a>) till blue in the face. Equally you should know that one of the bands has an intern of ours in it. That kind of thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

For context, here is the BBC\u2019s official take on Conflict of Interest (highlighting by us):<\/span><\/p>\n

“A conflict of interest may arise when the external activities of anyone involved in making our content affects the BBC’s reputation for integrity, independence and high standards, or may be <\/span><\/i>reasonably<\/i><\/b> perceived to do so. \u00a0Our audiences must be able to trust the BBC and be confident that our editorial decisions are not influenced by outside interests, political or commercial pressures, or any personal interests.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

There is a danger of conflict of interest in every area of programme or content making. Each department or team <\/span><\/i>must be aware<\/i><\/b> of its area of vulnerability. \u00a0There may be particular sensitivities for on-air talent.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Arguably the most important word in the above is the <\/span>\u2018reasonably\u2019<\/span><\/i> in the \u2018<\/span>reasonably perceived to do so<\/span><\/i>\u2019. And the most important phrase is \u2018<\/span>must be aware<\/span><\/i>\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making a call on what is \u2018reasonable\u2019, and ensuring that \u2018you are aware\u2019. We deploy a certain number of red lines, if you want to be part of Team Nusic this is how it is going to be:<\/span><\/p>\n